Sawant Counters False Propaganda: Goa’s Tourism Sector in Full Swing

Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a strong rebuke to social media influencers and users spreading misleading information, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has asserted that the state’s tourism sector is thriving, contrary to claims of a decline in tourist arrivals.
Sawant’s remarks come amid a flurry of social media posts suggesting that Goa’s streets and beaches are eerily empty, a narrative he vehemently disputes.
Speaking to the media, Sawant emphasized that social media influencers are misguiding the public by claiming that tourists are avoiding Goa in favor of other destinations.
“They are doing the wrong thing; they are giving a wrong message about Goa to the people. I also want to tell them that they should come and see the coastal sites themselves,” he said.
Sawant highlighted that the months of November, December, and January are traditionally the peak tourism season in Goa, and this year has been no exception. “As always, different festivals, from international festivals to Christmas and December 31, are celebrated with great fanfare. The months of Nov, Dec, and Jan in Goa are going to be filled with tourists. All the hotels here are full,” he stated. He further added that every beach in Goa is bustling with activity, and the roads are filled with vehicles, indicating a robust tourist presence.
The Chief Minister’s comments are supported by data showing a record number of tourist arrivals in 2024. Despite some social media claims of deserted streets and beaches, the reality on the ground paints a different picture.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has also echoed Sawant’s sentiments, noting that near-full occupancy rates in both four-star and five-star hotels are a testament to the sector’s health.
Sawant’s defense of Goa’s tourism industry is not just about numbers; it also underscores the significant economic impact of tourism on the state. Goa’s economy is largely driven by tourism, which supports a wide range of industries and livelihoods, from hospitality to small businesses and local artisans.
The state’s strategic enhancements in infrastructure, including the commissioning of the Manohar International Airport in Mopa and upgrades to the existing Dabolim Airport, have made travel to Goa more accessible and convenient for both domestic and international tourists.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, the state has diversified its tourism offerings to include eco-tourism, spiritual tourism, and regenerative tourism, attracting a broader range of visitors and providing richer, more immersive experiences. These initiatives aim to deliver benefits to local communities while supporting the region’s sustainability goals.
Sawant’s criticism of social media misinformation is part of a broader context where the Chief Minister and his government have faced personal attacks and malicious campaigns. Recently, Sawant’s wife, Sulakshana Sawant, filed a ₹100 crore defamation suit against AAP leader Sanjay Singh for allegedly linking her to a cash-for-jobs scam. This suit highlights the ongoing battle against false propaganda and defamation that the Chief Minister and his family are facing.
In his New Year message, Sawant called for overcoming hard feelings and entering 2025 with unwavering faith, emphasizing the need to move forward with the experiences of the past. His message of resilience and faith is particularly relevant given the challenges posed by misinformation and personal attacks.