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Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660
Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/
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JGF to continue awareness on the impacts of Modern Mass Tourism
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On the occasion of World Tourism Day, Jagrut Goenkaranchi Fouz
(JGF) the activist campaign on tourism issues, rededicates itself to
the task of creating awareness on the impacts of Modern Mass Tourism
and its implications for Goa.
JGF expresses concern at repeated steps taken by the Central and State
Govts. to convert Goa as a tourism enclave on the west coast of the
country in the name of Free Port, Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and
Special Tourism Area (STA).
JGF is also concerned about the Govts. obsession to commodify the
culture and history of Goa for the growth of uncontrolled mass tourism
irrespective of the social and cultural implications to its people.
The increase in sale and consumption of narcotics and synthetic drugs
in Goa as well as the increased cases of sex tourism and paedophilia
are clear signs of the deterioration of Goa as a tourism destination and
the Govts. blatant inaction.
If the Goa Govt. is genuinely interested in promoting beach tourism then
it must first concentrate in providing essential facilities like life guards,
medical assistance, changing rooms, toilets, beach lighting and proper
parking, instead of concentrating on acquiring private land in coastal
villages for golf courses and luxury hotels.
JGF demands that the Goa Govt, announces its tourism policy and
clearly expresses its support to small businesses like family owned
beach shacks, rooms to rent, small restaurants and tavernas that
have promoted and preserved the Goan tradition of hospitality the
world over.
JGF strongly opposes the move to push through a golf course and
massive luxury hotel complex in the name of building the International
Mopa Airport and calls upon citizens to be alert to attempts to bring
back the Japanese Holiday Village through the back door.
JGF will strongly oppose any move to promote military tourism in Goa
or to convert any part of the State as an (R & R) Rest and Recreation
destination for foreign army and navy personnel involved in armed
conflict.
JGF will promote the setting up of Tourism and Beach Management
Committees in all coastal Village Panchayats and Municipal Councils
so that the local people have a share in the planning and decision
making process on infrastructure upgradation, Environment Impact
Assessment, Disaster Management and Carrying Capacity Studies.
JGF will focus on the garbage situation with special emphasis
on the "polluter pays principle" in all the areas visited by tourists.
JGF will also vigorously advocate Fairtrade in tourism during the
forthcoming season with the messages to tour operators,
travel agencies and the domestic & foreign tourists.
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JGF Press Release from Roland Martins.
Email Contact<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
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Jagrut Goenkaranchi Fouz (JGF) <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
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===an activist campaign on tourism issues in Goa===
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11 Liberty Apts, Feira Alta, Mapusa 403 507 Goa
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