PANJIM: After his commitment to promote Goa as ‘aqua
physiotherapy’ destination, Tourism Minister Manohar Azgaonkar has another
proposal – to promote the State as ‘International Destination for Exhibitions
and Fairs.’
“It will be the Endeavour of the Goa government through
the Department of Tourism to provide the right infrastructure
and platform for MICE tourism in Goa where such mega exhibitions
and fairs of national and international repute are held for the
benefit of tourism stakeholders in Goa,” he said after inaugurating the 31st
edition of Food Hospitality World Expo at Bambolim on Thursday. The initiative,
he said, is to boost tourism and the hospitality industry in the State.
He further revealed that plans were being
drawn up by the Tourism Department to initiate various projects in the
State, and these, he said will be tabled in the House in the
forthcoming sessions of the Goa Legislative Assembly.
This is the third edition of FHW’s Goa edition, being held
from June 1-3 at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium at Bambolim. Speaking
about the trade show Azgaonkar said such an attempt would boost local
businesses. “I welcome such trade shows to Goa
because it is good for local businesses in Goa be it hotels or restaurants as
through such shows one can network and the chance to do business increases
greatly,” he stated.
Chef Ranjeet Pandey, president, Goa Culinary Forum and Mohan
Deshpande, President, Hospitality Purchase Managers’ Forum (HPMF) were also
present at the inauguration.
The show will feature over 5,000 product categories and
witness participation of over 300 international brands, alongside more than
7,000 industry professionals. Live demos, panel discussions, culinary competitions
and participation from leading kingpins in the hospitality
industry are some of the key highlights.
Last week, the minister had spoken about promoting Goa as a destination for Aquatic
Physiotherapy. “The Tourism Department will promote Goa as a destination for
Aquatic Physiotherapy and all efforts will be made to promote this special
treatment as tourists visit Goa for wellness tourism,” he was quoted as saying
after inaugurating international Aquatic Conference AquaCon 2017 at Calangute.
