Panaji, Feb. 2: After negative media coverage nationwide, Goa’s tourism managers have moved to tighten security, introduce a new tourism security force of ex-servicemen and inch towards eventually changing tourist profiles to more upmarket visitors.
Tourism officials held a series of meetings this week after Goa once again gained notoriety over the sexual assault of a nine-year-old Russian girl last month. "We have been moving in the last six months towards creating a tourist security force of 60 wardens. That number would eventually go up to 300. The administrative clearances are already through," said tourism officer on special duty Lyndon Monteiro.
The new force, set to man beaches and other frequented places, will buttress the regular police force functioning, he said. This will cost the state Rs 60 lakhs annually, said Mr Monteiro.
The department is also reconsidering shelved plans to install security cameras on hotspot beaches. Demands have also surfaced from Goa’s tourism industry, alarmed at the battering the state has been receiving.
"We have to make this a safe place. Aside from more security, lighting on beaches has to improve, patrolling has to increase, and hawkers and beggars on beaches have to be completely stopped since criminals, drug-pushers and pimps often use them as foils," said Ralph de Souza, hotelier and president of the local travel and tourism association. In a meeting with officials, the industry has sought quicker police response to crimes against tourists and efficient public relations management systems.
While commercially Goa has not suffered from the negative publicity, the long-term effects have to be curtailed, he said. "Over the years Goa has been built as a brand and that the image of the brand is taking a beating is worrying," said de Souza. Competitive destinations would be quick to take advantage of any drop or hesitation from visitors.
In the long run, the tourism industry is also keen the state shed its low-budget-package tourist tag that brings in large volumes of unsustainable footfalls on beaches. The tourism association has petitioned the government again to set up high-end facilities like golf courses, convention centres, an international cruise terminal, marinas and upper-end facilities to attract the well-heeled visitor.
The state government has accorded administrative approval for the tourist protection force.
Pamela D’Mello