The Goa government’s decision to offer a Rs 2-crore airline incentive scheme for one year to attract more flights and strengthen air connectivity to the state does not appear to be a well-thought-out plan. Why should Goa, which is often described as a world-class destination, have to offer such incentives when there are several basic issues that need urgent attention? These include establishing a credible taxi and bus service, repairing back-breaking and bumpy roads, cleaning dirty bus stations, reducing exorbitant food prices at the airport, ensuring safe locales for visitors — with incidents such as the Birch Romeo case being a blot on Goa’s reputation — protecting rivers, eliminating illegal land deals and removing casinos.
If we do not treat Goa’s natural treasures with respect, how can we expect to treat those who visit the state any better? What is needed is a tourism policy that respects the state’s residents, not one that makes them victims of short-sighted decisions and continued neglect. The government appears to react to issues in a knee-jerk manner, without thinking through the long-term impact on Goa’s many challenges, including declining greenery. Is it any surprise, then, that tourists choose to fly halfway across Asia to destinations such as Thailand or Vietnam?
