The government has been talking of
promoting hinterland tourism recently, but most of the plans seem to revolve around
concrete, building infrastructure and development. This approach is rather contrary to
the entire concept of eco or hinterland tourism.
The concept as we all know is low-key
eco conscious promotion of spots for natural or cultural and historical value.
This is the essence of eco tourism and needs to be followed. Use of natural low
impact materials, involvement and capacity building of local community and
highlighting of landscapes and sites of natural interest for education and
relaxation to discerning eco tourists are key factors. The Govt needs to use
expertise within the state for promoting new areas for hinterland
and eco tourism as these areas are also within the Protected area network and need careful planning. The
need of the hour is to firstly understand that hinterland or eco tourism is a
niche form of tourism and cannot be executed and practiced by the regular
system and norms that Goa’s mass tourism follows.
The Government must bring on board all
existing eco tourism entrepreneurs by firstly identifying them and then
creating a network that can further develop skill sets as well as promote the
concept in Goa in its true sense.
