Swapnil Modokar

INR 2,870Cr is being spent on building Goa's Moppa Airport. You might say that it would increase the tourism massively. Because a better 'facility' has been built. But, you might be wrong. See folks, in India people don't like to get into the details of things. For example:- [1] You will see very few international tourists (except for Russians maybe) who will re-visit Goa. Compare this to destinations like Thailand, Dubai, they get more repeat tourist. Why? [2] Because of ancillary facilities: taxi, connectivity, sensible prices of food, organised activities, stay etc. People don't travel just to see a shiny new piece of infrastructure. They travel for the overall experience. And, honestly 0 destinations in India get repeat international tourism at scale. [3] Problem is: no one gives a crap about doing hard things. Like actually breaking the taxi union. And, making the price fairer for tourists (so they don't feel ripped off) Spending public money (or subsidising it for a private player) on building a shiny airport seems like an easier option. There are enough domestic tourists, who will anyways show up. And, give the impression of growth. We are 100% fine, landing on a super shiny airport. Booking an overpriced taxi. And, seeing shit along the way. This is NOT a GOA specific problem. This is an India specific problem. Go to Shimla, you will see another variant of the same problem. Change requires doing hard things. But, who would do it?