The drop in foreign tourist arrivals in Goa has sparked a debate, with BJP MLA Michael Lobo attributing it, in part, to the sale of vada-pav and idli-sambar along the state’s beaches. Lobo claimed that businesses from outside Goa, particularly from Bengaluru, are renting beach shacks and serving these dishes, which, he argued, might be deterring international visitors.
Tourism Decline: Who is to Blame?
Speaking about the issue, Lobo said, “There is a hue and cry because of the drop in tourist numbers. In the coastal belt, be it North or South, there has been a sharp fall in the arrival of foreign visitors. A lot of factors are responsible for this.”
He added that Goans renting out their shacks to businessmen from other regions is another reason for the crisis, emphasizing that the government alone cannot be blamed. The MLA also pointed to the ongoing Ukraine war as a possible reason for the decline in tourists from Russia and former USSR countries.
Concerns Over Goa’s Tourism Future
Lobo urged the Goa tourism department and other stakeholders to hold a meeting to discuss solutions. He also highlighted issues such as disputes between cab aggregators and local tourist taxi operators, warning that if corrective measures are not taken, the tourism sector could face “dark days.”
Crackdown on Shack Violations
Amid these concerns, the Goa tourism department has taken action against 99 beach shacks for violating state regulations. A surprise inspection led to 80 shacks in North Goa and 19 in South Goa being found in breach of the Goa Shack Policy, with subletting being one of the primary violations.
“The inspection revealed multiple violations of the Goa Shack Policy, including instances of subletting. As a result, show-cause notices have been issued to the violators,” a department spokesperson stated.
Sources By Agencies
