PANJIM: Even as two foreign ‘Goa promotion trips’ have already been lined up for this financial year, the Tourism department is planning to cut down on their marketing expenses on the international platform by tying up with India Tourism. The department has tentatively listed out certain points that could save cost while participating at international travel marts, on the USA model.
Tourism Director Ameya Abhyankar said he would soon put up a proposal before the State government to discuss with the Centre while participating in international marts as this initiative could save the State exchequer a significant amount of money.
“The pavilion (allotted at the travel marts to set up tourism promotion stalls to each state) is the major cost. If India Tourism allows Goa to join with them, it will save a lot of money. We can set up a stall in their spacious pavilion and rope-in the vendor who is given the contract to supply promotional materials in each stall,” Abhyankar told Herald.
In a bid to ensure continuous promotion of Goa Tourism in different countries, the department is also contemplating partnering with the hotels having international chains, airlines and travel agencies. This exercise, Abhyankar opined, will offset cost of the government while also help promotion throughout the year.
The director’s observations come from observing the US pavilion, wherein all states set up their stalls promoting different facets of tourism in one enclave.
The department is chalking out another proposal to make an inventory of Tourism properties, which will include information about Goa, including places to visit, heritage, culture, places to stay, eateries, etc.
