Goa’s viability as a location for film shoots has been exploited by both Bollywood and Hollywood as well as some regional language films. The focus is usually beaches and Goa’s nightlife. Consequently, this free advertising for tourism has drawn many tourists from other Indian states to the same.
Instead of exploring our unique culture and rarely-seen interior areas, tourists have ventured only along the coastline. The key to opening more distinctive locations up to tourism is encouraging film shooting in those places.
Some tourist spots in Goa which were filmed in movies and later garnered popularity among domestic and overseas tourists are Dona Paula (Ek Duje Ke Liye), Siolim (Khamoshi), Keri Beach (Akele Hum, Akele Tum), Panaji (Golmaal series, Drishyam, Singham, etc), Vagator-Chapora Fort (Dil Chahta Hai) and so on.
Local businesses are doing well because of the tourist footfall. If the same formula could be applied to hinterland tourism then it will definitely be a win-win situation for the filmmakers and the Goa government.
The state government for the last few years has been talking about the hinterland tourism policy but has not done much in terms of receiving a suitable response because of mediocre efforts being made.
For Goa’s hinterland tourism to become popular, the state government, through its agencies such as the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa and other media publicity, must encourage and suggest hinterland locations to filmmakers and tourists.
Goa’s mountains, forests, waterfalls, and religious and historical sites are a cinematographer’s dream come true. Pristine and visually appealing, they are just the sort of places that could be touted as prime shooting locations.
Businesses in these rural areas would thrive. This includes private transport, hotels, other lodgings, markets, etc. Local governing bodies such as panchayats and municipalities will also generate handsome revenue from the film shoots.
Places in North Goa that would be excellent for movie shoots are Halarn Fort in Alorna, the Deshprabhu Palace in Pernem, Dhargal, Bandiwade, Mangeshi Temple, Savoiverem, Bicholim and some interior localities in Sattari taluka.
In South Goa, there is the ancient Kadamba capital of Chandor, Tamdi Surla Temple, Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Sanguem Botanical Garden, Netravalim, Chandreshwar Parvat, etc.
While the government needs to do its best in promoting tourism in these places, it must also make certain that the environment is not detrimentally impacted through this endeavour. Hinterland tourism should be guided by stringent rules that will prevent any manner of abusive behaviour in these regions.