As tourist season ends in Goa, time to ponder the future

This is the time of the season where one not only has to look back but, as Goa prepares for the rains, look forward on how to make the State a better place for locals and visitors.

Statistically, the tourist arrivals this season have been good and the icing was that most come to Goa not just for the beaches, but more because of its people. The cultural ethos of the people, or their upbringing, is what draws most tourists to Goa.

Goans can be described in many ways, but what stands out is their simplicity, their ability to accept others – sometimes unaware of the consequences – and also forgiving nature. This class of Goans will always remain in Goa, and will be difficult to replicate anywhere else.

On the negative side, the lingering issue remained the eyesore of this season and there appears no solution in sight. Complains of high fares gave an indication that things went from bad to worse, and it continues to send a wrong message about Goa tourism to the world.

Statistically, the tourist arrivals this season have been good and the icing was that most come to Goa not just for the beaches, but more because of its people.

The 2024-25 tourist season saw, for the first time, a number of tourists taking on locals physically, and it did not ring well because it reflects on the nature of tourists we are attracting.

Such news is bad for the industry from an international viewpoint, especially with foreign tourists already having reservations about their Indian counterparts.

Whether we accept it or not, tourists have always been seen coming to Goa based on stories shaped by stereotypes. Instead of enjoying the place, they view Goa as a place for cheap booze and voyeuristic beach freedom.

This season, the aggression displayed by domestic tourists has been luckily restricted to locals. Had it involved international guests, the ramifications would not have been pleasant.

The reaction of the locals to incidents of was typically Goan – laissez faire and patient, though when things got unbearable, it was always the locals who won the battle.

Another interesting, though not surprising, trend that evolved during the season is the way touts cornered business related to tourism and sullied the industry. This needs to change.

A shack run by a local will always be different from that run by outsiders.

The presence of prostitution on the coastal belt raises serious concerns. Tourists were lured, exhorted and sometimes even threatened with jail. This speaks of a nexus and involvement of players more powerful than expected.

On the other hand, that were meant for the locals were sublet to outsiders. This doesn't bode well for the character of Goa tourism and in the long run will change the profile of many shacks along the coast.

A shack run by a local will always be different from that run by outsiders. Shacks are places for foreigners because domestic tourists are still hesitant to fully embrace the beach culture.

Like other stakeholders, most agents in Goa survive on business from foreign guests. Indian guests barely add the jingle to their pockets and hence more emphasis must be placed on marketing abroad.

Room pricing, many agents claim, has been a deterrent after the Covid-19 pandemic. Surely, there must be a way out so as to benefit everyone. This is one sphere the stakeholders should ponder on as the rains wait to lash on our window panes.