PANAJI: BJP MLA Michael Lobo in Goa blamed idli sambar for the drop in Goa tourism. Addressing a press meet at Calangute in North Goa, the MLA said that the government alone cannot be blamed for the decline in the number of foreigners visiting the coastal state of Goa and that all stakeholders are equally responsible.

'People in Goa are renting out their properties to other industrialists. Some industrialists from Bengaluru are selling vada pao, idli, sambar etc. as main dishes here. Due to this, the number of foreign tourists visiting Goa has been decreasing for the last two years. If the number of tourists in Goa decreases, there is a possibility of many crises. There are many reasons for this.

Every year, foreigners visit Goa, but youngsters do not visit Goa much. The tourism department and other stakeholders should hold a joint meeting on this issue and study the issue further. Due to the war, the number of tourists from countries like Russia and Ukraine has decreased significantly. Similarly, tourists from the former Soviet Union countries have also stopped visiting Goa.

We need to discuss with all the stakeholders related to tourism. If proper action is not taken, the tourism in the state will be in crisis. The sale of these in shops near the beach should be strictly prohibited,' the MLA clarified. Meanwhile, the MLA did not elaborate on how the sale of idli and sambar is reducing the number of tourists.