Goa’s Minister for Tourism Manohar Ujgaonkar on Thursday said fish and not beef was the food preferred by tourists and the Centre’s notification banning the sale of cattle for slaughter will have no impact on the flow of tourists to the State. Over six million tourists, both domestic and foreign, visit the State every year.
Mr. Ajgaonkar said, “Just as Goa is known for its sun and sand, it is also known for its fish, curry and rice. Goan fish curry is a big draw for tourists who love authentic Goan xit kodi [fish curry] and sea food. Other non-vegetarian dishes are always the second choice. Goa therefore has not really been affected by the beef notification.”
Mr. Ajgaonkar said there was no beef shortage in Goa, but tourism industry stakeholders and meat traders are worried the order banning the sale of cattle for slaughter in animal markets would badly hit sale of beef. Over 30% of the State’s population compirse of people of minority communities who consume beef regularly.
Francisco Braganca, hotelier and former president of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa, said hoteliers worry that fears of beef shortage could lead traders hoarding stocks and creating articifical scarcity.
He said, “I am told by many supermarket stores owners that there is no impact on the supply of beef as of now. Cattle continues to come in from Karnataka, but the beef is sold out instantly. People perceive a shortage and are hoarding beef.”
He said tourists continue to flock to the State as it’s hotter in the other parts of the country.
