Fears have been expressed over declining tourist footfalls in Goa. However, since for the duration of the exposition of the secret relics of decennial St Francis Xavier, 80 lakh pilgrims attended the solemn event, then no one should doubt that in 2024, one crore tourists did not make Goa their destination, as is usually the case, especially during the Christmas to New Year week.
In fact, reports in our dailies stated that many tourists slept on the beaches, probably because they could not find accommodation. Since, as is known, the cost of living has dented the capacity of travellers to spend on holidays, despite this constraint, Goa received above-average tourist footfalls which should be accepted by all as a fact.
Issues regarding the flouting of noise levels are a cause for concern, and a determined effort should be made to address this issue in a fair and equitable manner. The drawing of pilgrims to Old Goa for the Exposition was one of the highlights of the allure that Goa still holds for visitors from far and wide. Relentless efforts should be made to make tourism more attractive in all respects.
