CANACONA:
Issues of safety and security among tourists in Canacona takuka have come to the fore in light of the rape and murder of McLaughlin. But while tourism stakeholders in Canacona fear that such incidents could be detrimental for tourism in Canacona taluka in the long run, a number of tourists are of the opinion that such incidents could occur in any part of the world.
“Such incidents happen around the world and Goa can’t be an exception. This incident will not deter us from coming back again to Goa and particularly, in all those beautiful beaches of Canacona. I had been to Agonda and another Canacona beach last November and will definitely come back,” said Helen, a tourist from England.
Confirming that the McLaughlin murder case had been highlighted in the media across the world, one tourist said: “But that does not mean that tourists will stop coming to Goa or that, tourists are leaving the beaches of Canacona.”
Another British Tourist, Graham Dsaila, a native of Bristol in UK, and staying at Palolem beach also felt that the McLaughlin murder case need not tarnish the reputation of Canacona’s famed beaches.
“Whatever happened to that Irish woman was very bad and awful. I have been coming here for the last many years and I find Canacona beaches, especially Agonda, most peaceful and beautiful beaches in your state.”
“One bad incident may not be good for tourism, but it is certainly not the end of it either. This should never have happened, but it took place and the culprit is behind bars. We are certainly not abandoning Cancona’s beaches and we will certainly be back for the
next season,” said Graham, who was accompanied by three other tourists.
On the other hand, former Canacona Municipal Council chairperson Simon Rebello felt that such incidents could smear the reputation of Canacona’s coastal areas.
“Such incidents do project Goa and in this case, our Canacona beaches, in a bad taste. It will certainly have some repercussions and many women tourists are now extra-cautious while dealing with locals,” said Rebello, who is also in tourism business at Palolem.
Palolem-II Councillor Divakar Pagui also felt that the rape and murder of McLaughlin had caused concern among tourists, especially women tourists.
“Goa had already faced flak the world over the death of Scarlet Keeling and now, McLaughlin’s murder in Canacona could further affect tourism,” said Pagui.
