The serene and quaint neighbourhoods of San Tomé and Fontainhas, nestled in the heart of Panjim, Goa’s vibrant capital, are known for their charm and rich history. Fontainhas, in particular, has become a tourist hotspot. However, this growing popularity has come at a steep cost of mass tourism, and for the residents of these historically significant areas.
Residents Speak Out Against Mass Tourism
People who live in Panjim’s historic neighbourhoods of San Tomé and Fontainhas, often known as the Latin quarter, are furious over what they claim is “mass tourism” that has “turned their quiet neighbourhood into a noisy and intrusive” experience. When a group of locals visited Panjim Mayor Rohit Monserrate on Wednesday for answers, he organised a meeting of different stakeholders to create regulations for these problems. The protest followed a confrontation between locals and tourists taking pictures down a small street. The tourists refused to leave when requested, and a local threatened them with a stick.
Residents complained of noisy tourists peeping into or invading people’s homes, urinating on the streets, and narrow streets being blocked by spontaneous photo sessions with professional equipment. To help control the crowds in the region, the locals have called for parking and traffic laws as well as the presence of wardens or police.
About 3,500 people live in the region, and most of them are elderly. It was established in the 1800s when Panjim replaced Old Goa as the capital of Goa. In addition to schools, offices, and other establishments, the neighbourhood is home to heritage resorts, guesthouses, restaurants, and cafés.
Noise, Congestion, & A Lost Heritage
What started as a slow trickle of heritage enthusiasts and cultural tourists has now become a torrent of selfie-seeking visitors, busloads of tourists on whirlwind tours, and social media influencers. This disturbance is not just an inconvenience; it represents a deeper loss for the people who live there. As San Tomé and Fontainhas continue to attract visitors, the residents’ battle for peace and preservation intensify. The tension between tourism and heritage preservation is a delicate balancing act, but one that must be addressed if the neighbourhoods are to retain their charm and cultural significance.
For now, the people of Fontainhas and San Tomé remain resilient, fighting to protect the places they call home from the encroaching tide of mass tourism.
Cover image credits: Canva