Skip to main content

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. 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Wanted Urgently for the State of Goa - A Visionary Leader

The project outline The Waterfront of Torda The beaches of Goa and the tourism ecosystem around it has built the brand Goa but it is the life away from the beaches that truly charms you in ways you cannot imagine.  It is like having an extra pair of Lungs, it soothes, inspires and drives your deep passions. Many walks through its narrow lanes under the full moon, while the sun rises or disappears behind the hills before it sets, have given clarity of thought, comforted and motivated me.  We are fortunate enough to be living in the hills of Porvorim, surrounded by beautiful villages all around, there is heritage, there is a bird sanctuary at its borders, also a network of beautiful estuaries  The planning authorities in their wisdom have always gone for grand projects that are mere posturing and pandering to a vote bank, such is the system, there have been grand announcements of helicopter tourism, seaplane tourism, many other large projects. The tourism minister of Goa is...

There is only 1 Goa in India

 Goa first came on the tourist map in the 60's as a hippie haven, probably the golden era of tourism in this tiny state. The tourists were more sensitive towards local culture and the environment. They consumed less and were happy living the life of the locals.  When the benefits of liberalisation started to trickle down and when a new and ambitious middle class started travelling, Goa witnessed mass tourism in the 90's and 2000's. There was a sudden surge of investments, construction and development, the era of unplanned tourism growth. Everyone wanted to be in Goa and everyone wanted to invest here.  The result of this era is what we experience in Goa of today, the relaxed vibe gave way to environmental degradation, overcrowding and cultural commodification, everything that this sunny seaside state was not known for.  Yet there is only 1 Goa in India and tourists still come here in hordes to experience the beaches, architecture, cuisine and the Goan vibe.  Whe...

An Attack on the idea of India

  To go for a holiday, families traveling together is a celebration. A celebration of coming together of hardworking families to explore different cultures, cuisines and landscapes. Schedules are planned, leave applications submitted, shopping lists prepared and bookings made in advance. The anticipation builds up to the date of travel and there is pure joy as the holiday begins. You can witness this joy at any airport or railway station. The many flashing cameras document each part of the experience all to come together in the many reels.  In India we are spoiled with the choices of destinations for holidays. The diversity in culture, cuisine and landscape is a very wide spectrum from the Himalayas to the coasts of Peninsular India, the history of each region distinct with many options for a memorable family holiday.  The domestic tourism industry in India is robust, a growing economy is fueling the aspirations of millions to take a well deserved break and go for a holid...