Proposals for sustainable tourism

Proposals for sustainable tourism

Summary:

Since the beginning of its history, Goa has been attracted by the beauty of its nature and its quiet way of life. The island was home to hippies and backpackers who easily adapted to the local way of life.

But when Goa became a source of income for foreign professionals. Their impact on the island and the environment has worsened year by year and is now more negative than positive.

Analysis:

By conducting a detailed analysis, a rapid deterioration in the standard of living and the environment has been noticed based on a number of reasons:

-the tourism industry consumes huge amounts of water (which is in short supply to residents), electricity and building materials, the number of cars and motorbikes has increased significantly and the amount of emissions into the environment has increased accordingly

- The hedonistic culture is all too developed, with the younger generation losing all sense of Goa's culture and identity. As the number of newcomers increases, so does the amount of crime on the island.

- The local environment has been overrun by foreign investors who have built hotels, restaurants and bars on the shores, further polluting the environment.

- The benefits to the host community have been minimal, as most of the profits have gone into the pockets of external stakeholders, foreign investors who create infrastructure to meet the needs of Western tourists. This significantly reduces the earnings of locals.

Bottom line:

65 per cent of rental properties are owned by non-residents of Goa, 20-25 per cent by Goans from Indian cities and 10-15 per cent by natives of Goa.  Large hotels and outside vendors reap the economic rewards, while locals must bear the social and environmental burdens.  Potential profits are also siphoned off by neighbouring states as Goa imports food from Karnataka and Maharashtra instead of supporting local farmers.

To solve these problems and beautify the local population, culture and economy, a number of measures need to be taken, which will be included in the list:

-a ban on building swimming pools in hotels and golf courses and on the use of hoses in times of drought.

- install litter bins every 200-300 metres to ensure cleanliness and set up a recycling programme.

- Limit the construction of holiday homes and introduce a tax on existing properties.

- to support the culture of Goa, tourists could be encouraged to stay with local families to learn about the culture, music and traditions of the island.

- Demolish unlicensed establishments and control the use of shops, restaurants and hotels.

-Employ locals in the businesses so that tourists can get a better taste of Goa's flavour.

Otherwise, the destruction of the nature and culture of the island will accelerate more and more…