That several beach shacks have closed early this year is indicative of the sorry state of Goa Tourism. No statistics are needed to prove the point. To my mind, there are a few things that need to be fixed, and fixed urgently. The taxi issue must be resolved. The system is unique and not seen anywhere else. The govt must get all taxi unions under one common platform and compel them to form their own aggregator app.
Goa was known for its hospitality, much before the slogan atithi bhavo deva was coined. Nowadays, media reports and social influencers portray only hostility. Hospitality is very much in the Goan DNA, but a few rogue elements are giving it a bad name. If the taxi issue is solved, much of the hostility will vanish.
Dogs have taken over Goa like never before. When in Goa, I do not go for morning walks any more for fear of attracting the ire of stray dogs. Hotel rates must be competitive. Tourists find it cheaper to go to Vietnam instead of Goa for a holiday. Affordable homestays must be encouraged in villages near tourist hubs. These villages may be given some incentives for purchase of bikes and solar panels. Finally, the tourism dept must come up with a catchy slogan encapsulating traditional Goan hospitality and tranquillity.
