1- What do you think are the changes that have happened in Goa in the last four years and what do you see in the future of Goa in the next four years?
The BJP government has been in power for the last 2.5 years. They promised a lot of changes including real development of Goa as a whole. However we are yet to see concrete development. Building bridges and sending MLAs on evaluation trips is not enough.
They need to have the right vision to ensure that progress and prosperity of the state is holistic. Tourism and Mining are our main revenue sources yet are we making them sustainable? A lot needs to be done on both these fronts as well as develop other industries that can bring in revenue for Goa.
2- What are the most critical issues working towards Goa’s advantage?
I don’t recollect any advantages that Goa has as against the neighboring states/countries. Whilst Goa is seen as a popular tourist destination are we actually able to compete with other states like Rajasthan and Kerala or other countries like Sri Lanka and Thailand. Who is our target audience and are we attracting the right kind of tourists? We have to integrate every aspect of our infrastructure, culture and heritage to ensure Goa is the number 1 choice for tourism.
Apart from that, being a small state and a progressive one at that, Goa has the advantage to develop itself as an educational hub or a medical hub or an IT hub. It takes vision and a plan to put these things into place but it is not impossible.
3- What are the most critical issues working towards Goa’s disadvantage?
I would say the disadvantage is not having a plan for Goa and haphazard development which results in damage to our environment, culture and heritage.
4- What does Goa need to do over the next four years to be recognised as a Global destination?
As mentioned earlier, a holistic plan needs to be put in place as to where we would like to see Goa in the next 20 years. Accordingly lay a roadmap which will help us achieve our goals and bring progress and prosperity to all in the state.
5- Are the people of Goa its biggest drawback or its biggest strength?
People anywhere can make or break a team or an organization. It is how one harnesses the resources one has and provides them with an opportunity for growth. I would say our people are our strength but we need to put measures in place that will allow them to be a part of the progress and growth.
“Vito Gomes – Chairman, Aviation Services Management”, Goa Chronicle (2014) accessible at http://goachronicle.com/vito-gomes/
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