"Atithi Devo Bhava" is a Sanskrit phrase that translates to "Guest is God". The phrase has been used in a campaign by the Ministry of Tourism in India to raise awareness about how to treat tourists properly and attract foreigners to the country. The campaign's goal was to develop a sense of responsibility towards guests. However it must be said that local tourists who visit Goa also have the responsibility of respecting the hosts. However this is not always the case. Fontainhas has been on all Goa brochures and social media platforms and is visited by several tourists. The locality is often referred to as the “Latin Quarter” of Panaji. This historic neighborhood is renowned for its well-preserved Portuguese-style architecture. On several occasions visitors have reportedly had verbal and even physical confrontations with the residents. Despite “No Photography” sign-boards being put up, in quest for a perfect shot, tourists are often seen disregarding community concerns and privacy. The government needs to look into the matter and take necessary steps to put a stop to the inconvenience caused to the citizens of the locality.
