The backbone of Goa’s economy, the Tourism trade is in total shambles and doldrums. Unless some concrete steps are taken it may be extremely intricate for the industry to recover from the current crisis.
Instead of ensuring that the crumbling infrastructure here is first enhanced, the government delegations have been merrily jetting around the globe on junkets squandering crores of tax payer’s money on the guise of promoting Goa. The tourist inflow has been retreating for varied reasons. Besides the wretched infrastructure, the accident prone roads, erratic water and power supply, stray dogs and cattle, garbage strewn all over and the very high taxes have been turning the tourists off. Due to the alarming crime rate with increasing rapes, murders and dacoities Goa has also become a very unsafe place while the authorities seize every opportunity to fleece the tourists. The uncontrolled looting by some flight operators during peak season in overcharging the visitors, the inflated tariffs by hoteliers and taxis, open boozing, defecation and urination by tourists, has all killed Goa from being the best tourist destination. Goa was once the paradise of the East and the government for lack of vision is solely responsible for converting it into a gambling, prostitution and narcotics destination. Our only solace is that the terrorists have so far not yet landed here. But with the current loose cannons by the very impulsive Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, if Goa becomes their target we may even lose the leftovers of the once flourishing Tourism trade and industry. Aires Rodrigues Advocate High Court C/G-2, Shopping Complex Ribandar Retreat, Ribandar – Goa – 403006 Mobile No: 9822684372 Office Tel No: (0832) 2444012 Email: airesrodrigu...@gmail.com Or airesrodrig...@yahoo.com You can also reach me on Facebook.com/ AiresRodrigues Twitter@rodrigues_aires