PANAJI
As the tourism season began with the arrival of 349 Russian tourists “ a much-needed relief to begin the season with, Goa still grapples with issues that remain unresolved.
The Tourism Department’s “efforts” to increase the influx of visitors by way of international and domestic trips have yielded little results. The absence of proper infrastructure projects, tussle between tourist taxis and cab aggregators, beggars menace and other issues have negatively impacted visitors' experience; and various social media platforms are the evidence.
No doubt the department has granted early shack licences this time, but as promises of other related developments are overshadowed by challenges, Goa risks becoming a victim of its own unfulfilled aspirations.
One of the most pressing concerns is repeated promises to improve roads, particularly access to remote beaches in North and South Goa as well as parking slots remain largely unfulfilled.
Adding to the woes is the ongoing conflict between local taxi unions and cab aggregators Goa Miles and Goa Taxi App. The entry of app-based services, offering convenience and affordability has been vehemently opposed by the traditional operators with recurring protests and disruptions becoming a regular affair. Incidents of misbehaving with tourists and charging exorbitant taxi fares are another hindrance to "efforts" to increase tourist flow.
Roads
The condition of roads in Goa remains a concern with both Panaji and Porvorim besides coastal areas, particularly in the North, in dire state. While the incomplete Smart City projects in Panaji have led to disruptions, the ongoing flyover construction in Porvorim has caused traffic congestion and put additional strain on alternative routes. Coastal roads are also problematic with narrow lanes contributing to overcrowding and frequent accidents. This is coupled with tourists flouting traffic regulations.
Parking woes
Parking issues continue to add to traffic congestion along the coastal roads. In Margao, plans for a multi-level parking facility are stalled due to bureaucratic delays whereas the multi-level parking in Patto-Panaji is often avoided by several visitors besides the casino cabbies who continue to crowd roads near casino offices.
Garbage
Cleanliness, hygiene, sanitation, and the concept of Swachhata are confined to speeches and discussions whereas the reality is that Goa's lanes and by-lanes are covered with garbage, overflowing bins and the stench of waste.
The hypocrisy surrounding the cleanliness concept is especially apparent on October 2, when political leaders focus on the symbolism of cleanliness rather than implementing real, lasting solutions. All this when Goa is being promoted as a top tourist destination while marred by filth and garbage.
Taxi tensions
Tensions between traditional tourist taxi operators and app-based cab aggregators in Goa have remained a headache over the recent years. The issue keeps drawing national attention, albeit negatively. While the State government has put its foot down supporting the presence of app-based services as well as its counters at Manohar International Airport, opposition from local taxi unions continues. Amid the tension between these new competitors, the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa was forced to hold a press conference urging the agitated taxi operators to provide smooth transportation services. Neither the taxi operators want the technology-coated transport services nor do they want to be a part of it parallelly.
New destinations
Holidayers are moving beyond the traditional vacation experience, seeking out unique alternatives and this shift is accompanied by a growing demand for international destinations, particularly where travel has become more cost-effective. For instance, a five-day all-inclusive trip to Bangkok during peak season with five-star accommodation costs 7-10 percent less than a stay in Goa.
When opting for four-star accommodation, the price difference between a trip to Bangkok and Goa is minimal. It has also become evident that international destinations are becoming increasingly appealing with some trips more expensive than domestic travel by only a small margin. The stakeholders have confirmed that many travellers are willing to spend slightly more for a superior experience compared to what's available in Goa.
Ease of travel to certain countries with many offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival options has been giving tough competition to Goa. While claims are made about requests to the Centre, failure to follow up has been concerning for the tourism industry.
Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Serbia, Jamaica, Mauritius, Bhutan and Sri Lanka among others have become popular for their seamless travel processes, cleanliness and overall superior tour and travel experiences. So, not only the domestic locations but several international destinations, where Goa tourism hasn’t tapped market strategies, are proving costly for Goa.
Ill-prepared for
Exposition
The once-in-a-decade Exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier starting on November 21 is a major event the Goa government is counting on. The State expects footfalls to cross even 2014’s count of 60 lakh over the 45 days. However, the reality is that Goa allegedly remains underprepared for the event with infrastructure still lacking as the date inches closer. The government is yet to receive the Rs 300 crore it requested from the Centre and it has remained silent on how it plans to utilize Rs 10 crore allocated for the event in its State Budget.
Rogue tourists
Coastal MLAs have repeatedly raised concerns over the alleged harassment of tourists by traffic police, yet little attention is paid to the rampant violations of traffic rules by tourists themselves. Many visitors renting two-wheelers or four-wheelers are frequently seen flouting regulations, which are ignored even by the police.
The latest incident was that of a female tourist sitting on the bonnet of a rental car while her male companion drove through the streets of Calangute. The stunt only came to light after the footage went viral, prompting traffic police to seize the vehicle and refer the case to court.
Reckless driving of rental vehicles including those driven from other states is a growing issue in Goa. Many such vehicles are involved in accidents, some linked to drunk driving, all of which indicate these visitors are unafraid of the law in Goa.
Basic amenities
Lack of basic amenities at some popular beaches remains a concern with those coastal areas equipped with the facility, are in dire states. As per the tourism department’s own inspection reports in August, public facilities such as toilets and changing rooms are either absent or in a poor state.
Public toilets along Goa’s beach belt and at KTC bus stands were found to be operating without trade licenses or basic infrastructure such as sewerage connections and water supply. One of two toilet blocks at Colva beach was reportedly being used for cooking and another to store cooked food. At Morjim Beach, the PwD toilet was allegedly converted into a storeroom and staff room. Beaches like Anjuna continue to suffer from open urination.
