New dawn for Goa tourism as it evolves to meet modern challenges

MUKESH THALI

Tourism in Goa has come a long way since the 1980s when it was known as a haven for backpackers and hippies. Over the decades, Goa has transformed into a global tourism hotspot, attracting visitors for its pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage and its growing adventure and wellness sectors.

However, this growth has brought significant challenges, more so in the post-COVID era, where it has become essential to view tourism from a new perspective, as travellers now prefer experiential and immersive tourism.

Reviving tourism sustainably is crucial as it remains the backbone of Goa’s economy, especially with the mining sector at a standstill. But, this revival does not come without challenges.

Today, Goa faces domestic competition as states across India ramp up their tourism campaigns, with even less traditional destinations, like Chhattisgarh, launching strong initiatives.

Further, Goa's unique tourism profile faces competition from international destinations that offer similar experiences. The global tourism landscape is more competitive than ever, making it imperative for Goa to evolve its approach to stay ahead.

Researching the draft Goa Tourism Promotion, Management, and Regulation Bill, 2024, I noticed comments and opinions, some of which were valid while others appeared to be political disruptions.

A significant concern raised was that the Bill would require local events, such as weddings, religious yatras and community gatherings to be registered.

However, this only pertains to tourism-related activities involving tourists. Local cultural and community events will remain unaffected by these regulations.

Another issue that gained undue attention was the sustainability fee. Leading tourism destinations, such as New Zealand and the Maldives, have successfully implemented sustainability fees into their tourism models, ensuring that the sector remains environmentally friendly.

It is evident that the proposed fee is not a fixed 2% but up to 2%, depending on local consultations.

As explained by Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte in the Assembly, the fee will only apply to specific notified tourism clusters and will be determined in consultation with local stakeholders, including MLAs, panchayats and local tourism enterprises.

A challenge Goa faces is ensuring the safety and security of tourists. Numerous reports of reckless driving, pollution and misbehaviour highlight the need for better enforcement.

The draft Bill proposes the creation of a Tourist Security Force (TSF), designed to address these issues.

There have been concerns that the TSF might create a parallel security force, but forward-thinking destinations such as Dubai and Singapore have successfully implemented similar dedicated forces.

Goa’s TSF will not replace the police force, but will work alongside existing law enforcement to enhance safety in key tourist areas. The draft Bill says only the deployment of police personnel will be done by the Tourism Director.

Goa currently receives over 10 million tourists annually, and over-tourism remains a significant challenge. Without proper planning, the State's infrastructure and environment risk becoming overburdened.

The draft Bill proposes managing the flow of tourists by improving amenities and planning around peak tourist seasons. Failing to address these issues could lead Goa down the same path such as cities like Barcelona and Santorini, where locals have begun to resent the overwhelming number of tourists.

The current tourism policies do not fully address many of the challenges Goa faces, such as over-tourism and illegalities. The draft Bill introduces a scientific study to assess Goa’s carrying capacity and aims to develop a master plan that balances tourism growth with the need to conserve the State’s natural resources.

Such a strategy is crucial to ensuring that tourism remains sustainable, allowing Goa to continue benefiting from its natural beauty while protecting it for future generations.

I have also come across reports about the deteriorating condition of our beaches, which are increasingly ruined by waste and pollution. It is reassuring to see that the Bill plans to introduce stricter regulations to address waste management and ensure the preservation of Goa’s coastline.

The master plan proposed by the Bill aims to stimulate development in seven key focus areas of tourism: eco and nature-based tourism; Goan waters (beaches and water sports); heritage and spiritual culture; adventure tourism; MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions); leisure and entertainment; and wellness and medical tourism.

By targeting these sectors, the draft Bill aims to ensure that Goa continues to be a top-tier global tourism destination while promoting sustainability and protecting the interests of local communities.

While the draft Bill seems to have the right intentions, it is important that it undergoes a thorough review to incorporate more public input. The pre-legislative process has been widely praised for its inclusivity, even during Assembly discussions.

It is encouraging that the draft Bill was kept open for public consultation. This is an opportunity for local stakeholders to share their input and ensure that the legislation reflects the needs of Goan communities.

The Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant, and the Tourism Minister, Rohan Khaunte, have reiterated their commitment to addressing feedback from the public.

The minister, who has received multiple industry accolades, has proven to be well-connected within the tourism industry, and there is a strong likelihood that he will listen to the concerns of locals and integrate their suggestions into the final version of the Bill.

The draft Bill, is not just a set of new rules; it represents a new direction for the future of tourism in Goa. By focusing on sustainable growth, community engagement and modern governance, this Bill has the potential to ensure that Goa remains a world-class tourism destination for the future.

(The author is freelance journalist, former AIR newscaster and multi-lingual writer)