The mischievous run of tourists in Goa continues. Late Sunday night, two tourists from Jaipur went on to assault police personnel who tried to intervene and escort them to the station. Eyewitness accounts reveal that the Jaipur tourists boasted they belonged to the “Bishnoi gang,” seeking immunity. Such bravado underscores a dangerous mindset—one where visitors perceive law enforcement as an obstacle rather than a safeguard. When tourists behave disrespectfully toward police, it sends out a horrible message that erodes the respect and discipline of enforcement.
Last week, a tourist in an SUV at Assagao knocked down a 45-year-old local from Siolim and dragged him for nearly 15 metres. Soon after, another tourist, driving a BMW, rammed into locals, including a child, in Calangute. In the same week, a group of intoxicated tourists went on damaging several parked two-wheelers in Candolim, leaving behind a trail of broken mirrors and bent wheels. And in yet another case, five tourists from Karnataka created a ruckus while drinking on the roadside.
The spurt of cases of tourist misconduct has cast a shadow. Such reckless behaviour shakes the foundations of responsible tourism. Historically, Goa’s charm has been rooted in its relaxed vibe and the hospitality of its people—embodying the principle of “Atithi Devo Bhava.” However, such hostile incidents threaten this delicate balance. Cases of tourists flouting rules under the influence of alcohol, fleeing from accident sites, or damaging public property exemplify a growing sense of entitlement, where rules are seen as optional.
These are not good signs for Goa’s tourism. The chaos of drunken fights, vandalism, or dangerous driving is becoming alarmingly frequent. Tourists taking their four-wheelers on beaches till they get stuck on the coast continue to be a regular feature. Such behaviour puts a huge question mark over the kind of tourism the State is cultivating, while the discourse has been quality tourism, year after year.
Goa seems to be caught in a churn. While it desperately needs tourists to keep its bread-and-butter earning sector going, it also has to keep its sanctity intact. Nuisance, by default, becomes a part and parcel of unregulated tourism. If the authorities permit drinking in public places, which is against the law, they are doing it for the sake of tourism, fully aware of the fact that there would be a price to pay. The perception that police and local authorities cannot, or will not, enforce the law effectively emboldens such erratic behaviour.
The government and police have responded with promises of intensified patrols and stricter action, but can such deployment alone help the situation? What is urgently lacking is awareness and a sense of discipline. We, as a State, have failed to set our standards and benchmarks. To begin with, there has to be an attitudinal shift, and tourists must recognise that Goa’s hospitality comes with responsibilities. The challenge lies in balancing the welcoming nature of Goa with robust law enforcement. There have to be deterrents.
A lot needs to change; more importantly, the government must stop feeling insecure about losing tourists. If the tourism minister is indeed eyeing quality tourism, then we need to show it in our actions. Goa must initiate targeted awareness campaigns, stricter penalties, and coordinated efforts among stakeholders. Education about local customs, laws, and the importance of responsible behaviour should be emphasised in all tourist outreach initiatives.
Goa’s reputation as a peaceful, vibrant destination hinges on the collective effort. This is not the police’s job alone. As the new season begins, the message must be loud and clear that respect, responsibility, and compliance are non-negotiable.
