Socio-Economic Contribution of Beach Shacks in Goa to the Shack Owners-An Empirical Study

Goa, the smallest State of India by area, attracts each year millions of tourists both domestic as well as foreign. The inflow of tourists provides employment, income and a higher standard of living to the people of Goa. It also promotes investment and infrastructural development in the State. A few industries in the State are totally dependent on tourism for their survival and one of them is beach shacks. Beach shacks in Goa are 'temporary restaurants, located on the beach, serving predominantly Goan food and beverages to the tourists every year'. They are erected by using locally available eco-friendly materials and are open for business during the tourist season each year. The present paper is based on a study conducted during the month of April and May 2016. The sample size considered are 32 shacks located at Baga, Batalbatim, Benaulim, Calangute, Colva, Mobor and Palolem beaches in Goa. The data was personally collected by preparing and administering a structured questionnaire to the shack owners. The Statistical tools used are crosstab and Multiple Regression Analysis. The results suggest that, shack improves communication skills, contributes in acquiring capital assets and helps in improving the standard of living of the shack owners.