Elections in Goa and Tourism

 Even though the lives of everyone in a democratic country is constantly impacted by politics, very few understand how it functions. Politics always features in many a conversations and debates at the local chai tapri (tea stall) or in the office corner and nowadays on our watsaap groups and chats. Elections are the corner stone of every democracy, the singular event when the actual mood of the nation can be acertained and for the largest democracy in the world it is a herculean effort for the state. Most of us are spectators to the events which sometimes feel like a circus and sometimes we connect and relate to a particular incident and yet the whole exercise is centered around us. This is the time we the voter exercise our right and make a point and express our idea of India collectively. 

All the campaigns, outreach programms, rallies are all centered around us the voter, come to think of it to organise just one rally requires so much coordination and communication, venues, thousands of chairs, audio systems, designing of posters, volunteers to go out and stick it up, volunteers to manage the crowds. logistics and facilities for the crowd, social media management the list goes on. The amount of money resources and effort all this requires is mind boggling.  

Now here in Goa, elections are very interesting and different compared to many other states as it is one of the smallest state and being small provides unique challenges to the politicians. The whole state of Goa has a meagre 10 Lakh voter base smaller than many other constituencies in India. Goa being a tourist state the implementation of the election code of conduct by the election comission which includes restricitons on timing of restaurants and bars dampens the spirit of the tourists and local businesses. 

Electoral tourism or political tourism is nothing new, this innovation has been made long back and many travel companies organize packaged tours around elections for curious guests. With the pandemic into its 3rd year and tourism operations disturbed we have been thinking about putting together an itinerary and a fixed departure package tour revolving around Goan politics. We are still at the development stage, speaking to different stake holders and working out the logistics but at this stage we wanted to know what you think, let us know your thoughts as working on niche product and getting different stake holders to come on board for an unique itinerary is challenging to say the least. 

If everything goes as per plan then the itinerary would include meeting karyakartas (volunteers) of different parties, visits to party offices, speaking to journalists and civil society in general. Ofcourse it is not going to be all politics and interactive session, we would be interlacing it with unique experiences like kayaking, heritage walks and loads of local food. Do let us know what you think of such a program

PS

• Looking forward for tie ups with travel agents for jopartnerships and joint promotions. 
  
  
• This is not an itinerary revolving around elections but politics in general. Elections are scheduled in Goa on 14th Feb 2022. Our plans include having a curated itinerary through the year based puerly on politics of Goa.