In a move aimed at controlling negative narratives on social media, the Goa Tourism Department has filed a police complaint against a social media user for spreading alleged misinformation about a decline in foreign tourists visiting the state. The complaint, lodged with the Superintendent of Police at the cyber crime police station in Panaji, alleges that the post disseminated “false data” that could damage Goa’s reputation and spark anxieties within the local community.
The contentious post, shared on the platform X (formerly Twitter), was authored by an entrepreneur with a sizable following of around 22,500. The post claimed, “Foreign tourists have abandoned [ Goa ] already. Look at 2019 v 2023 numbers. Russians and Brits who used to visit annually have opted for Sri Lanka instead.” It further suggested that Indian tourists might also start avoiding Goa due to perceived “exploitation” and rising costs, comparing Goa’s allure unfavorably with cheaper international destinations.
Deputy Director of Tourism Rajesh Kale, who filed the complaint, contends that the post constitutes “public mischief” and spreads “false data.” Kale argued that the statements could cause “significant annoyance to local businesses” and potentially disrupt public order. The post included a chart seemingly depicting a decline in foreign visitors to Goa, which Kale asserts was misleading and lacks corroboration from official tourism data.
Kale’s complaint also questions the entrepreneur’s reliance on data from the China Economic Information Center (CEIC), claiming that the figures were unverified and that the tourism department was not consulted prior to the post. “His false assumptions regarding future tourist footfalls in Goa exacerbate the situation,” Kale stated, adding that the post could potentially “incite public unrest.” The tourism department views the statements as a deliberate attempt to undermine Goa’s image as a tourist-friendly destination. “The Department of Tourism is particularly concerned that these actions may be part of a hidden agenda aimed at undermining Goa’s state image,” Kale wrote in the complaint.
The department has requested that the cyber crime unit take “immediate and appropriate legal action” to prevent potential damage to Goa’s reputation and economy. Rahul Gupta, Superintendent of Police for Cyber Crime in Goa, confirmed that the department has not yet received the formal complaint but assured that his office would review the matter upon receipt to determine any necessary actions.
The complaint follows a recent statement by Goa’s tourism department defending the state’s tourism sector amid mounting criticism on social media regarding infrastructure issues, such as high prices and limited options for taxis and hotels. In response to ongoing comparisons between Goa and international destinations, the department issued a statement earlier this week, stating that while Goa, like any tourism destination, faces fluctuations in market demand, it remains a preferred location for both domestic and international visitors. The statement emphasized that comparing Goa with a country like Sri Lanka “may yield an inaccurate perspective” due to differing scales and governance models.
As Goa’s tourism industry enters its high season, the government’s response highlights an increasing sensitivity to social media perceptions, which may impact both local sentiment and visitor trends. This incident raises questions about the role of social media in shaping perceptions of tourism destinations and the measures authorities are willing to take to manage online narratives.
