Russians in Goa  ( Source: indrailsearch blog)

Goa which once caught the attention of the hypee is now a popular destination of tourists from all parts of the globe. According to The Hindu, the number of Russian tourist in Goa has outnumbered all other nationalities. . 

Friendly Goa and Unfriendly TouristBack in 2002, Goa tourism started promoting Goa as a beach destination to Russia. Now, there are more Russians than other nationalities in Goa. 

Last time when I visited Goa, I was surprised to see hotel banners in Russian language. Most of the hotels were packed with Russian vacationers. I talked to one hotel owner about the impact of Russian tourist.

The hotel owner in Calungute had nothing good to say about Russian tourist. These big fellows and slender women are creating other social issues in Goa. Many of them are into drugs, and many Russian women land India for quick money from sex.

Tourism at what cost?
As a spin-off  of Russian tourists is visible in other sectors in India.  From Bollywood dance to regular events, you can see Russian models in many roles. It’s also a sad reminder of how a powerful Indian ally during the cold world era has succumbed to it’s own economic ploy. Now, we see Russian or Ukrainian dancers in Bollywood movies, swaying to the tune of Indian masala .

So, What Holds for Goan?

It’s difficult to say how things will turn in future. I think the policy makers, people of Goa must take the right step to keep Goa a safe destination in the years to come.

Links … Russian page