down in Goa It appears that it is worst tourism year in Goa. Many chartered flights are cancelled and moved to other destinations. The junkets by MLA`s ,Ministers to attract tourists have fallen flat. In spite of the exposition of the sacred relics of St Xaviers, the usual Christmas, new year and EDM festivals bashes, dances beach parties, refund of taxes paid on good purchased, the tempo of inflow of expected tourists is at its lowest ebb. The Visa on arrival has not made the dent, though it is a face saver of sorts to beat the drums in troubled tourism prism
Local and foreign tourists are realizing that for better cost effective tours there are other competing destinations unfolding with better options .The garbage strewn all over Goa is repugnant to cleanliness conscious tourist from the west .The stake holders have in their greed and avarice have killed the goose that laid the golden egg. The cost of taxi fares are exorbitant, the fights between taxi owners intimidating and threatening other forms of transport to monopolize the trade are having negative impact. There are no fare meters in place, in spite Govt willingness to extend loan facility to install meters, besides the transport authorities are buckling under the pressures. The air and bus fares, hotel and private accommodation, general costs of necessities including food are at their nadir and virtually prohibitive .Goa has reached a plateau in selling unclean, unsafe beaches with negative strokes on beach wear and unnecessary imposition of traditions and customs on outsiders. Even the low budget, Indian tourists have seen the exploitations to the hilt.. The greatest attraction is availability of cheap alcohol It is time to wake up and understand the desire to make a fast buck has been counterproductive for all stake holders, who are lamenting and ruing the roost. Excessive dependence on tourism without proper infrastructure in place is no answer to sustainable tourism, simply milking dry the goodwill of tourists.let better sense prevail Nelson Lopes Chinchinim