Daijiworld Media Network- Panaji

Panaji, Feb 28: Goa’s tourism industry is facing a downturn, with a noticeable drop in the number of tourists visiting the state this season. While social media users have cited exorbitant hotel and taxi fares as key reasons, BJP MLA Michael Lobo has pointed fingers at a lack of local cuisine, stray dogs, and non-Goan shack operators for the decline.

Expressing concern over the changing culinary landscape of Goa’s beach shacks, the Calangute MLA alleged that outsiders from Delhi, Bengaluru, and Maharashtra have taken over the food business, selling idli-sambar and vada pao at beachside outlets.

“What are you trying to tell the tourists? What kind of tourism are we promoting?” Lobo questioned, urging the tourism department to revoke the licenses of shacks rented to non-Goans. He stressed that these establishments should serve Goan food, continental cuisine, seafood, and international dishes that tourists prefer.

“I am not against idli-sambar… it is available on the main road. But shacks are meant to showcase local Goan cuisine and culture. Are we going to display the culture of Hyderabad, Maharashtra, or Karnataka on our beaches?” Lobo remarked, as quoted by The Indian Express.

Lobo also raised concerns about the stray dog menace on Goa’s beaches, stating that lack of coordination among government departments has worsened the situation.

“The tourism department thinks the animal husbandry department should handle it, and the animal husbandry department expects the local village panchayats to take responsibility. Meanwhile, foreign tourists are getting bitten by stray dogs,” he lamented.

He further highlighted the clashes between local taxi operators and app-based aggregators, stressing that tourists should return with pleasant memories rather than bad experiences.

Calling for urgent corrective measures, Lobo warned that Goa’s tourism sector could face ‘dark days’ if these issues are not tackled effectively. He urged all stakeholders to accept their mistakes and work towards reviving the state's tourism industry.