Goa is a destination that touches you in so many ways and totally captivates you. Its beaches, music, food, churches, temples, treks, nature, and adventure activities blend into an elixir more intoxicating than the local brew, Cashew Feni. A destination that has something interesting and exciting for everyone, that is Goa. That is why we all love Goa. Showcasing the very best of Goa to national and international buyers as well as media is the Goa International Travel Mart, where travel and business converge on a high impact platform for B2B networking.
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Goa International Travel Mart 2019 – B2B Networking In Goa
About Goa International Travel Mart
The Goa International Travel Mart – GITM is a vibrant and powerful platform that brings together the various travel trade stakeholders of Goa to showcase the best of Goa. It is a powerful platform for interaction between the travel trade of Goa and national and international Buyers. The event has been meeting with remarkable success in its past editions. The 2019 event was held between 23rd October to 25th October at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Goa.
The Grand Opening Of GITM 2019
The Goa International Travel Mart (GITM 2019) got off to a grand start in the beautiful environs of the Park Regis Hotel in Arpora, Goa.
The importance that the state Government of Goa gives to tourism was highlighted by the presence of the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and the Secretary of Tourism, Govt. Of India.
The 3-day B2B networking event was inaugurated with the traditional lighting of the lamp to the strains of a Ganesh mantra in the baritone voice of Amitabh Bachchan. The lamp was lit by Dr. Pramod Sawant Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, and Shri Manohar Ajgaonkar Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Tourism, Goa. Helping them do the honors were Shri J. Ashok Kumar Secretary Tourism, and Shri Nikhil Desai MD GTDC.
The Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant addressed the delegates that included national and international buyers and media persons. He stressed how the Government was totally focused on giving tourism a boost through improved infrastructure and ensuring the safety of tourists from arrival to departure. A new film that highlights the best and varied attractions of Goa, Goa beyond the beaches and Goa as one of the safest destinations in the world was also released on the occasion by the Chief Minister.
Watch Glimpses of GITM 2019 here
Mr, Nikhil Desai, Managing Director of Goa Tourism Development Corporation(GTDC) gave a presentation that highlighted the diverse aspects of tourism in Goa as well as future plans and offerings. He also emphasized on the rapid progress being made by the state in various sectors that would be boosting tourism.
The stage was now set for some dazzling musical and dance performances that enthralled the gathering. The rhythms of Goa set the tone for the event and ensured that each one present in the venue was swayed by the enchanting music and dance of Goa.
The colorful cultural program highlighted the rich diversity present within the small state of Goa, and how the impact of different cultures has made the land richer with their fusion.
The evening ended with a lavish dinner and cocktails, indeed the GITM 2019 had got off to a grand start, never mind the heavy rains that were lashing the state.
GITM B2B Networking At Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium
The Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium was the hub of hectic activity with over 60 exhibitors showcasing their offerings to a group of over 100 international buyers and over 120 national buyers.
Apart from the hospitality brands, the exhibitors included cruise companies, tour companies and many others.
Some of the notable exhibitors who grabbed eyeballs were Goa Tourism, Jumpin Heights which has recently launched India’s second Bungy jumping destination in North Goa, B Live, a company that offers immersive and experiential tours powered by environment-friendly bikes.
Media Briefing At Goa International Travel Mart – GITM 2019
A very informative and interesting media briefing session was done on the sidelines of the Goa International Travel Mart 2019. Members of both national and international media including travel bloggers participated in a highly interactive session.
Mr. Nikhil Desai, MD GTDC, gave a detailed presentation about different aspects of tourism in Goa and emphasized how Goa was a land of contrasts. It is a region where serene beaches rub shoulders with noisy flea markets, where ancient temples stand shoulder to shoulder with ancient churches. Goa is a melting pot of cuisines that range from the local traditional cuisine handed down from one generation to another as well as contemporary international cuisines. Mr. Desai informed that these intriguing contrasts of Goa were symbolized in one of the World’s first ambigram logo. He also briefed the media delegates about the different festivals of Goa including the Ganesh festival, Shigmo festival, Goa Carnival, Diwali, and others in which everyone participates in perfect harmony. He also highlighted the importance of Goa as a wedding, Film, and Fashion destination.
Mr. Nikhil Desai also outlined the various measures, checks, and balances in place to ensure the safety of tourists in Goa. These include CCTV installation in major tourist spots, tourist police cell, prompt ambulance, and emergency services.
Beach safety through trained lifeguards with state of the art equipment and use of proper signages.
Mr Nikhil Desai, MD GTDC, and Mr. Ashok Kumar, Secretary Tourism answered questions from the media.
Replying to our question about how the Tourism department was planning to promote Goa beyond beaches, Mr. Desai said, “a new facility would be launched in Baga beach which will have daily shows depicting the cultural life and ethos of Goa, it will have a storyboard with laser and sound and light show with live performances, so if any visitor comes to Goa and wants to experience the culture of Goa, we are going to create a mini Goan village which will have Goan cuisine, Goan attire, and would also have a one hour show depicting Goan culture and way of life.” Mr. Desai that this was work in progress and expected to be launched in mid-December.
Takeaways From Goa International Travel Mart – GITM 2019
- GTDC has banned the use of single-use plastic like bottles, cups, and straws
- Goa beyond beaches being promoted with a focus on adventure, river cruises, heritage and culture
- Goa has one of the highest density of performing art centers in the world
- Government of Goa pursues a very vibrant art and culture policy to preserve the rich heritage and culture
- The proposed international airport in Mopa, Goa likely to be operational by 2022
- Goa Miles is an initiative of Goa Tourism Development Corporation to provide App-based cab services to locals and tourists alike
The Goa International Travel Mart was an excellent showcase to the international arena of the best of Goa and its plethora of offerings.
We were hosted by Goa Tourism. However, the views and opinions expressed here are our own.
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Mr. Nikhil Desai, MD GTDC is a good man. I hope he keeps doing good work for Goa