How can Ajgaonkar ignore tourism stakeholders?

| JANUARY 15, 2019, 02:26 AM IST

Travel and Tourism Association of Goa’s thumbs down to tourism minister Manohar Babu Ajgaonkar comes as a huge setback to the State which is struggling as a tourist destination. The worst case scenario for any tourism minister is a vote of no confidence by stakeholders. The very fact that the tourism minister has not met the TTAG despite requests reflects a serious disconnect and this does not bode well for the industry.   

With a critical assessment of tourism, the TTAG has indirectly said that Ajgaonkar is not a deserving tourism minister, as promised by chief minister Manohar Parrikar at the time of allocating portfolios in 2017. There is worry all around since there is a significant decline in tourists and foreigners are giving Goa a slip. To make matters worse, foreigners have to pay a hefty visa fee to India in comparison to some of the other international tourist destinations like Thailand and Cambodia. It is at times like these when any tourism minister would pool all his resources and bring all stakeholders to the table. Surprisingly, Ajgaonkar appears unperturbed and has refused to meet the apex tourism body and other stakeholders, including shack owners.   

A stamp of disapproval and rejection of the tourism minister reflects a sense of failure and the chaos that lies within. This is not the time to bask in false pride over insignificant achievements that are irrelevant to the bigger picture. The app-based taxi service which the tourism minister is bragging about hasn’t been able to establish its presence and we cannot blow the trumpet over better police bandobast – it’s not going to impress the tourists.   

The failing tourism season and the panic thereon is clearly visible with the government announcing its carnival celebration dates months in advance. It is clear that the domestic tourist is driving Goa’s tourism for now, whether we like it or not. And this is surely not the time for Goa to be choosy about its tourists. Calangute MLA Michael Lobo may have to hold his taunt of regulating ‘cheap tourists’.   

Goa needs attention on far more serious issues. The oft-spoken about garbage issue on beaches continues to be a nightmare for tourism and the tourism minister has failed to address it convincingly. It’s time the government realises that the promos, travel shows and the foreign jaunts which Ajgaonkar has focused on have failed miserably. All these are exercises in futility and have failed to get us those targeted tourists. They have only drained the already cash-strapped treasury.   

It’s time the government takes a serious view of its tourism. Stakeholders should be on board and TTAG which has been at the helm of Goa’s tourism for years cannot be sidelined.     

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