Entrepreneur’s Open Letter to Goa CM Pramod Sawant: Tourists Feel Cheated in Goa Experience
Entrepreneur's Open Letter to Goa CM Pramod Sawant: Tourists Feel Cheated in Goa Experience
Mukherjee calls for real reform in Goa tourism, offering himself as a “scapegoat” if it brings change amidst accusations of spreading “false data.”
Lawyer and CEO Ramanuj Mukherjee responded strongly after the Goa Tourism Department filed a police complaint accusing him of spreading “false data” about tourism on social media, which allegedly impacted local businesses. In an open letter to Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Mukherjee called the complaint “frivolous” but offered to serve as a “scapegoat” if it would lead to real solutions for the state’s tourism challenges.
Mukherjee’s post on X highlighted declining foreign tourist numbers in Goa, noting issues like high taxi rates and inflated hotel bills, which he argued contributed to the decline. He stated his post struck a chord with many domestic travelers, who shared similar grievances about their experiences in Goa. His message quickly gained traction online, with multiple users echoing the concerns he raised.
In his letter, Mukherjee recounted his fond memories of visiting Goa as a student, emphasizing that the state’s charm has traditionally created repeat visitors. He expressed hope that his message would encourage the government to take meaningful action. “Goa needs repeat tourists who feel welcomed and not mistreated,” he wrote, warning that quick fixes would not address the underlying problems.
Mukherjee’s Tourism Statistics and Criticism:
Mukherjee’s post included a comparison of tourist data from 2019 to 2023. According to his figures, Goa saw 8 million domestic tourists in both years, while foreign tourism fell from 8.5 million to just 1.5 million. He argued that the decline in foreign tourists, including Russians and Britons, highlighted a need for structural reforms in Goa’s tourism policies. Mukherjee urged the chief minister to focus on substantive improvements rather than silencing online critics.
Goa Tourism Department’s Response:
In its press release, the Goa Tourism Department refuted Mukherjee’s claims, stating that foreign arrivals had actually increased to over 450,000 in 2023 from pandemic-era lows. They also noted a strong recovery in domestic tourism, which saw over 8 million visitors. The department cautioned that comparisons with other tourist destinations like Sri Lanka might be misleading, as they could “yield an inaccurate perspective” of Goa’s tourism performance.
Mukherjee closed his message with a call for positive change, expressing confidence in Sawant’s leadership. He stated, “Silencing critics on social media should not be the main focus right now, Goa deserves a thoughtful, long-term solution.”
