Goa’s beach shacks must promote local cuisine, not idli-sambar, says BJP MLA Michael Lobo

BJP MLA Michael Lobo has urged the Goa tourism department to revoke licenses of beach shack owners who sublet their establishments to individuals from outside the state.

Expressing concerns over the changing nature of Goa’s tourism sector, he emphasised the need to preserve and promote local Goan cuisine instead of offering dishes like idli-sambar at beachside shacks.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Lobo criticised the practice of Goans leasing out their shacks to non-locals, citing instances where individuals from Delhi and Bengaluru were running businesses at the beaches.

“We are witnessing a shift where beach shacks, meant to showcase Goan culture and cuisine, are now selling idli-sambar and vada pao. What message are we sending to tourists? That they will get the same food here that they can find anywhere else? This is not the kind of tourism we should be promoting,” the Calangute MLA stated.

Lobo also highlighted concerns over the decline in tourism in Goa, attributing it to multiple factors. While long-time foreign visitors continue to visit, the number of new international tourists, particularly younger travelers, has decreased.

“The foreign tourist footfall has dropped. If we do not take corrective measures now, the tourism industry will face serious setbacks in the coming years,” he warned.

Clarifying that he had no objection to idli-sambar as a dish, Lobo insisted that it should not be the highlight of beachside eateries. Instead, shacks should focus on authentic Goan cuisine, seafood, and international dishes that appeal to tourists.

“Shacks are meant to reflect Goa’s cultural and culinary heritage. Are we going to showcase the food of Karnataka, Maharashtra, or Hyderabad on our beaches? Some shacks are tarnishing the image of the rest by moving away from Goan traditions,” he asserted.

Apart from the food-related concerns, Lobo pointed out several other challenges facing Goa’s tourism industry. He raised the issue of stray dogs on the beaches, which have led to incidents of tourists being bitten.

“In no other top tourist destination do you see stray dogs roaming the beaches. The tourism department says it’s the job of the animal husbandry department, while the animal husbandry department shifts responsibility to the local village panchayat. We need a concrete solution,” he said.

Additionally, he highlighted the ongoing conflicts between local taxi operators and app-based aggregators, urging authorities to find a resolution that ensures a seamless experience for visitors.

Drawing comparisons with Sri Lanka, Lobo noted that many tourists who would have previously chosen Goa are now opting for the island nation instead. He called for a thorough review of Goa’s tourism policies and a joint effort between the tourism department and stakeholders to revive the sector.

“There is no compromise on our beach shacks being sublet to outsiders. We need to ensure that Goa’s tourism remains unique and appealing,” he concluded.