While the Ministry of Tourism continues to state “sab changa si”, the reality on the ground tells a different story. The beach remains our primary attraction, yet just weeks ago an international tourist was bitten by a stray dog on a popular stretch of sand. The rupee’s depreciation should have boosted international tourism, but instead a supposed tourist who was found working as an entertainer at the notorious Birch Hotel, raising doubts about the vetting process for visitors. Even if we wish to promote attractions beyond the coastline”Cabo de Rama, the Betul forts, historic churches”many of these sites are far from tourism‘ready. Dilapidated infrastructure, inadequate signage and lack of basic facilities deter rather than invite visitors. Moreover, the sector is plagued by issues that undermine any promotional effort: unregulated casinos, rampant alcohol abuse, poor road safety, concerns over women’s safety, rising robberies, unruly behaving domestic tourists, taxi mafias, and hotels operating with illegalities. The tourism minister must acknowledge that something is fundamentally wrong. Only then can Goa hope to restore its image and ensure that tourism remains a sustainable and dignified source of revenue.
