Colourful start to Goa ITM

PANJIM, OCT 14 
The Goa International Travel Mart got off to a colourful start today at Bandodkar grounds, Campal, Panjim with a showcase of Goa’s cultural folk dance and music depicting the vibrancy and spirit of the coastal State.
The four-day event was inaugurated by chief guest Governor S S Sidhu in the presence of Tourism Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar, GTDC Chairman Shyam Satardekar, Tourism Secretary Dr M Modassir and Pradip Madhavji – former chairman of Thomas Cook, India.
In his key note address, Pradip Madhavji said that Goa needs to identify new areas to attract tourists.
“Goa is a leading holiday destination but to continue projecting the State as a destination for tomorrow we need to identify audiences and target geographical areas from where we can attract tourists,” Madhavji stated.
Further, he said, “ITM is a wonderful initiative by the State government and will aid in marketing Goa as a premier destination.”
Over 200 national and international buyers, travel and trade industry honchos and tourism board members descended onto the shores of coastal State to experience a slice of brand Goa – ITM Goa, which aims to boost tourism related business in the State is jointly organised by the State Department of tourism, India Tourism, Travel and Tourism Association of Goa and the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Over 80 participants will showcase their services and network with the industry associates over the next four days.
Buyers from 12 countries including Singapore, South Africa, Canada, UK, Italy, Poland, Russia, UAE, Thailand and Brazil are participating in ITM Goa 2010.
Important tourism bodies like the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) and the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTO) are also participating in the event.