Throbbing beats and psychedelic lights may be the motif ofthe Sunburn festival but the electronic dance festival held over three daysafter Christmas every year in Goa is a growing revenue generator for the state.
This is, by the way, in keeping with the trend of suchevents around the world.
According to the local partner for the event, Lyndon Alvesthe organizers Percept India, pumps in several crores into the local economy.
The necessary permissions necessitated the payment ofrequired fees to various departments. Hesaid, “We can safely say that the festival contributes approximately Rs 30 to40 crores to the local economy. Everyone in the area benefits, from thehoteliers to the taxi drivers”.
The organizers, he said went to the extent of paying Rs 15lakh for the benefit of the police in the state.
Local businesses like companies that rent out generatorsearn as much as Rs 50 lakh during the course of the festival. Companies thatrent out taxis charge a special Sunburn rate during the festival.
The government earns a hefty packet by way of taxes that arelevied on the festival. In addition companies that rent out lights and otherequipment also benefit from the festival. The organizers employ over 2000 localpersonnel to ensure that the festival is conducted professionally.
Asked if therelationship was only financial or involved other tangible benefits to thestate, Shailendra Singh, Joint Managing Director of Percept Limited said: “Thelocal authorities, the Goa government and the state police all unite to doeverything it takes to make Sunburn a safe and happy festival.”
He further added that the government has realized the impactof the festival has for the image, economy and brand Goa.
“The festival also goes live to 80 countries online otherthan the fact that the global media is also present on the ground,” he said.
However, herefused to provide details of the finances involved in the festival.
Figures however available in public space reveal that thefestival generated approximately Rs 530 crore. Every visitor spendsapproximately Rs 4500 a day on food, commuting, transport and lodging. Thetickets are sold in two categories. Regular tickets retail at Rs 7000 onwardsincluding taxes and VIP tickets at Rs 13,000.
It is expected that over 60,000 people visit the festivalwhich has seven stages and two venues at Candolim.
“Every state has atourism budget and a brand advertising budget. Sunburn Goa only adds to theneeds of the communication programme for the State to send out the right imageof Goa which is, Goa is a fun and safe place for Indian and internationaltourists to come relax and be happy,” Shaliendra Singh said.
He refused to provide details as to the investments requiredto conduct the show every year or the value of the brand.
He however hinted that it was pitched at the value of brandslike Coachella and Tomorrowland.
Sources claim they expect over 65,000 visitors during thethree day festival this year.
With such numbers the organizers and local business canexpect rich pickings. The economy of the state may be experiencing hiccups dueto the ban on mining but there is still some good news.
