POPULATION AND TOURISM OF GOA

 

POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS OF GOA

 The state of Goa has a population of 14.59 lakhs, as per the 2011 census which when compared to the total 3,702 Sq. Km area of the state makes it as a state having medium density of population. The population density of Goa is 394 according to Goa census 2011. It is the smallest state in India in terms of area. The growth rate has drastically decreased since the previous census, which makes the state unique. The literacy has increased in both genders, but women have taken a lead.

 Tourism has contributed to urbanization and therefore we find 60% of population in urban areas. In rural areas of Goa, the population growth rate is negative, which means the population is greatly decreasing. Gender ratio in rural areas, on the other hand shows a far more satisfactory picture.

TOURISM IN GOA

                    

Goa has emerged as holiday destination. Tourism plays an important role in the economy of the state. The Government has laid special emphasis on creating grand identity to Goa by developing infrastructure and diversifying a beach oriented tourism to other forms of tourism such as heritage tourism, eco-tourism, adventure, sports, aqua-sports etc.

Tourism like any other industry has two fold effects one is positive and the other negative. Growth of tourism has definitely increased employment opportunities in state. Attempts by state government to set up institutes for hotel management have given opportunity for locals to develop skills required for higherly paid jobs in hotel and torusim industry. Multiplier effect is seen on the economy with jobs and opportunities opening to support tourists like, restaurants, transport, guides local food products etc.

But the flip side is also being experienced in terms of environmental impacts and pressure on natural resources to support this increasing influx of tourists. There is a conflict between locals and the hotel industry for water. Hotels consume large amounts of water leaving very less for locals. Development along the coasts has resulted in problems like erosion, destruction of mangroves thus destroying the natural defenses against sea. A major problem is disposal of wastes generated by tourism. Disposal of solid and liquid wastes is a threat to water bodies and marine ecosystems, hence loss of bio-diversity etc.

 Other than this there are ethical issues like culture shock, crime, prostitution, drugs etc. which has raised many questions about the real importance of tourism in Goa.