Once the tourist season sets in then the officials from the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) get their act together. For example, of the seven expected charter flights from Iran two had landed at Dabolim recently. The 280 passengers were welcomed with garlands, roses, given a gift and a cake-cutting ceremony was held. This welcoming gesture is a recurring feature with some variations, whenever a chartered flight from abroad touches Goa. It is understandable that Goa is dependent on tourists and they need to be flattered in the hope that they might spend liberally during their stay. Perhaps similar rituals are being followed in the other States too. But is there a need to go overboard and have a recurring expenditure on flowers, gifts, taxis for the officials, etc? The money spent on these could be better utilised by providing basic amenities at the tourist spots and keep these clean and free from stray animals and vendors. Travellers get more information about any destinations and feedbacks from the internet, social influencers, blogs, YouTube and other sources. The wasteful expense on such activities could be trimmed.
