Are you planning a vacation in Goa, investing in property or business or considering relocating to the state? Goa might not be for you – it’s definitely not for everyone.
The state on the west coast of India is a former Portuguese colony with a rich history. It is a collection of villages spread over 3,702 square kilometers with a population of about 1.58 million; It is quite small by Indian standards. Its unique blend of Indian and Portuguese culture and architecture attracts an estimated 2.5 million visitors annually, including nearly 400,000 foreign tourists.
Recently, there have been concerns about a decline in the number of foreign visitors, mainly from Russia, Israel and Ukraine, due to war and conflict in those countries and regions. There is also increasing competition from more economically attractive countries with better facilities – such as Thailand and Sri Lanka – with similar beaches and good weather conditions.
After the 1961 Indian annexation of Goa, an increasing flow of visitors included hippies, expatriate Goans, charter tourists from Europe, pilgrims visiting Catholic and Hindu shrines, people choosing Goa as their primary or second home, and those attending seminars, conferences and health retreats. retreats. Currently, this destination is also advertised as a wedding venue.
Permanent residents of Goa are divided in their reaction to the influx of large tourists, which has affected the local people and the overall environment. The main issues are disputes over the use and abuse of land and beaches. Different stakeholders have different and overlapping concerns – small entrepreneurs who benefit from tourism, important corporate interests who see tourism development in beach hotels and casinos, and mainly urban areas. Increased investment by builders, who have rushed to meet demand. Second homes or rental properties and capitalize on Goa’s charm and relaxed lifestyle.
Authorities in Goa, the state government, local panchayats, and the Goa police participate in formulating and implementing policies on land use, planning, and community involvement in tourism development and development in general. The growth of tourism and construction industry in Goa is now inherently volatile. Travel has become more affordable; Tourists have more money and seek new adventures. The infrastructure required for tourists often violates the law and destroys the environment. Officials violate their own policies and regulations to cater to tourists in return for higher revenue. Although they are angry because of sustainable development, the local people understand that their livelihood depends on tourism and protested and demanded to be involved in the plan. But, in the end, commerce wins.
Policies are disorganized and fragmented. Ministries and departments in Goa operate in their own ways and vested interests, resulting in development at a huge cost. Even with laws in place to protect the environment, corruption is rampant, and can cost almost anything. More than ever, large hoardings are prominently displayed by builders advertising luxury homes along the expressway connecting North and South Goa.
My first visit to Goa was in 1985. Landing at the airport, driving through paddy fields, swaying coconut palms and seeing the lack of commercial activity, I was enthralled by the state. It reminds me of my childhood home and rural life in West Bengal — a life that is idyllic and comfortable.
After 34 years of living in the National Capital Territory of India, my husband and I are moving to Goa.
Why? The pull factors are clean air, a slower lifestyle, a manageable cost of living, good food, less solids, a community we want to be a part of, and friends who have relocated in the last decade. The push factors are pollution and congestion in the Delhi-NCR region.
Before and much after the Covid-19 pandemic, various groups have been attracted and moved to Goa, including artists, young and old people, and those looking to invest in a second home or own a piece of land and property. All migrants take their culture with them, sometimes to the chagrin of local people. In Goa, many locals are frustrated with the changes resulting from migration.
Outsiders, in turn, often make fun of the lazy attitude of Goans, such as closing shops and businesses between 1 am and 4 am.
With a high literacy rate averaging 85 percent, most Goans seem clear about their lifestyle — slow and consistent with their preferences. They are neither overly ambitious nor want to make a lot of money and are happy with what they have. This explains the high rate of daily wage laborers and skilled plumbers, electricians and builders from the neighboring states of Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Goa has changed and will continue to change. It will likely be expensive, the topography will change, and there will be large housing projects, luxury villas, casinos, unplanned development, and environmental degradation. Civil society movements and vigilance have highlighted the dangers of current and future events in Goa. However, they cannot fight the muscle of commercial interests and built-in systemic corruption.
High season has begun in Goa, and Christmas is just around the corner. Jhyal, homestays and hotels are said to have a large presence of tourists. Beaches, oceans, palm trees, local bands and music, and parties are in full swing.
Goa has a lot going right, but there are also some challenges. However, if you can’t accept Goa for what it is, warts and all, then it’s not for you.