Could greed seal future of Goa's tourism?

Present greed could be killing the goose that lays the golden egg in Goa's tourism.

In an effort to rake in the big bucks during the peak tourist season, shack owners may in fact be sealing their own fate and that of beach tourism in the near future in the former Portuguese enclave of Goa in India. A walk on the Calangute-Baga stretch in North Goa reveals a sea as far as eye can see. And no, it is not the Arabian Sea we are talking about, but a sea of beach beds and deck chairs put up by shack owners all along the coast line.

According to the tourism department, a maximum of 5 pairs of beach beds per shack are permissible. However, a random count on the Calangute beach gave an average of a staggering 25 pairs of beds per shack. These beds are laid out right up to the tide line seriously inconveniencing tourists wishing to stroll along the shore line.

On questioning, one shack owner got very aggressive stating that fees were paid giving them the right to put out beach beds. On explaining that the fee is basically for the shack and a set of 5 pairs of beds, she openly claimed that some prominent politicians have been "satisfied".

The Smiths, a couple from Europe, were quite clear about their experience in Calangute. "The beach here is way too crowded, not what we expected." they explained, adding, "We are constantly approached by various persons to occupy beach beds and patronize shacks. After a point all that hassling gets a bit too much. Quite frankly, if we want a drink we know enough to stop by a shack without being invited to do so."

Many tourists like the Smiths sometimes simply want to stroll along the beaches, soaking in the sun, sands and surf. What they do not want or need is the inconvenience of having to negotiate through a maze of beach beds.

Moreover, not all visitors to the beach are tourists. Locals too frequent the beach to unwind, especially on the weekends. They are least interested in the beach beds, paying between Rs 50 - 200 (approx 1 - 4 USD). However, with the beds lined right up to the tide line, they are left with simply no options.

Shack owners blame the illegalities on the "huge" license fee of Rs 30,000/- (approx 650 USD) to put up a shack during the tourist season. "This is our livelihood. We have to make our money," pleaded one shack owner who had beds stretching all the way to the water. Others were aware of the problem and admitted that it may affect the future business. However, many were more concerned about the present. "Who knows if we will be alive five years hence," was one Candolim shack owner's reply.

Can all of this be good for Goa's tourism industry? The CEO of Alfran Group of Hotels and former president of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa, Mr Charles Bonifacio was categorical in his criticism of shack owners. "They (shack owners) are completely oblivious to the actual needs of tourists, going about doing as they please. As a result, the beaches are becoming a sore eye." He expressed his concern that this rampant greed on the part of shack owners will affect the long-term health of tourism in the state. "A joint effort on the part of the government, hoteliers and shack owners is what is needed to maintain Goa's beaches" he adds.

But although the tourism department is well aware of the illegalities going on along the coastline it seems helpless. Ms Pamela Mascarenhas, deputy director of tourism said, "We tried to clear the illegal beds but were faced with a large mob that threatened our demolition squad, in spite of the presence of police." The department is waiting for further instructions from the court. Ms Mascarenhas came out strongly against the local shack owners saying it is they who should realize the folly of flooding the beaches with beds and deck chairs. "Tourists are fed up with the situation on the beach in Calangute-Baga. The presence of demolition squads and police will only add to the negative image. Shack owners try to make a fast buck, putting up illegal shacks and beach beds. But in the long run it is they themselves who will suffer once tourists decide to stay away.

Goa's reputation as a tourist destination is largely word of mouth with repeat clients constituting a majority of tourists each year. For tourism to grow and flourish in the state it is important for those in the industry to stop looking at quick returns with practices that are detrimental to its future in Goa. Continuation of current unscrupulous practices could sound the death knell of quality tourism in Goa.

Copyright 2007 S Gasper D'Souza. To publish this article on the web or print please email gasperd@gmail.com