“Goa tourism is at a crossroads today with claims of a decline in tourists. At this juncture where there does not seem to be a dip in Goa’s popularity, except for the social media influencers,
who seem to be on a mission to tarnish Goa’s image over overpricing, taxis, crimes etc.
This is the time when the government or tourism department and the MLAs, especially coastal MLAs, have to work hand in hand to find a solution.
Of course, the Tourism department’s figures do not see any decline in tourist arrivals and they have data to prove it.
However, what Michael Lobo and Calangute Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira say should also be not ignored as both have served the premier tourism constituency for too long.”
In the last few days or maybe the last couple of years there has been a lot of mudslinging in the tourism sector or allegations and counter-allegations between the two stalwarts of BJP – Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte and Calangute MLA Michael Lobo.
Michael Lobo has been the MLA of the tourism hotspot of Calangute for three terms and has worked hard to develop infrastructure in the coastal constituency, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has played a role in promoting Goa tourism at the national and international level and bringing about regulations in the tourism sector – which was never looked into the past like beach shacks, homestays, watersports etc.
Now the two have been at loggerheads for a couple of years and this does not gel well for Goa tourism, especially because both are from the ruling BJP government.
Goa tourism is at a crossroads today with claims of a decline in tourists. At this juncture where there does not seem to be a dip in Goa’s popularity, except for the social media influencers,
who seem to be on a mission to tarnish Goa’s image over overpricing, taxis, crimes etc.
This is the time when the government or tourism department and the MLAs, especially coastal MLAs, have to work hand in hand to find a solution.
Of course, the Tourism department’s figures do not see any decline in tourist arrivals and they have data to prove it.
However, what Michael Lobo and Calangute Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira say should also be not ignored as both have served the premier tourism constituency for too long.
But the duo have to bring the discrepancies to the notice of the Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte and the Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant rather than venting ire before the media.
The issue seems to be beyond the Tourism downfall which people may not realise now but we feel personal egos must not kill the Golden goose of Goa tourism.
Tourism should not meet the same fate as mining.
Mining was also the golden goose of Goa which was killed by politicians for personal egos after allegations of ₹35000 cr illegal mining. To date since 2012 mining has come to a grinding halt with no sight of the recovery of illegal mining.
People have suffered. Goa has suffered.
We urge all to not let Tourism meet the same fate as mining because Goa’s future is at stake our youth’s future is at stake.
Goa, the jewel of India’s western coast, stands at a critical juncture in its tourism journey. In recent times, the discord between key figures within the ruling BJP government has cast a shadow over the future of this vital sector.
As Goa navigates this delicate phase, it is imperative that both the tourism department and elected representatives unite for the greater good. Rather than staring daggers at each other, Khaunte and Lobo must leverage their positions to mend fences and tackle tourism-related challenges head-on. It is time to set aside personal differences for the collective benefit of a state that relies heavily on its image as a welcoming and vibrant tourist destination.
As Goa tourism is at a crossroads; proactive measures are essential to ensure it does not follow the tragic path of mining.
With visionary leadership and a commitment to teamwork, Goa can maintain its status as a sought-after destination while safeguarding the interests of its citizens.
Both Rohan and Michael are sensible enough and have immense love for Goa and we hope they both will bury the hatchet and not allow others to take undue advantage of the situation and work for the betterment of Amchem Goem.
The future of tourism in Goa—like its beautiful beaches—depends on the ability to navigate waves of challenges with unity, foresight, and integrity.
