This paper aims to simulate the stages of the Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) in Goa, India, based on the number of tourist arrivals and tests whether the stages correspond with the stages of TALC as predicted in the theory. The graphs are plotted for total, foreign, and domestic tourists from 1962-2018. A compliance assessment of the indicators with the TALC stages is also done to ascertain the extent of development. The leading indicators of the exploration, stagnation, and decline stages are identified. The lagging indicator shows sluggish tourism planning initiatives. It is observed that the TALC differs for domestic and foreign tourists' arrivals. The study provides an important historical perspective on the pattern of growth of tourism in Goa. The pattern can further be employed as a basis to guide the process of strategy formulation.

Purpose An essential requirement for tourism planning and policymaking is to review past strategies. The development of future roadmaps depends on a robust strategy validation process. The research analyses the technology strategies in Goa from 1962–2017 and highlights the impact of technology on tourism in Goa. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents a unique methodology that integrates tourism area life cycle (TALC) and Mintzberg’s strategy analysis framework to evaluate strategies at a tourism destination. Findings The findings show that most technological advancements have taken place during the period 1989–2008. Both deliberate and emergent strategies were identified. Development of technology altered the type of tourism practiced in Goa. The use of internet facilitated the growth of tourism. Research limitations/implications This study clarifies the styles of public planning for tourism. It provides the foundation for strategic planning process. Practical implications Effective and efficient use of policy through technology road mapping can aid in co-creating a sustainable tourism destination for the future. Social implications The strategic evaluation framework can be used in any tourism destinations to identify past strategies and assess its impact on the future. Originality/value The paper presents a unique methodology that integrates TALC and Mintzberg’s strategy analysis framework to evaluate strategies at a tourism destination. The research proposes a strategic evaluation process that recognizes past strategies to validate the strategic analysis process.

PurposeTourist destinations are constantly changing products, evolving as per the controls exerted by the stakeholders. The study aims to map the pattern of tourism development and identify the strategies formed at the destination over a seven-decade period for a state as a unit of analysis.Design/methodology/approachThe paper evaluates tourism development through the tourism area life cycle (TALC) model and uses Mintzberg's strategy analysis process to identify strategies. The study involves time series analysis, pattern matching and explanation-building techniques. The TALC is plotted for the number of tourist arrivals from 1947 to 2019, and strategies are mapped for each stage.FindingsThe TALC shows a cycle-recycle pattern of tourism development. The research revealed several strategies at different stages. Both the central and state governments and entrepreneurs, distinctively and in conjunction, have formed strategies. The pattern shows the period of piecemeal and global strategic changes contributing to tourism development.Research limitations/implicationsThe research unearths the strategies that drive the development curves of TALC, emphasising the integration of TALC with other theories. The research also assesses the strategy formed in the pre-tourism stage.Practical implicationsThe research brings to light the use of TALC as a strategic road-mapping tool. In addition, the study emphasises the significance of global and piecemeal strategic periods and stakeholder's regulatory and operational roles.Originality/valueThe research uses a unique methodology that maps the strategies, periods of strategic changes and incremental strategies for each stage of TALC, along with identifying the stakeholders.