RE: Message: 3; 2 May 2008
http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=14664430 ; May 2 Subject: [Goanet] Goa choking on its tourist success, say Panaji, May 2 (IANS) Goa's infrastructure is beginning to crumble under the load of visitors, says the tourism industry that has called for an immediate upgrade of facilities. The state, which has a population of 1.4 million, receives some 2.5 million tourists each year. Of this, between 300,000 and 400,000 are foreigners, mainly from Europe. Goa's TTAG tourism lobby has pushed for visas-on-arrival, especially for British, Russian and Scandinavian tourists who form the bulk of the foreign market here. He said some 25,000 Russians visit Goa each year and, if infrastructure is available, there are intentions to increase this by 20,000 more. VISAS ON ARRIVAL FOR TOURISTS One reads with an element of disbelief That none other than Goa's Tourism chief Has urged visas on arrival for Brits and Russians Without thinking of the other wider repercussions But only to provide the tourism industry some relief. Surely an element of reciprocity is involved in such a scheme. Have we no sense of pride and self-esteem? Goans need visas to go abroad to any place So then when foreigners entering Goa face The same restrictions – that is reasonable it would seem. Or is it that we are so hell-bent on keeping up the pace Of growth of our tourism industry and its happy face? As it is, many of these tourists have been up to no good, So controls on their entry should not be misunderstood - For opportunism there should be no place. - - Shanti Dhoot