Union Minister for Tourism and Culture G Kishen Reddy made a sweeping statement over the weekend that the people of India have labelled Goa as the 'casino capital' of the country, and offered to formally coin a descriptor for Goa on those lines. It is unfortunate that the State, once recognised as the Rome of the East and known for its pristine beaches, a rich cultural legacy and peace has gained worldwide recognition for casinos, narcotics, sex, nightlife and booze.
The Union Minister for Tourism will only be insulting Goans by bringing in a paradigm shift in the identity of the State and portraying it as a gambling capital. Tourism is the mainstay of the State for now, and the State's revenue largely depends on this sector, but it doesn't mean that Goa is ready to be recognized with that kind of a notorious tag. The casino branding of tourism is by no means acceptable to the people of Goa.
Reddy's announcement that Goa is one of the 75 tourism destinations that the Centre is planning to develop into international standards is welcome, and the central minister would do Goa a favour if this is pursued as a priority. Goa needs a tourism infrastructure upgrade, modern facilities and better maintenance. This is where the State needs assistance. The Centre must ensure that finances earmarked for the development of tourism facilities are spent judiciously. Instead of coming out with outrageous solutions for Goa's tourism, Reddy should consider a special package for the State to build up robust infrastructure in the hinterland and facilitate an increased flow of tourists.
If we may recall, Reddy was taken aback during his visit to Colva beach when he was told that nearly Rs 5 crore was spent on setting up a Tourist Facilitation Centre and an adjoining toilet block. Benaulim constituency MLA Churchill Alemao contended that the consultants did not engage the local stakeholders during the works, while former tourism minister Francisco 'Mickky' Pacheco charged that the beautification work was carried out at Colva under the centrally-sponsored scheme was not as per the original plan. The disconnect is very visible on the ground.
If Goa has to save itself from the embarrassment of being labelled as a 'casino capital' or a 'booze destination' or a 'narcotic den' then the State government has to first shift focus. The government has been talking of hinterland tourism with emphasis on rivers, lakes, orchards, hills, heritage homes, temples and churches. Not an inch has moved ever since a proposal was tabled in the curtailed budget session of 2020.
Tourism Minister Manohar Babu Ajgaonkar says his government is committed to promoting tourism in a big way to get rich tourists into the State. But what are we giving the high-profile tourists? What are the beach facilities on offer? We are not even providing tourists decent and clean changing rooms and toilets, leave alone facilities of international standards.
Casinos contribute significant revenue in the form of fees and taxes, and they may be here to stay, much like narcotics and booze. However, considering the hype and the opposition that surrounds casinos, and the tourism that the State envisages, it would be indecorous for Goa to be recognized as a ‘casino capital’.
