Village Tourism As a Key to Meet the Challenge of Sustaining Tourism in Goa

Abstract

On the historic day of 191h December 1961, Portuguese colonialism. extending to 451 long years, finally came to an end in Goa. Post Liberation, in the mid-sixties, the hippies discovered the kingdom of good times in Goa, and for this particular horde of rebels, nothing seemed more enthralling. They progressively nestled at the far end of the l 05 kms. white shoreline, fringed with swaying palms, the green fields and orchards. Commercialization of the virgin white beaches, with its irresistible sun and surf was yet to take place. But, for some strange reason, the 'Hippy Image' stuck for good, it probably had to do with, if not more, an equally fun loving and peace-loving local populace. The historical past, in addition to the strategic alliance with rich heritage, not to forget its irresistible natural beauty, served as powerful paraphernalia to attract the guests to its doorsteps. In this backdrop, it is but natural that over the decades, the tourist traffic to this state has registered a phenomenal growth and is incessant. Undeniably, international tourists as well as domestic tourists flooded the tiny state and at times, this floating population exceeded the residents as was the case in December 2003. As per the Tourism department, the Year 2003 saw a record total of532 charter flights bringing in 140,000 foreign tourists and the total guests that particular year touched a colossal figure of2.045 million. According to Mr Ralph de Souza, president of TI AG (Travel and Tourism Association of Goa), "Over 90 per cent of the charter/lights coming into India touch base at Goa while Goan stakeholders in the tourism industry have invested over~ 20,000 crore, employing over 5 lakh people, and contributing I /3rd to Goa's GDP", Kamat Prakash (2010). Thus, it comes as no surprise that, with the optimistic leaning exhibited by tourism, it was but natural that the Government of Goa declared it as an 'Industry' in the year 2000.