IFFI has helped market Goa as a global brand: officials
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, DEC 3
After being dubbed as tourism hotspot, the International Film Festival (IFFI) is now making Goa as an entertainment destination, feel the officials.
Experts from tourism industry feel that hosting of IFFI, since 2004 has helped the state to brand itself in the global market.
“IFFI has put Goa prominently on the entertainment and glamour map worldwide, thus helping the tourism industry to a great extent,” Ralph de Sousa, spokesperson for Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) said.
De Souza said that as a permanent festival venue, it rubbed shoulders with other such venues like Cannes and taking Goa as a ‘brand’ to the next level.
Supporting him, tourism director Swapnil Naik said that the branding helps a lot in attracting tourists in the state.
“The festival attracts a large number of national and international delegates, film makers and creative enthusiasts to Goa,” he said adding that since last seven years IFFI has successfully showcased Goa’s vibrant spirit and the many facets of our beautiful state to the global film industry.
The IFFI 2010, which concluded on December 2, showcased 300 films from 61 countries.
Entertainment Society of Goa’s (ESG), CEO, Manoj Srivastava declared that the number of movies screened during ten day long festival was largest since its inception.
“The festival, India’s Cannes, is not just about remarkable films, it’s over 240 hours of entertainment and fun,” he said
“Goa is about fun and entertainment. Its scenic beaches and quaint surroundings create the ideal atmosphere to host an international film festival like IFFI,” he added.
The festival schedule is packed with world premieres, film bazaars, master class series, workshops, director interactions, buyer interactions, music concerts and more.
“As the managing body for IFFI, ESG seeks to further Goa as India’s international entertainment destination,” the CEO said.
Srivastava said that Goa is arguably the best destination to host a film festival of the stature of IFFI hence the state is been declare as permanent venue to host the festival.
