SRIDHAR D IYER
The tourist season in Goa has begun to build momentum with Diwali, and then IFFI, and the centennial exposition of St Francis Xavier close on its heels. By the last week of December, this situation will have reached a veritable crescendo.
While it is true that more tourists boost the economy, the tourism industry has suffered from negative changes in visitor behaviour and attitudes throughout time, as well as the development of social media.
Smooth tourism operations require responsible visitors and a responsive government. This will encourage industry growth and encourage people to come to Goa.
RESPONSIBLE VISITORS
Tourists assume that anything goes in Goa just because the people are friendly and easygoing.
Although Goa has much to offer in terms of culture and history, a significant portion of tourists are drawn to its lively electronic dance and music festivals, cheap liquor and casinos. This results in tourists acting irresponsibly and marring Goa’s reputation.
The irresponsible behaviour of tourists is evident in the narrow, winding streets of Sao Tome and Fontainhas (both in Panjim), affectionately referred to as the Latin Quarter, famous for its charming Indo-Portuguese houses.
Although Goa has much to offer in terms of culture and history, a significant portion of tourists are drawn to its lively electronic dance and music festivals, cheap liquor and casinos. This results in tourists acting irresponsibly and marring Goa’s reputation.
Visitors often obstruct traffic as they stand in the middle of the road, eagerly snapping photographs of the architecture.
Some disregard the integrity of the historic walls, resting their dirty feet against them, while others peer through windows without a second thought, capturing images of the interiors and the lives of the residents inside.
This invasive curiosity undermines the essence of this picturesque neighbourhood.
You will also find them risking life and limb for selfies and photos, standing or sitting on slippery rocks on the beach and atop the walls of forts at Terekhol, Aguada, Chapora and Cabo de Rama.
You will also find them risking life and limb for selfies and photos, standing or sitting on slippery rocks on the beach and atop the walls of forts at Terekhol, Aguada, Chapora and Cabo de Rama.
Many tourists have shown little respect for traffic rules. They have been found driving rented vehicles rashly under the influence of liquor causing accidents and having scuffles with locals.
During Christmas and New Year, residents along the northern coastal stretch of Calangute find it difficult to enter or exit their houses as tourists park their vehicles anywhere they want to.
Defying caution and disregarding the guidelines meant for their safety, they will recklessly throw themselves into the swells of the sea, oblivious to their lack of swimming skills or the effects of alcohol coursing through their veins.
Tourists have also been found littering public places with garbage and even used gardens as washrooms. Others have defaced monuments and historical buildings.
Would these tourists dare to act in the same manner in other Indian tourist spots or abroad?
After adequate warnings, visitors should be penalised for driving or drinking on the beaches, swimming in no-swimming zones, entering the sea or waterfalls despite the presence of red flags, etc.
RESPONSIVE GOVERNMENT
The government needs to enforce rules and make changes to encourage healthy tourism.
To maintain decorum and the sanctity of a place of worship, dress codes need to be enforced. After adequate warnings, visitors should be penalised for driving or drinking on the beaches, swimming in no-swimming zones, entering the sea or waterfalls despite the presence of red flags, etc.
Other changes that could be brought about are the removal of touts from beaches, recruitment of licensed guides, streamlining water sports by considering safety factors and having a single-window for tickets (reasonably priced).
It is time to introduce app-based taxis and autorickshaws to prevent inflated fares. The present public transport system leaves much to be desired and could be augmented by additional buses (mainly EV).
Hinterland tourism will benefit villagers, but their interests need to be protected by checking tourist behaviour and not allowing them to destroy delicate ecosystems.
Tourists who disregard safety regulations by not wearing helmets and seat belts, driving without a valid license, or engaging in reckless behaviour while under the influence of intoxicants — or even driving on beaches —should face consequences that extend beyond mere fines.
Tourists who disregard safety regulations by not wearing helmets and seat belts, driving without a valid license, or engaging in reckless behaviour while under the influence of intoxicants — or even driving on beaches —should face consequences that extend beyond mere fines.
Stricter penalties should be imposed to emphasise the importance of these safety measures and to deter such dangerous actions. The focus should be on ensuring that everyone understands the seriousness of these violations and the potential risks they pose to themselves and others.
A section of the police needs to be trained and allocated for dealing with unruly tourists. Tourism rules and consequences for non-compliance could be posted on social media platforms, published in newspapers and on leaflets for tourists.
Responsible tourists and accountable government are vital for Goa's thriving tourism industry.
The goose that lays the golden egg must be treated with care and finesse to ensure that tourists relish their getaway, locals have their peace, and stakeholders see a rewarding return on their investment.