Daijiworld Media Network- Panaji

Panaji, May 14: Facing the dual heat of rising international competition and falling domestic appeal, Goa's tourism minister Rohan Khaunte has called for a “complete relook” at the state's tourism model, warning that the coastal paradise risks losing its charm unless immediate corrective measures are undertaken.

Addressing reporters on Tuesday, Khaunte admitted that high hotel tariffs and soaring airfares were making Goa an unattractive option for Indian tourists, who now prefer affordable and exotic overseas destinations like Vietnam, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.

“Tourists are voting with their wallets,” said Khaunte. “We’ve asked A and B category hotels to rework pricing and marketing strategies, especially during the monsoon season, and to promote MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) tourism and group packages to revive interest.”

The minister did not mince words when pointing to the woes of small-scale hoteliers. “C and D category hotels are fighting for survival. They’re being edged out by unregulated villas and apartments. We will be sitting down with aggregators like Airbnb to review the inventory, and if needed, temporarily suspend permissions to level the playing field.”

Khaunte also flagged quality-of-life issues that have continued to plague Goa's tourism image. “Stray dogs, cattle on the roads and beachside chaos caused by errant taxi drivers are ongoing problems. Sterilisation is not enough—we need to remove stray animals from tourist hotspots, especially beaches,” he stated, adding that he would take the matter up with the Chief Minister and the animal husbandry department.

Despite the challenges, Khaunte expressed optimism ahead of the upcoming monsoon season. “We expect a good influx of tourists from the Middle East and foresee a doubling of Russian tourist arrivals,” he noted