Charting a Sustainable Future: Tourism and SDGs in Goa

Abstract

Tourism is a global powerhouse, rapidly expanding and serving as a critical engine for economic growth, job creation, and cultural exchange. It's a key player in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development significantly influencing tourism theory, practice, and policy worldwide. Goa, a world-famous tourist hotspot, is perfectly positioned to champion sustainable development. It can achieve this by harmonizing economic growth with social inclusion and environmental conservation. This paper delves into how tourism in Goa contributes to specific SDGs: SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The study critically assesses the shortcomings in Goa's current sustainable tourism policies. Using a blend of primary (case studies) and secondary data, it spotlights successful initiatives such as sustainable tourism practices, eco-tourism projects, and community-based tourism programs. However, it also identifies significant hurdles like resource exploitation, over-tourism, and environmental degradation that could impede SDG progress. The paper concludes with practical recommendations to tackle these challenges. These include improved resource management, encouraging off-season tourism, and boosting local community engagement. By aligning tourism strategies with the SDGs, this research offers valuable insights for policymakers and tourism professionals in Goa and other similar destinations aiming for a more sustainable future.