Goa to have its first ITM this Oct
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, AUG 16
Can Goa which has emerged as a prime destination for the corporate industry and commercial establishments to host conferences, seminars, exhibitions and business networking also turn out to be a forum to boost tourism related business?
With this objective in mind and also to advance State’s tourism industry, Goa will have its first International Travel Mart (ITM) in October this year.
Nikhil Dessai, Managing Director of Goa Tourism & Development Corporation (GTDC) told a press conference on Monday here, a four day ITM beginning on October 14, will have buyer-sellers interactions, interactive penal discussions, seminars addressed by key speakers from the industry et al but it will also be an opportunity for Goa to enhance its stake in the tourism business.
Sheldon Satwan, Editor of Travel Biz Monitor, said Goa lags far behind on domestic tourist arrival – it is ranked 19 and ITM should be looked at as an investment opportunity.
To a question about bad publicity Goa has received in the last two years, he said, all tourist hotspots have received bad publicity from time-to-time. However what’s important is — what you do to counter it, he said.
The GTDC and Tourism Department with support from India Tourism Goa, Travel & Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) and Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) are organising the ITM wherein various State and international tourism boards, trade associations, resorts, airlines and leisure operators and tour operators, corporate travel planners and allied industries have displayed keen interest participation. Bookings for approximately 150 stalls are well underway with special deals and discount on offer, including corporate and early discounts, said GTDC Chairman.
Also present were Swapnil Naik, Director of Tourism Department, Gaurish Dhond, Chairman TTAG, Ralph D’Souza, Chairman Tourism Committee expressed confidence that ITM will help tourism industry. The official website www.itmgao.com was launched today.
