A Sneak Preview of Gradual Progress of Tourism in Goa

Once a dominated Portuguese Colony, Goa is one most sought-after holiday spot in India. This tiny region with area just 3,700 sq.km and population around 1.5 million has long been a favorite hunt for nature-loving travelers. Every year, about 2 million tourists land on Goa’s shores in search of a delightful holiday, and this small state does never disappoint anyone. But studies now present a different image, stating that impact of mass tourism is coercing Goa. Surely, massive tourism growth in Goa is not something happened overnight. The process began in sixties with arrival of hippies, and proceeded gradually. If believing on reports, Goa was a paradise for hippies in sixties and seventies, who came to celebrate their weekends at Goa’s beautiful beaches. They were friendly people, and were able to cope-up with Goa’s very own lifestyle, its local food and simple accommodation. Also, they were being accepted by locals, as they provided locals with extra-income and often made friendly relationship with them. The same things lasted till mid-eighties, but after arrival of Goa charter flights, the changes really began to take place. A new class of tourists, who had money as well as desire for western amenities, began to land in Goa. To cater the growing needs of this new breed of travelers, foreign investors and tour companies wasted no time in establishing new tourism facilities including hotels, resorts, restaurants and golf courses in Goa. These high-spending tourists were welcomed by the government and local people too. However, majority of money spent by these tourists went to the branded hotel owners and travel companies who provided Goa packages to the travelers. Goa tourism was on the right track now. Today Goa tourism is flourishing like never before. About two million tourists visit Goa beaches and other coastal places of the state every year. Now the state has become a prominent tourist destination in India offering the travelers a variety of tourism attractions to discover. Being squeezed of water resources and filled with a number of historical landmarks, Goa ensures a complete holiday full of delights. Vibrant nightlife options, enchanting markets and delicious shopping & cuisines add more spices to the holiday in Goa. Moreover, a range of sports at its beaches never fails to impress adventure buffs. No doubt, tourism has become a major component of Goa’s well-progressing economy, it has caused some troubles too which Goa finds hard to deal with. Tourists coming from far and wide in Goa rarely consider the ecological price of their comforts. Huge wastage of water, electricity and other resources which are limited in the state has caused a major problem in Goa. Increasing number of vehicles, hotels and dining avenues has aggravated environmental pollution. Besides this, tourists drink several bottles of water in a day and discard them in open for somebody else to deal with. The government should take appropriate steps to stop it. However, it’s also the responsibility of travelers to help maintaining the ecological and preserving the heavenly beauty of the state.