https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIGO%2F2019%2F01%2F07&entity=Ar00607&sk=8D3AB54F&mode=text
If the great poet TS Eliot lived in Goa in 2019, he might have written one of his most famous lines differently, “this is the way tourism ends, not with a bang but a whimper.” Less than two decades after the dawn of a new millennium brought unprecedented global attention and sustained international demand for the still-beautiful beaches, serene villages and vibrant composite culture of India’s smallest state, everything lies in shambles under an onslaught of the world’s least desirable visitors. The devastation is compounded by state mismanagement and woeful lack of vision. In a few blinks of the eye, much of what was special about Goa’s tourism brand has been grossly tarnished. All is not lost, but stubborn denial is not helping. Last week, Rajdeep Sardesai faced a firestorm of mindless criticism for tweeting bald facts, “Goa is witnessing a 30 per cent decline in footfalls of tourists this year.. High GST on hotels, hiked airfares part of the problem.. larger issue: has Goa tourism simply failed to move to next level.. Goa has so much more to offer than a Phuket yet well behind in tourism.” All this and more is routine understanding in Goa– and this newspaper has continually led reportage about the growing crisis – yet ill-informed commentators across the country piled on the knee-jerk outrage, many citing official data that tourism numbers are booming in India’s “sunshine state.” Conspicuously missing in the cacophony was the nuanced reality that raw aggregates of tourists remain sizable (indeed, too high for sustainable hospitality) while income plummets ever-downwards, as the minority of global travellers is repelled by hordes from neighbouring states. Michael Lobo accurately lamented last week, “Because of this type of tourists we’re not getting quality tourists. The good tourists have gone from Goa. If we don’t take corrective steps now, then tourism in Goa will die a slow death…On New Year’s morning there were thousands of discarded liquor and beer bottles on the beach stretch from Candolim to Baga, many of them broken. Because of all those broken bottles one couldn’t even walk on the beach with shoes. What kind of tourism is this? Why are we promoting this kind of tourism?” These are entirely valid questions by the deputy speaker. For years now, it has been apparent that tourism in Goa has become dangerously destructive, in the absence of governance, enforcement or limits. Much of the industry operates with impunity, emboldening cynical operators to continually push every limit of decency. In this lawless atmosphere, the fields become parking lots, the roadsides are used as kitchens and toilets, garbage gets strewn everywhere, and every kind of illegality flourishes openly. Meanwhile, the government crows over highly dubious raw numbers – supposedly nearly 8 million visitors in 2017 – instead of focusing on the devastating toll being paid by the environment, society and culture. This is the way that tourism ends, but it does not have to happen. With political will and stakeholder solidarity, recovery is entirely possible. If the administration simply implemented the existing laws and regulations, the situation would dramatically improve. An all-encompassing tourism policy anticipating future challenges is long overdue. Instead of casino sleaze that drives away families, Goa’s brand must move towards built and environmental heritage, as well as the abiding peace and tolerance that has always been its main attraction. Whatever government investment is available is required to shore up, protect and preserve these crown jewels of the state’s global appeal. At this crucial juncture for Goa tourism, wise heads and trustworthy hands are required to avert impending doom. Alas, the motley crew in office does not inspire confidence. Even as the coastline groans under unprecedented mountains of festering garbage, they have collectively failed to address beach cleaning. Several ministers have separately decried the degradation caused by current tourism policies, but all of them simultaneously support the irresponsible, egregious Mopa “second airport” project that will permanently prise open the floodgates. It’s an inherent contradiction, with immense political capital awaiting the first leader brave enough to break ranks in favour of the genuine interests of the electorate.