Panaji: A leading tourism organisation on Friday
alleged that Goa's tourism industry could be affected if the
activities of the "Russian mafia" escalated.
"The Russian mafia has not affected the state's image yet
but if it escalates than it will certainly affect the
business," Ralf de Souza, President, Travel and Tourism
Association of Goa (TTAG) told reporters here responding to a
question.
He said that fights between two drug gangs or similar
instances will also impact state's tourism graph.
His comments came in the wake of Goa Police fear that the
Russian mafia has spread its tentacles in the state.
TTAG, an umbrella organisation of tour operators in Goa,
also expressed its anguish over the large presence of beggars
and hawkers at the state's coast.
"Trainload of beggars arrive in the state little before
the first charter flight arrives and disappear after last
flight leaves the state," de Souza said, hinting at organised
begging syndicate.
"Some offer massage, some sell various items, there are
beach boys who tell you about massage parlours. In the entire
confusion of beggars and hawkers the criminals thrive," he
alleged.
"Half of the problems will get over if we get rid of
beggars and hawkers," the TTAG felt.
Even though begging is illegal, the activity happens
right in the presence of police indicating a nexus, de Souza
alleged.
The industry players have said that the proposed Goa
tourism security organisation, a force comprising
ex-servicemen, will deal with these issues.
"We suggest to the government that the force should be
given policing powers so that it can work more effectively,"
de Souza added.
Goa government has accorded administrative approval for
this force, which will aide existing lifeguards in manning the
beaches. The state attracts around 24 lakh tourists, including
four lakh foreigners.
De Souza said that even though there was a decrease in
foreign travellers visiting the state, the percentage of
domestic travellers has upped by 15 per cent.
"But this will not increase the revenues as the domestic
travellers are in Goa for three days while foreign visitors
are on three weeks vacation," he explained.
"Goa earned revenue to the tune of Rs 850 crore through
various forms of tax generated from tourism activities.
However, this year, the revenue will dip," de Souza said,
refusing to quantify the decrease.
PTI
First Published: Friday, February 19, 2010, 23:54