Goa is once again at the centre of attention. The controversy was ignited by a social media post highlighting the decline in tourist arrivals. This sparked a series of discussions speculating on the potential reasons behind the reported decrease, both among locals and travellers. The government responded by filing complaints against the online publications for allegedly damaging Goa's reputation.
While acknowledging the inherent challenges faced by any tourist destination, the reports appear to be motivated by hidden agendas considering the timing of their release.
How is the current situation perceived by a resident of Goa? What downturn? Each flight, train, or bus is operating at full capacity, and without advance reservations, securing a seat is nearly impossible. It is interesting to note the conspicuous absence of foreign tourists on the beaches at the onset of the season, a phenomenon that locals have grown accustomed to.
In the post-pandemic landscape, Goa has evolved into a destination that captivates visitors year-round, drawing a significant number of domestic travellers while also benefiting from the flourishing casino tourism industry.
While this economic upturn may favour the stakeholders in the transportation sector, local residents are encountering exorbitant fares, even when booking in advance. Train tickets without dynamic pricing are often scarce, prompting locals to welcome a potential slowdown as it would facilitate more affordable and convenient travel to and from Goa.
The lack of foreigners, though noticeable, was actually an unconscious element in the marketing strategy, a loss leader.
While many did not engage in extravagant spending in Goa, choosing instead to spend leisurely hours at beach shacks with a beer or two, there were a select few who were high spenders. The presence of foreigners is crucial as they add a unique charm to Goa as a tourist destination.
Let us not disregard the crowds of Indian tourists flocking to Baga and Calangute to observe the sunbathing rituals of these foreigners. Their presence also adds a touch of sophistication to the destination.
These individuals typically paid their charter fees in the UK, with the charter companies adept at negotiating favourable terms with local vendors, resulting in a significant portion of the profits being retained in the UK.
In the post-COVID era, as charter flights decreased and local tourists began occupying more rooms, an increase in revenue was observed due to higher room rates. One might anticipate that the decline in charters would attract affluent direct arrivals, thereby compensating for the absence of foreign arrivals.
In the past, a restaurant filled with foreigners exuded a serene ambiance where one could converse comfortably. Today, however, if the patrons are predominantly Indian tourists, the cacophony makes it challenging to hear oneself speak. Consequently, dining out for locals has become a matter of deliberately selecting restaurants off the typical tourist circuit.
Local tourists come from various economic backgrounds and play a pivotal role in the economy by renting bikes/cars, with only a minority opting for public transportation.
They frequent establishments across all tiers of the hospitality industry, displaying a preference for hotels over shacks. They are inclined to buy souvenirs to take back home, with nearly all of them purchasing alcoholic beverages.
While you can fly out with 5 litres of alcohol, trying to drive out of Goa with a bottle, you will be harassed. This is an issue that the government should address to facilitate the transportation of alcohol by road or air. Locals would appreciate this as well.
The emergence of upscale liquor stores indicates a noticeable increase in business activity. As indicated by a key industry player, the demand for inexpensive alcohol is declining while that for premium brands is on the rise. This shift aligns with the government's emphasis on quality over quantity, particularly with a decrease in budget-conscious tourists. Consequently, local consumers now have access to top-tier brands, with a majority of wine shops stocking premium products.
The Minister for Tourism has correctly pointed out that taxi operators cannot be classified as a cartel; he rightly asserts that there are always a few unscrupulous individuals in every collective. The exorbitant pricing of taxis in Goa is well-known, yet no efforts have succeeded in enlightening or advising them that their lack of profitability (which most drivers lament about) stems from pricing themselves out of the market.
People only resort to taxis when no other alternatives are available. A plausible solution would be to introduce a system similar to Mumbai's, incorporating app-based and private options.
App-based services offer transparency and cost-effectiveness, while private taxis involve negotiation to determine pricing and service levels. The absence of alternative public transportation options in Goa is the core of the issue.
If public transport, encompassing both buses and taxis, were streamlined, locals would be content, and business opportunities would multiply. Envision a scenario where every Goan could effortlessly hail a taxi outside their residence, or better yet, book one conveniently through an app. This accessibility would significantly enhance mobility and stimulate economic growth. Unfortunately, at present, both tourists and locals endure the consequences.
Another pressing issue that requires attention is the issue of waste management. Regrettably, the beaches are littered with trash, including discarded alcohol bottles, canine waste, and even human excrement in recent times.
It appears that the employees at the beach shacks lack proper facilities and resort to open-air defecation instead. Pristine wooded areas have sadly been transformed into dumping grounds for domestic refuse. Despite initiatives such as beach cleaning and door-to-door garbage collection, the situation remains chaotic.
This predicament calls for a collaborative effort from both visitors and locals to prioritize the cleanliness of Goa. The authorities must enforce strict regulations and penalize individuals who resort to dumping or littering. A pristine Goa would not only benefit the residents but also elevate the experience for tourists.
In essence, if the government takes proactive measures to enhance the livelihoods of the local residents by introducing value-adding diverse experiences for tourists like homestays, upgrading the public transportation system, implementing stringent measures to ensure cleanliness, and streamlining the regulations concerning the export of alcohol, Goa will emerge as an even better destination, thereby attracting tourists who can fully appreciate and relish the experience. The locals will welcome these improvements as well. Jai Hind.
(The author prefers
to write rather than
chat in a balcao)