PANAJI
Conceding that Goa’s tourism sector faced several challenges despite a largely stable season, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte on Monday said tourism in December was “comfortably okay”, but stressed that structural issues continued to affect the State’s overall tourism experience.
Speaking to the media at Paryatan Bhavan, Khaunte said the government was still compiling data on overall tourist arrivals for 2025, but early indicators pointed to an increase, with transport department data showing a rise in the number of vehicles entering the State. He, however, underlined the need to shift focus beyond headline numbers.
“Rather than focusing only on numbers, we need to start talking about the kind of tourists coming in. It is time to re-look at the (tourism) model. Tourism is an industry, and issues such as taxis, garbage, stray cattle and dogs, potholes, infrastructure and touts - though handled by different departments - ultimately fall under the collective responsibility of Tourism,” the minister said.
Warning that unresolved issues could lead to continued fluctuations, he insisted that coordinated action was essential. “If all stakeholders do not work in tandem, tourism will continue to see ups and downs. We are once again calling a meeting of all stakeholders to resolve this,” he added.
Reviewing the December season, the minister said South Goa had performed better than North Goa as he attributed the fire incident at Birch by Romeo Lane disrupting tourist movement in the northern coastal belt. “The 30 per cent reduction in Indigo flights also affected tourist numbers... although the number of drive-in tourists has gone up. A clearer picture will emerge once all data is compiled,” he said.
On the Unity Mall project, Khaunte said the matter was currently sub judice. “I will speak after January 8, when the High Court is hearing the matter next. The project has all permissions and it is a government initiative,” he said, adding that “it is surprising government projects are opposed but private projects don’t.”
Addressing concerns over incidents involving unruly tourists, with the latest being the harassment of a woman tourist on a beach, the minister said such behaviour is not tolerated in Goa. “We must be capable of curtailing irresponsible conduct. These things will not be taken lightly. The government has acted strongly in the past and will continue to do so,” he said. The minister stated the man who was seen harassing the woman tourist was also an Indian tourist.
Emphasising that Goa was not known for obscene or indecent behaviour, Khaunte said safety and security remained the government’s priority. “Do not make obscene gestures in Goa... Such behaviour is not acceptable. The government will not remain silent,” he said.
On the ongoing flyover works at Porvorim, the minister -- who also represents the local constituency -- expressed displeasure over the closure of two key road stretches, saying the Public Works Department had been earlier informed to open a new lane to ease traffic. He said the situation would be monitored for a week. “We have supported the project... but if people are facing inconvenience, we need to review things. We will monitor the closure for a week and then raise the issue again,” he said.
