MAPUSA
Goa has long prided itself on its hospitality – the laid-back vibe and that deeply ingrained belief in “Atithi Devo Bhava” – the guest is indeed like God. But what happens when the guests forget to behave like one?
As the State gears up for another busy tourism season, a troubling pattern has begun to emerge – one where the spirit of welcome is being tested by a growing number of tourists who confuse freedom with license.
String of reckless acts
Take last week, for instance. On Wednesday, a tourist driving an SUV at Assagao reportedly knocked down a 45-year-old local from Siolim and dragged him for nearly 15 metres.
The man now lies in the intensive care unit of the Goa Medical College, fighting for his life.
Barely a day later, a BMW allegedly driven by tourists ploughed into locals, including a child, in Calangute. The tourist who was at the wheel instead of attending to the seriously injured, ran away from the spot. The incident triggered public anger, with residents gathering at the police station demanding accountability.
And these were not isolated episodes, although police have arrested the drivers in both the cases.
Nuisance in coastal belt
Earlier in the week, a group of tourists, allegedly drunk, damaged several parked two-wheelers in Candolim, leaving behind a trail of broken mirrors and bent wheels.
In yet another late-night episode, police detained five tourists from Karnataka for creating a ruckus along the Saligao road while drinking on the roadside. Empty beer bottles lay scattered in their vehicle as evidence of their carefree disregard for the law.
Several past incidents have highlighted how some tourists treat Goa’s roads – and even its beaches – as playgrounds, driving recklessly while sitting on car bonnets, hanging out of windows or taking their vehicles onto the sand.
Though police have booked offenders in many such cases, the fear of law and sense of discipline are yet to truly set in.
Each of these incidents – when seen together – paints a worrying picture of what the Goan hospitality ecosystem is up against.
Industry reacts
President of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), Jack Sukhija, stressed that the key to curbing such nuisance lies in stronger policing and consistent enforcement.
“Goa’s tourism ethos has always been about respect – mutual respect between guest and host. Unfortunately, a section of tourists now seem to believe that once they cross the border into Goa, they can do as they please. That mindset is dangerous. It not only disrespects the locals but also undermines the very experience of responsible tourism,” Sukhija said.
“Strict enforcement of the law can go a long way in tackling these issues. Once tourists realise that Goa means business when it comes to discipline, such behaviour will automatically reduce,” he added.
Tourism stakeholders are also feeling the heat.
Serafino Cotta, a hotelier and former president of small and medium hotels said the goodwill of the local community – the lifeblood of Goa’s tourism economy – is being eroded by such incidents.
“Hospitality doesn’t mean helplessness. We welcome guests with open arms, but they must also respect our roads, our people and our way of life. A handful of unruly tourists can undo years of effort in building Goa’s global reputation as a peaceful and safe destination,” Cotta said.
He further pointed out the absence of a coordinated mechanism to address tourism-related problems.
“At present, there’s no proper system to deal with such issues. The tourism department cannot function in isolation – it must involve all stakeholders and take collective decisions if we want real, long-term solutions,” Cotta observed.
Police vow tough stance
Police officials say they are not taking these matters lightly. A senior officer from the North Goa district admits that the frequency of such cases has increased but insists that enforcement will be firm.
“We have stepped up night patrols, particularly in coastal belts. Anyone found violating laws or endangering others will face strict action. Enjoy your holiday – but do it responsibly,” the officer said.
Hospitality under strain
The irony, of course, is that Goa continues to attract visitors precisely because of its warmth and openness.
But that very openness is now under strain. Every broken rule, every bottle tossed out of a car window, every reckless act on the road chips away at the delicate balance between tourism and community.
As the new season unfolds, Goa faces a familiar but urgent question – how to protect its hospitality without becoming a victim of it.
The answer, perhaps, lies in reminding both guests and hosts that respect, like good tourism, must always be mutual.
