Goa Tourism sets the stage for an impressive show at the India International Travel Mart (IITM) in Chennai being held from Aug 3-5, 2018. Anticipating an overwhelming response from the world of travel and tourism and local participants, Goa Tourism will be setting-up an attractive pavilion, followed by presentations and interactions with bigwigs from the tourism industry.
Delegates representing Goa Tourism at the IITM – Chennai include Mr. Ganesh Teli – Asst. Director, Dept. of Tourism, Mr. Deepak Narvekar – Sr. Manager & PRO, Mr. Nilesh Desai – GTDC and Mr. PramodKalangutkar – IA, Dept. of Tourism.
IITM Chennai 2018 is a prominent International Travel & Tourism Mart which draws lakhs of visitors. All this in a comfortable and festive ambience that will help forge a mutually beneficial business relationship. This is a great opportunity to rub shoulders with the crème de la crème of the industry and travel enthusiasts. A rendezvous that will leave an impact on the mind of every visitor and potential traveller.
Mr. Menino D’Souza, Director, Dept of Tourism, Govt. of Goa in a written message said, “While Goa’s beaches have always drawn in crowds, other facets of the destination like Eco Tourism, Hinterland Tourism, Heritage Tourism, Sports Tourism, Festival Tourism, Cuisine and Cultural Tourism, and a lot more, are becoming equally popular. The objective of participating at such events is to highlight these facets and showcase Goa as an all-round destination. Tourists from Chennai would love to be in Goa during the monsoons and festivals like Diwali to enjoy the festive fervor and year ending celebrations.
Deepak Narvekar Senior Manager Marketing/PRO while speaking on the occasion highlighted various New Tourism Services like Hop on Hop Off Bus, Hot Air Balloon, River Rafting, Monsoon Trecking Series, Tirupathi Pilgrim Tours from Goa and Bangalore etc offered by GTDC to the visiting Tourists. He appealed visitors to visit Goa to witness forth coming Bonderam Festival at Diwar in August and Ganesh Chaturti festivities in Goa during September month. Travel agents to come forward for booking of GTDC services Accommodation, Tours Cruses and avail fabulous commission. He mentioned about the interest from tourists from this region for Goan cuisine, heritage, architecture etc. Good road, rail and air connectivity have also made it possible for tourists to visit Goa all through the year.”
Goa has various tourism facets and some of them being showcased at IITM-Chennai include:
Adventure Tourism:
Goa has taken adventure tourism to new heights with the operation of unique adventure services like Hot Air Ballooning in the south and Hop on Hop off bus service in the north. The monsoon season in Goa has also picked up due to the susuccessful operations of white water rafting activity and trekking expeditions by GTDC. People now prefer visiting the state to experience the monsoons which is unique in its own way.
Wedding Tourism:
While marriages are made in heaven, Goa Tourism is ensuring that the celebrations deserve a place no less. The tiny State has become a big hot spot for weddings and wedding celebrations. With excellent air, road and rail connectivity, wide range of hotels, cuisine, entertainers and a lot more, wedding tourism in Goa has caught on in a big way. The state has bagged several awards as a leading Wedding and Honeymoon Destination.
Festivals and Events:
One of Goa’s major tourist draws are festivals and events that are organized from October till May. Goa Tourism takes the opportunity to showcase how the tiny state has diverse cultures, folklore, food and festivities. From annual religious festivals like Ganesh Chaturti, Diwali, Christmas to annual events including Carnaval, Shigmo to conceptualized events such as Grape Escapade, Spirit of Goa and Goa Vintage Bike and Car festival, all these events offer tourists an array of opportunities to explore and experience Goa. Tourists find reasons to visit Goa during every season. Even the monsoons are an exciting time to be in Goa with a large number of monsoon festivals being organized showcasing Goa’s culture and traditions. Some of them include Sao Joao, Bonderam, Sangodd, Poderachem fest, Touxeachem fest, Patolleanchem fest, Ponsachem fest and many more.
Music and Dance:
Goa has a rich cultural diversity which is seen very clearly during events and festivals held across the state. However, music and dance is in the heart and soul of every Goan whether western, Indian or Goa’s very own regional compositions. Music events and festivals take place in Goa all through the year and Goa draws lakhs of tourists who come to witness the authentic and traditional folklore which is showcased through various lines of songs and dances.
Safety and Security of Tourists:
Goa Tourism has never left a stone unturned when it comes to safety and security of tourists. The beaches are patrolled by 676 life guards and an additional 117 personnel patrol the beach till midnight. The state also offers an exclusive women taxi service for women tourists and passengers. Goa is also a safe destination for nightlife and this has been endorsed by National Geographic in its listing of the Top 10 Best Nightlife Cities in the World with Goa figuring sixth on the list.
Beaeach Cleaning Initiatives:
Goa boasts of some of the best beaches in India, Asia and world endorsed by Trip Advisor. Goa tourism showcases to the world its clean beaches emanating from the Comprehensive Beach Cleaning Management Plan and other clean beach Initiatives. The other mechanisms introduced for collection, segregation and disposal are also showing positive results.