Panaji: Panaji: BJP MLA Michael Lobo said selling of idli-sambar in beach food shops is contributing to the decline in the number of international tourists in Goa. Speaking at a press conference in Calangute, North Goa, Lobo suggested that the issue was not solely the government’s responsibility, but a matter for all stakeholders to address.Lobo lamented that many Goans had rented out their beach shacks to businessmen from other regions, with some serving “vada pav” and others offering idli-sambar. “That’s why international tourism has been declining in the state for the past two years,” he stated, though he did not clarify how the popular South Indian breakfast dish was specifically affecting foreign tourism.
“There is a hue and cry because of the drop in tourist numbers. In the coastal belt, whether North or South, there has been a sharp fall in the arrival of foreign visitors. A lot of factors are responsible for this,” Lobo added, urging all stakeholders to share the responsibility.Lobo also noted that while some foreign tourists visit Goa annually, younger international visitors are increasingly choosing other destinations. He called for a joint meeting between the tourism department and other stakeholders to investigate why foreign tourists are reluctant to visit Goa.
The MLA also pointed to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, stating, “Tourists from former USSR countries have stopped visiting Goa.” He stressed the importance of addressing critical tourism issues, including the ongoing tensions between cab aggregators and local tourist taxi operators.
“If we don’t put a system in place, we will see dark days in the tourism sector,” he warned.
