Tourists need to extend respect and courtesy when in Goa

SRIDHAR D IYER

Some decades ago, tourists used to flock to Goa mainly during summer vacation. Most avoided the intense monsoon months, and again there used to be a peak in December.

In recent years, Goa has become a well-visited place, especially by domestic tourists, during weekends that are coupled with national holidays.

Overtourism has become an issue for Goa which is impacting the social fabric, environment and infrastructure (roads, , electricity), leading to the construction of temporary and permanent accommodations, increasing the cost of food and so forth.

In addition to Goa’s population of 15 lakh people and nearly an equal number of vehicles, there is an influx of lakhs of tourists and their vehicles.

It is only because tourism makes up for the revenue shortfall with the reduction of mining activities that Goans plod on, attempting to be patient and resilient.

It is only because tourism makes up for the revenue shortfall with the reduction of mining activities that Goans plod on, attempting to be patient and resilient.

A segment of tourists overstep boundaries because of the nonconfrontational nature of most Goans and the atmosphere.

Easy availability of rent-a-vehicle and roads with hardly any traffic lights (or working ones) or cops seem an open invitation to tourists to speed, drive rashly, and drink and drive, even on beaches.

Tourists don’t seem concerned that drinking in public is illegal and do so in gardens, while walking but mostly on the beaches. Several, with their inhibitions down, are foolhardy enough to enter the sea, courting disaster and death.

Many leave liquor , broken and whole, without a thought for the other people on the beach.

Tourists tend to visit places in Goa that have featured in films and create chaos there.

Their lack of respect for places of worship, wearing clothes that leave little to the imagination, is deplorable.

You find tourists littering or scribbling on the walls of forts (Chapora, ), peeping into or entering houses (in Sao Tome and Fontainhas - the Latin Quarters in Panaji), taking photographs in the middle of the road (Madani, the coconut trees-lined road in Parra) and defacing statues at Dona Paula.

Their lack of respect for places of worship, wearing clothes that leave little to the imagination, is deplorable.

There is utter disrespect for local culture, tradition, rules and regulations and the environment.   

CAN THE TOURISTS BE REINED IN?

The government and industry could do more to educate the tourists through social media and influencers and proclaim loud and clear that Goa is not only for fun and frolic but has much more to offer.

There should be boards with warnings besides police stationed at various tourist areas to enforce rules and regulations.

There should be boards with warnings besides police stationed at various tourist areas to enforce rules and regulations. Leaflets with do’s and don’ts could be given to tourists on their arrival and at hotels.

Well-lit roads and bylanes using solar-powered lights and strategic placement of CCTV cameras would discourage mischief makers. Regular patrolling by cops, especially during the night, is crucial as a deterrent.

The local communities and stakeholders could be ambassadors of goodwill by promulgating the positive aspects of Goa. These could be about Goa’s history, art, , cuisine, celebrations and the joyous mingling of people in each other’s festivals.

The harmonious co-existence of people belonging to different religions should stand as a shining example for discerning tourists to carry back home as sweet memories.      

Goa welcomes well-behaved tourists who are sensitive to the environment and respect the locals.

Goa welcomes well-behaved tourists who are sensitive to the environment and respect the locals, who would like to go about their daily lives without being inconvenienced.