Where is responsible tourism in Old Goa?

With Goa's tourism season kicking off, the pressures and challenges are but natural and endless. The State must keep up with being one of the most beloved destinations while providing quality facilities for tourists coming to enjoy the experiences this sunny destination has to offer. 

But many of our most-visited destinations are now grappling with a relentless onslaught of tourism, with the sheer volume of crowds threatening to suffocate the very essence of what made these places special. 

DEVOID OF RESPECT: Progress of tourism shouldn't come at the cost of erosion of respect for religious sentiments.

One such casualty is the Old Goa heritage site, known for its spiritual grandeur—it signifies Goa's spiritual tourism circuit. In the peak season, its streets are teeming with visitors, the air thick with noise and mayhem.     

During a recent visit to the world-renowned in Old Goa, I found that there is scope for better management. When I arrived at the location around noon, I was met with chaotic scenes: long lines of cars, buses and other vehicles crowded both sides of the road that runs through this historic area.

CHAOS: Overwhelming crowds and traffic jams in Old Goa during peak season.

These scenes belie any tourist destination. recognised as one of the premier tourist destinations in India, attracts countless visitors eager to explore its rich history and vibrant culture. However, it was quite disappointing to observe the lack of effective traffic regulation in the area. The absence of clearly marked designated drop-off points for vehicles created significant congestion in the area. 

This disorganisation not only disrupts the flow of traffic but also diminishes the overall experience for visitors who come to appreciate the beauty and heritage of

WHY HAWKERS: Uncontrolled street vendors and traffic mayhem overwhelm Old Goa during peak tourist season.

Adding to the disorder were hawkers selling ice cream with their carts parked at the side of the road. The police presence in the area too did not deter the hawkers and, surprisingly, the former too were not driving them away.    

The seemed increasingly overwhelmed and devoid of effective strategies to address the ongoing issue of vehicles parking on the main road. Despite their efforts to penalise improperly parked cars, issuing fines and warnings, these measures proved insufficient in deterring drivers from ignoring the regulations.

WAITING ROOM? Tourists spotted waiting in the church compound.

While waiting for their buses, tourists used the church courtyard as a waiting area, sitting in and around the place and bingeing on food. If there were proper regulations in place, visitors would be expected to respectfully appreciate the magnificence of the , explore nearby sites, and return to their bus pick-up points. Instead, the reality was quite the opposite—far from a peaceful, reflective atmosphere. 

People were seen yelling and shouting both inside the premises and outside. The enormous crowds and the lack of any clear expectations for conduct further contributed to the erosion of the sacred atmosphere. The volunteers were limited and so it was difficult to manage the scenario. 

HEIGHTS OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Tourists seen climbing onto the structure for a photoshoot.

It’s disheartening to witness the sanctity of the space being compromised by the sheer volume of visitors and their casual disregard for its historical and spiritual value. 

What struck me most, however, was not merely the presence of tourists snapping photos in front of the 16th century churches, but the lengths to which they went to capture the perfect shot. climbed onto precarious ledges and walls, ignoring the sanctity of the space in pursuit of their perfect picture, all scrambling to share their experiences on social media.

The sacred space, once a place of quiet devotion, had transformed into a mere backdrop for digital lives. The grandiosity of the Basilica faded into the background, eclipsed by the energy of the crowd, leaving little room for reflection, respect, or the appreciation of its true significance. 

The daily chaos in raises a multitude of thought-provoking questions. Are we, in our eagerness to share our travels with the world, losing sight of the true purpose behind the creation of these remarkable spaces? The and the transcend mere tourist attractions; they stand as vibrant testaments to Goa’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. Each stone and archway whispers stories of devotion and history. Yet, as time marches on, the line dividing a sacred place of worship from a bustling tourist destination continues to blur, inviting reflection on what these cherished monuments truly represent in our lives today.

Amidst the chaos of , the community is increasingly calling for a comprehensive master plan to address the needs and concerns of this World Heritage Site . It is precisely situations like these that cast a shadow over the future of such a crucial planning initiative, leaving its implementation shrouded in uncertainty.

Tourism plays a significant role in bolstering the economy of and Goa. However, this influx of tourists brings with it a series of challenges and the main thing right now is crowd management which is lacking. 

As large groups flock to the area, the erosion of the sacredness of this historic site becomes increasingly apparent, diminishing its reverence. It is essential to establish robust regulations that promote responsible tourism in the area to ensure that the charm and integrity of are preserved for future generations.

GT is taking a step towards promoting responsible tourism in Goa with its latest campaign—GT for Responsible Tourism. You can be a part of this initiative by sharing your suggestions and highlighting any tourism-related issues that need change or improvement. Email: gomantakt@gmail.com Follow social media handles to know more