Even the upper middle classes seem to have some fascination for the up-market tourists, given their spending power (and possibly their class solidarity too). Not with the unshaven millions, who are seen as having no right to a holiday anyway.
Some time back, I was myself surprised on reading the first draft of *Fish, Curry, Rice*, the Claude Alvares-edited report on the state of the Goan environment, first put together (as a draft) around 1987. The argument there was that "hippy tourism is kinder to the environment". It was pointed out that a single five-star (then) consumed as much power as five Goan villages, for instance! Prior to that, the discourse here largely saw the Western hippy as somehow morally polluting. In addition to what you say, Patrice, Goan politicians have also openly "served" as directors (sometimes owners) of luxury resorts. The generous government subsidies which were available at one time made this an "industry" worth defending and sticking one's neck out for. Money makes the world go round, doesn't it? FN On Mon, 7 Jan 2019 at 18:21, Patrice Riemens <[email protected]> wrote: > > Low-end tourists, both Indian and foreign are not welcomed by the local > politicians class. One of the reason is that it brings nothing in for > them. Hi-class tourism and hi-end tourist infrastructure is so much more > fun: so many benefits, one of which is that they themselves can wallow > in luxury visiting ***** hotels, for free of course. You won't see a > politician enjoying a beach-side shack I guess. > > -- FN* फ्रेड्रिक नोरोन्या * فريدريك نورونيا +91-9822122436 AUDIO: https://archive.org/details/@fredericknoronha TEXT: http://bit.ly/2SBx41G PIX: http://bit.ly/2Rs1xhl Can't get through on mobile? Please SMS/WhatsApp
