The breeze is gentle and the mood very chilled out. This isafter all Colva, tourist central, a must visit for all visitors coming to Goa.It is also, however, in the words of Peter Coutinho, not for the rupee countingtourist. Peter, the one time manager at the Splash disco is now the owner ofBoomerang, a shack on the beach that is the place of residence for visitors ofall colours and food tastes.
Peter has been playing host to tourists, both local andinternational for over ten years now. It has been quite a ride building thisplace, watching a new kind of tourist coming to Goa. From the backpacker whoonce ruled the roost, to more domestic tourists who spend more and demand more.As Peter says, from the days when he watched people die because they wereunable to swim to now having the staff of Drishti present on the beach saving lives,the tourists who spend their day on the beach relaxing at Boomerang, can samplebutter garlic prawns, tandoori fare and other seafood. With 20 tablesavailable, the outlet is open 365 days a year.
Over the years the place has gained a name amongst domestictourists, the Russians and Europeans who flock to the state in large numbers.The menu is quite extensive with a price that is not aimed at inviting all andsundry. Peter feels that it is important to be clear about the target audience.He says, “We do not want the busloads that come into the state every day. Weare more discerning. We are a fair price outlet.”He claims he has regulars whohave been visiting for several years perhaps thus justifying the name of theoutlet “Boomerang”. For him like many others, the months of November, Decemberand January are important business wise. The months of April and May aredominated by the domestic tourists.
Like many businessmen, he however refused to divulge theapproximate earnings from his business. Asked what he would like to do for hisbusiness, he smiled enigmatically and said he would like to see the good timescontinue. With regards to the beach he would like the government place dustbinsto ensure the place stayed clean. Heended by saying that he hoped his business would continue to do well in thefuture and that people find it as interesting as they do now.
