Goa's once-thriving tourism sector is witnessing significant challenges, marred by rising crime and controversies. Once considered the backbone of Goa’s hospitality, beach shacks—which historically symbolized warmth and authentic Goan cuisine—are now at the center of numerous illegal and violent activities.
Recent incidents at beach shacks have painted a grim picture of Goa’s tourism belt. With increasing cases of late-night brawls and violent confrontations between shack workers and tourists, serious safety concerns have arisen. Reports indicate tourists being mercilessly beaten up, and rising drug-related crimes have emerged as another troubling aspect, with claims of drug overdose deaths linked to these establishments. Allegations suggest certain shacks operate as drug hotspots, making narcotics readily available to tourists. Alarmingly, cases of sexual assault have also been associated with these locations, which are frequented by criminal elements from around the world.
A major contributing factor to the deteriorated law and order in Goa’s beach belt is the overwhelming presence of migrants. It has become increasingly rare to find Goans working or even visiting these areas as tourists. While the state’s Tourism Department mandates shacks be run by locals, many are illegally sublet to outsiders, leading to chaotic environments. These workers, primarily young men seeking quick earnings, often lack respect for Goa’s ethos and culture, which significantly alters the tourism dynamics.
The situation worsens with allegations of corruption within regulatory bodies, causing rampant lawlessness to thrive. The recent murder of a local youth by migrant shack staff, along with tragic tourist deaths during paragliding incidents, highlight this negligence. Both incidents serve as grim reminders of the need for effective oversight; the shack involved was illegally sublet, and unauthorized operations continued unhindered under the authorities' noses.
Beyond the rising crime, Goa’s tourism is already struggling due to high airfare, costly hotels, and poor infrastructure. Experts suggest the increased violence and drug trade linked to beach shacks could deliver the final blow to this declining sector. If urgent measures are not taken to restore law and order, regulate shack operations, and enforce compliance, Goa’s reputation as a safe and welcoming tourist destination may suffer irreparable damage. The state must act to protect its golden goose before it’s too late.
To combat these challenges, the Goa government is planning to send a proposal to the Centre to allow visa-on-arrival facilities for selected countries, aimed at luring more foreign tourists to the coastal state. Reports from The Indian Express indicate the introduction of a “digital nomad visa” is also on the table, which would allow foreign nationals to live and work remotely for extended periods. This initiative follows significant criticism over recent viral social media posts claiming tourism is on the decline, as travelers increasingly turn to competitive destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, or Sri Lanka due to more favorable visa norms.
An anonymous government official stated, "Over the past year, we have been requesting the Centre to allow visa-on-arrival facilities," emphasizing the demand for increased flights to boost international tourism. Reported by The Indian Express. The same official pointed out the challenges many foreign tourists experience, stating they are often unable to work comfortably within Goa’s existing visa framework.
Santosh Sangam Divkar, president of the Small and Medium Hoteliers Association, supports this push for reform: "If we have to compete, we have to..." He adds industry representatives are urging the government for faster processing of e-visas, stressing the need for efficiency as neighboring Southeast Asian countries already offer more accessible travel options.
Despite these issues, the government insists tourism is not entirely failing; recent data shows tourist numbers visiting Goa rebounded slightly, with 1.04 crore visitors registered in 2024—a rise from 86.28 lakh tourists the previous year. Domestic tourist figures underline this recovery, with numbers climbing from 81.75 lakh to 99.41 lakh, whereas foreign tourist numbers also increased, albeit slowly, from 4.52 lakh to 4.67 lakh.
Nevertheless, these numbers remain far below pre-pandemic levels, when over 9 lakh foreign tourists visited annually. Goa's tourism leaders acknowledge this as both encouraging and yet another wake-up call. Historic highs cannot cloud the pressing threats of violence, safety, and infrastructure—a reality requiring immediate attention.
For the industry to regain its footing, preserving Goa’s reputation as a premier destination is of utmost importance. Urgent action is necessary to mitigate the challenges posed by crime and facilitate innovative measures like improved visa accessibility. Without proactive measures, trouble looms for the state’s beloved tourism sector.