PANAJI
In recent weeks, social media campaigns have painted a bleak picture of Goa’s tourism industry, claiming the state is facing an economic downturn with no tourists, high costs, and issues like the "taxi mafia." The campaigns have stirred concerns among both locals and government officials, especially as influencers have stayed largely silent on the issue. However, several influencers affiliated with the Government of Goa, through the Entertainment Society of Goa, recently shared their thoughts on why they haven't publicly responded to the negative portrayals of their home state.
Ruben Rodrigues, also known as @Mr.Kurkurit, expressed that while he had not yet posted any videos to counter these negative campaigns, he was waiting for the right time to gather all the facts. “The thing is, there’s no strong support system here. When issues arise in other states, people rally behind each other, but in Goa, it’s often more difficult,” he explained. He also noted that some influencers creating negative content about Goa might be doing it simply for views rather than genuine concern for the state’s wellbeing.
Influencers like Kevin Pinto @wander_with_kevin highlighted the need for transparency in their work with the government. “It’s very important for me to remain transparent with my audience about what is true, especially when I’m sharing government-related content,” he said. Pinto acknowledged that while some influencers had spoken up about the negative portrayals of Goa, many had stayed silent. He added that creating awareness about Goa’s diverse culture and heritage is crucial, alongside promoting tourism.
Rudra Ghotge, another well-known influencer as @rudra_avatar, emphasized that the issue was not just about tourism numbers but about how Goa was being portrayed by influencers from outside the state. “Goa has a rich cultural history, and we cannot let it be reduced to just alcohol and drugs. It’s not fair to portray the state so aggressively and negatively,” Ghotge said. He also mentioned that he had created several videos challenging these negative portrayals, addressing the hypocrisy of influencers who promote these stereotypes.
Despite the negative narratives, many influencers are committed to showing the other side of Goa. Kevin Pinto, for instance, highlighted the importance of showing Goa’s non-commercial side. “There’s more to Goa than just food and tourism,” he said, referencing his recent content that explored the local culture and traditions during Christmas and other festivals.
Overall, these influencers agree that it is up to Goans, especially those with a strong social media presence, to take a stand and share the truth about their state. They emphasized that Goa’s diverse culture, people, and traditions should be represented in a balanced way, both online and offline.
