FRANKLY FRANK: Reality belies Goa’s tourism awards

Goa is gearing up to begin the new tourism season on a positive note, with shack operators in the northern coastal belt of Calangute and Candolim expecting the cash counters to jingle from October itself, which is just about a fortnight away.

For the first time in many years, the government moved in fast to renew shack licenses before September 1, unlike last year when there was a major delay leaving operators disgruntled. But, this year, the stakeholders hope the sun will shine on them and make their lives much brighter.

While the improved efficiency of the government to renew licenses before the season could start is commendable, there is much that needs to be done on the tourism infrastructure front, especially on this important beach belt in North Goa.

But, not only Calangute and Candolim, the tourism infrastructure in other destinations of North Goa like Anjuna and Vagator, too, is lacking. Considering the fact that tourists patronise this sunny State in large numbers, the government's talk of creating world-class infrastructure has to be met with action.

At many of the beaches in North Goa, extending up to Pernem, the much-promised state-of-the-art amenities are missing. Instead, what tourists get to see are stray cattle and dogs roaming freely on the beaches, adding to an underwhelming experience.

Local business owners and shack operators, along with the big hoteliers, haven't been able to impress upon the government to spruce up the coastal infrastructure in their areas. One reason is that these stakeholders are always at loggerheads with each other.

Imagine a tourist arriving on a beach, only to find that even the basic toilet facility is missing. So he is forced to urinate in the open, a not-so-good touristy experience. And for women, if the need to answer nature's call arrives, it becomes even more daunting. While some beaches do have toilet facilities, they often fall short in terms of proper maintenance and cleanliness.

While Goa's natural beauty and culture hold the USP for tourists, much needs to be done to improve the existing tourism infrastructure at various popular locations. The need of the hour is to address the shortcomings in tourism infrastructure.

If infrastructure is a necessity for tourism, another important aspect that cannot be ignored is maintaining the delicate balance between tourism and the environment. The government has been talking a lot about regenerative tourism without any concrete action on the ground.

Garbage-cluttered roads are an eyesore and in no way present a picture of Goa as a regenerative tourism destination. If the government is serious about promoting regenerative tourism, then it has to bring in laws to create an atmosphere of responsibility and sustainability.

To take this endeavour of regenerative tourism forward, the authorities will have to introduce guidelines for waste management and also impose strict fines on locals and tourists, who fail to follow the rules and indulge in littering.

The essence of regenerative tourism is the deep sense of reverence for the land and natural resources. However, the manner in which we are going about cutting our hills, in no way displays reverence for the land we live in.

The TCP Minister may claim that there have been no hill-cutting incidents in Goa, but he will not be able to hide behind lies for a long time. When destabilised hills come rolling down there will be no tourism and the countless memories they held.

The journey from here on should be about a commitment to tourism and at the same time guarding our land. We could do better by drawing a balance. The government needs a sound tourism strategy and not take too much pride in its hospitality awards.

Besides a sound tourism strategy, the government will also have to take into account the needs of Goa and its people. Right now, there is a disconnect between the state's tourism awards and what we see on the ground. Addressing this disconnect will require a commitment to honesty and meaningful action.