BJP Leader’s Bizarre Claim, Blames Idli-Sambar For Declining Tourism In Goa

Goa, 28th February 2025: The number of tourists in Goa has decreased in the last few years. There are many reasons behind this. BJP MLA and former minister Michael Lobo expressed concern over the decline in tourists in Goa. He blamed Goa’s tourism industry for the lack of foreign tourists in the state.

He said that the tourism department of Goa has failed to showcase the traditional cuisine of the state’s culture. He further said that the sale of ‘vada-pav’ and idli-sambar has increased on the beaches of Goa. Some people from Bengaluru are coming to Goa and serving ‘vada-pav’ in huts, some are selling idli-sambar. At the same time, the dishes that should be sold on the beach are not. This is why international tourism in the state has been declining for the last two years.

He also claimed that the number of foreign tourists has decreased due to the Russia-Ukraine war. The BJP MLA also urged the state tourism department and other stakeholders to hold a joint meeting to consider why foreign tourists were not keen on visiting recently. “If we don’t put in place any system, the tourism sector will have bad days,” he warned.

“I am not against idli-sambar…it is available on the main road. But the cuisine that needs to be served on the beach… is not there…Shacks are given to showcase local cuisine and culture… Are we going to show the culture of Hyderabad, Maharashtra, or Karnataka on the beach? I am not saying all, but a few (shacks) are spoiling the reputation of the others,” the Indian Express quoted Lobo.

Addressing a press conference at Calangute in North Goa, Lobo said the government alone cannot be blamed if fewer foreigners visit the coastal state as all stakeholders are equally responsible. Lobo rued that Goans have rented their beach shacks to businessmen from other places.