Panaji: In a scathing attack, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao said on Tuesday that despite tourism being a crucial part of Goa’s economy, the BJP government and Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte have failed to attract high-spending international tourists.
Alemao was reacting to reports of a decline in foreign tourist footfall in Goa. “The Congress party has always said that the BJP focuses on organising events that generate commissions, whether in-state or in foreign countries, under the pretext of participating in international travel mart. However, these events have yielded no results.”
Alemao criticised Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, saying, “For the past two years, he has been misleading people by claiming that the government is working to attract high-spending tourists. However, he has failed to achieve this goal. Recent data shows that very few international tourists have visited the state.”
Alemao charged that the BJP is responsible for harming Goa’s economy, first by destroying the mining industry and now by neglecting tourism. “Lakhs of youths lost their jobs after mining activities were suspended. Now, the BJP is trying to ruin the tourism business and make our people suffer.”
Alemao questioned why the government has failed to attract tourists from the UK, Russia, and Europe, given that these countries are a significant part of Goa’s tourism industry.
He said, “The government boasts about creating facilities in villages to expand tourism offerings by promoting spirituality, agro-tourism, eco-tourism, and traditional aspects. However, it has failed in every aspect.”
Alemao attributed the decline in tourist footfall to the government’s failed policies. “This adamant BJP government is not willing to listen to the problems faced by stakeholders. As a result, it has failed to strengthen the economy and generate employment.”
