CANACONA
Tourism operators at Palolem had been cheerful ever since visitors began visiting the world-famous beach with the relaxation in lockdown restrictions, but their hope has now turned to despair as tourists have begun to turn away from Palolem on account of parking problems.
Many tourists have initially struggled to move along the narrow road leading to Palolem and when they realised there is virtually no parking space in the area, them simply turn back and leave Palolem.
“Business owners in Palolem are aware about the lack of parking space and how it has badly affected their businesses. The narrow road also adds to this never-ending misery,” lamented former Canacona Municipal Council chairperson Simon Rebello.
Said Socorro da Silva, another resident and tourism stakeholder at Palolem: “We appeal to leaders to rise above party lines and pursue the matter of road-widening and parking space.”
“While accommodations in Palolem are aplenty, we see a lot of vehicles parked all along the roadside. There are many more vehicles who simply turn back as there is no space to park their vehicles.”
“These tourists then head towards nearby beaches, which is a direct loss in revenue to business establishments here in Palolem,” Da Silva added.
A lot of tourists have been travelling to the beaches in Canacona since the Diwali vacation began.
Da Silva said the government must take a serious look in the matter and work out solutions to ensure suitable parking space for people arriving a Palolem beach.
“Also, the road leading to Palolem needs to be widened, else tourists will shun Palolem altogether and business will not be feasible. Tourism stakeholders will then start moving out of Palolem,” said Da Silva.
