MAPUSA
The Goa Legislative Assembly witnessed a heated exchange on Wednesday between St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar and Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte over the alleged lack of transparency in tourism-related data.
Borkar accused the Tourism Minister of withholding crucial details about tourist demographics, spending patterns and infrastructure investments. He argued that high-end tourists were avoiding Goa due to the government’s failure to promote the State effectively.
“At airports, railway stations and across the State, the only advertisements we see are for casinos. We are promoting gambling over our rich culture and heritage, while states like Kerala aggressively market their traditions,” Borkar asserted.
Frustrated with the responses to his Assembly queries, Borkar highlighted that the tourism department does not maintain nationality-wise data on international tourists. When he asked about the government’s efforts to promote Goa’s culture, the reply was a mere “Yes, Sir.” His question on tourism infrastructure expenditure over the past three years was met with refusal, citing Rule 37 of “The Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the Goa Legislative Assembly.”
“Why is the minister reluctant to share information? What is he trying to conceal? Does he have a personal agenda?” Borkar questioned angrily.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte clarified that the Centre had not provided country-wise tourist data for the past two years but assured the House that the State had requested the information. He countered Borkar’s claims, stating that Goa experienced high tourism demand between October and December, with luxury accommodations selling out at Rs 30,000 per night.
Khaunte also highlighted the expansion of tourism promotions beyond Carnival and Shigmo to include other cultural events like Sao Joao.
“For the last two years, we have been moving beyond beach tourism to promote hinterland tourism in Goa,” Khaunte said.
Unhappy with the responses, Borkar alleged a scam in the department, escalating the confrontation. Khaunte retaliated by accusing the MLA of asking irrelevant questions. The heated debate prompted Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar and Law Minister Aleixo Sequeira to intervene.
Refusing to back down, Borkar stormed into the well of the House in protest, further intensifying the session’s tension.
