Claiming the Right to Say No-30 Nov 09-EQUATIONS - Equitable ...

Claiming the Right to Say No
C. Social and Cultural Impact of Tourism
Goa is a beautiful land of different cultures and varied heritage. And this
culture is moving on its way to become like just a dream. Tourism has
played a drastic role in transforming a rich culture and giving it a face of
western culture.
Moving along the coast of Palolem we have tried our best to encounter
cases of impact of tourism on social and cultural aspect. Tourism industry
is increasing so rapidly that our Goan people are pulled towards this way
of life. The families which had their traditional occupations such as toddy
tapping, and farming have left them and moved towards tourism.
People have expressed their views about the dress code saying that
approximately 10 years back the tourists had a decent way of dressing
but today they are not even ashamed to be open or semi dressed and this
has affected today’s generation’s way of looking at them. Much of the local
youth just come to watch them.
Speaking about children of these coastal areas they are loosing their interest
in education and are getting more interested and fascinated with tourism.
When we questioned some of the children they said that they are more
happy doing these activities on the beaches rather than studying. Yes,
tourism has made an effect on our social and cultural life, but to where is this
tourism heading our society and culture? Does it enhance and have a
positive effect or is it leading Goa to worse in the name of tourism?
D. Institutional Aspect of Tourism
Tourism industry has made an impact on the economic, environmental,
social and cultural aspects. Amidst this institutions have a role to play in
tourism.
1. Municipality
Municipality does the work of issuing licenses to build shacks, tents, huts
and to destroy the illegal constructions which violates the laws. These
shacks, huts, tents and temporary restaurants are being charged Rs.2000
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