Rising tourist numbers must be balanced with better management and ample facilities
The tourist season has begun early in Goa, which is a positive development for the state’s economy. In the past, beach shacks would begin operations only by late November, as the licensing process would start late. This year, however, shack owners were able to start their businesses before October 1. The Tourism Department streamlined the system and ensured there were no delays. The term that ended in 2025-26 was extended for a fourth year under the same conditions.
According to the Tourism Department, visitor footfalls in 2025 were 1.04 crore. Of these, 7.5 lakh were foreigners. But it is not merely the number of tourists that matters; the quality is equally important. Goa needs foreign tourists, as the country gets foreign exchange and it also elevates the state’s profile as a tourist destination. In the 90s and the first decade of the new millennium, charter tourists were the backbone of many hotels. We used to get foreign tourists without the government spending huge amounts on promotional campaigns. At one time, we were told that because of restrictions at Dabolim airport – it being a defence airport – more charters could not operate. It’s almost four years since the Mopa international airport was inaugurated, and we are yet to see a spurt in charter operations. Domestic tourists will come to Goa even without promotional activities – Goa is a big brand in the country.
Presently, with charter tourism yet to regain its earlier momentum, the increase in tourist numbers is being driven largely by domestic mass tourism. The fallouts of this were evident last weekend – October 2-4, when the coastal belt of Bardez witnessed chaotic scenes. Tourists as well as locals were put to much inconvenience. Hordes of tourists, some with their own vehicles, descended on the beach belt, throwing life out of gear. Elected representatives also complained that there was no order on the roads and that hardly any traffic policemen were seen on the ground. Why should locals and tourists suffer because the government fails to handle the sudden tourist inflow? Shouldn’t the long weekends be better managed? When we promote tourism, we should be prepared to make life safe and comfortable for all. Many tourists complain of a lack of changing rooms and washroom facilities on the beach. Highways also lack public utilities.
To tackle the negative effects of tourism, the Tourist Trade Act has been amended, but tourists are still drinking on the beach. Touts are having a field day. On and off, on the instructions of the Tourism Department, the police clamp down on them. However, the action is temporary. Now, the Tourism Department has proposed to use drones to apprehend touts! Touts are openly seen promoting casinos in the heart of the capital city. One may say that police action against them may not be prompt, as the Police Department itself promotes casinos through its barricading boards.
The Dudhsagar Waterfall trips and jeep safaris restarted operations on Sunday with a cap of 240 trips per day, a ban on plastic bottles and carry bags, and a warning of action against rash driving, over-speeding and alcohol consumption. There has to be proper enforcement to discourage visitors from using plastic bottles and one-time carry bags. The government must focus on ensuring that locals derive more benefits from tourism. Dudhsagar waterfall trips are not new. They have been part of eco-tourism and hinterland tourism for many years now. Also, to ensure that the tourist season benefits all within the available infrastructure and other facilities, the Tourism Department must have proper coordination with related departments such as the Traffic Police, Transport Department and Forests Department.
