Goa’s Tourism Risks Being a Pattaya-Somalia Hybrid: Vijai Sardesai
Goa’s Tourism Risks Being a Pattaya-Somalia Hybrid: Vijai Sardesai
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai condemns Goa’s tourism and real estate policies, calls for a shift towards models seen in Mauritius and criticizes the state’s direction.
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai on Monday claimed that Goa has the potential to mirror the tourism success of Mauritius but criticized the government for turning the state into a “Pattaya-Somalia hybrid.” During a legislative assembly discussion on tourism grants, Sardesai argued that Goa’s natural beauty and progressive community should position it as a premier travel destination. However, he lamented that the current state of tourism resembles “third-rate” attractions due to widespread garbage and inadequate policies.
Sardesai expressed dissatisfaction with the tourism department’s homestay policy. He argued it has strayed from its original aim of employing locals. He accused the policy of allowing individuals from Delhi to operate hotels under the guise of homestays. Despite the requirement that owners or promoters reside, in the establishments. The policy’s definition of a promoter, being merely the holder of a power of attorney, fails to address domicile specifics, according to Sardesai.
He also criticized a project in Zuari for promoting property sales under the tourism banner, suggesting that tourism should not serve as a real estate promotion tool. Sardesai warned that if international airlines continue shifting operations from Dabolim to Mopa airport, South Goa could become a “ghost town,” undermining Goa’s brand.
Additionally, Sardesai accused the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) of misusing Rs 2.9 crore for the 2024 parliamentary elections, despite having a separate election budget. Opposition leader Yuri Alemao further criticized the Sunburn festival, labelling it as a drug event and expressing opposition to its continuation in South Goa.
