Goa appears to be facing an unfortunate reality with coastal businesses, including shacks going into shutdown mode ahead of time. Calangute MLA Michael Lobo explains in Prudent's Head-On programme the downward spiral as a state of recession witnessed some decades ago. He has laid bare the dire circumstances, revealing drastically low footfalls that have left businesses struggling to stay afloat.
Once a holiday resort for international and domestic visitors, Goa’s once-bustling beaches are witnessing a grim situation, prompting urgent calls for introspection. Lobo has rightly pointed out the various challenges plaguing tourism, which extend beyond mere numbers. The issues he highlights on beaches — rampant alcoholism, tobacco use, and the overwhelming garbage problem — represent not just a public health concern but a deeper malaise affecting the essence of Goa itself.
Let's take this argument a little further. Visitors once flocked to Goa for its sun-soaked beaches and the freedom to indulge in leisurely activities, not forgetting the alcohol that came along. However, the consequences of unchecked indiscipline, in Lobo's words, have taken tourism to a point of despair. The question, however, is whether curbing these freedoms is the answer to rejuvenating the tourism industry.
While it’s tempting to impose stricter regulations, we must confront the uncomfortable truth that tourists are drawn to Goa largely because of the liberties it offers. Enforcing a comprehensive ban on drinking or gutka would significantly affect the experience that visitors anticipate. After all, why would a traveller choose Goa, a destination synonymous with carefree beach life, if the very freedoms that define it are stripped away? Such measures would likely deter potential visitors who cherish the unrestrained atmosphere that Goa has long provided.
On the flip side, allowing indiscriminate freedom has its negatives. Lately, Goa has seen an unsettling trend of rowdiness and disrespect for local customs, resulting in complaints from residents and visitors alike. There is chaos, filth and even violence. Freedom comes at a considerable cost. Moreover, with a burgeoning garbage problem and threats to the local culture and environment, Goa is at a crossroads. The state must, therefore, tread carefully, finding a middle ground that accommodates responsible tourism while protecting its identity and charm.
Secondly, the challenges facing the tourism sector extend beyond merely managing behaviour on the beaches. Lobo's belated advocacy for an aggregator-based taxi system comes as a surprise and a flip-flop, but the point is pertinent. The refusal of local taxis to onboard an app-based system, with the tacit backing of politicos including Lobo, has been a major stumbling block. Developing a transparent and efficient transportation model would not only enhance the visitor experience but could also invigorate the local economy. The question is, what is stopping the government from moving ahead with plans when Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte and now Lobo are all on the same page? Is there a doublespeak somewhere? The much-promised taxi aggregator rules for a policy are yet to be formulated, and that reflects reluctance.
While the downside in Goa’s tourism sector is alarming, it presents an invaluable opportunity for introspection and reform. By enforcing crucial measures to address issues while simultaneously maintaining the free spirit that defines its charisma, Goa has the chance to redefine itself. If the state truly desires to flourish again, it must carefully navigate this duality — preserving its charm while making necessary adaptations for a healthier, more sustainable future. Goa's quest to reclaim its place as India’s quintessential holiday haven is going to be challenging in the evolving tourism scenarios across the world.
