Panjim, Nov 17: Goa Tourism put up an impressive show at the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2016. The WTM – London, a leading global tourism fair was held this year from 7th-9th November.veroxybd.com
Goa Tourism’s pavilion at the WTM 2016 showcased all its new initiatives and activities.
The stall was beautifully set up depicting the various facets of the state including temples, churches, rich heritage, new attractions launched by tourism, adventure sports, beaches, MICE, etc. The Goa Tourism delegation consisted of Deputy Director of Tourism, Mr. Rajesh Kale and PRO of GTDC, Mr. Deepak Narvekar.
On the second day of the three day exhibition a ‘Goa Evening’- showcasing Goa’s folk dances, cuisine and culture was held at the Goa Tourism Stall. It was attended by leading travel and tour operators, from United Kingdom and representatives of International Media, who interacted with Goa Tourism officials, and co-exhibitors. Prominently present at the stall were members of the State Level Marketing and Promotion Committee (SLMPC) Mr. Ralph D’Souza, Mr. Ernest Dias and Mr. Mark Mendes.
Prominent media people included Mr. Mathew Jackson, Managing Director and Publisher of National Geographic Traveller and Ms. Laura Fowler, Editor of CondeNast Traveller.
“This year, the WTM was significant for Goa Tourism due to the various factors including promotion of e-tourist visa (ETV) facility introduced last year as the UK is an important destination in the ETV list. This has helped boost the numbers and will continue to be a big game changer for Goa Tourism,” said Deputy Director of Tourism, Mr. Rajesh Kale. Other areas of interest including heritage tourism, wedding tourism, Medical & wellness tourism, festival tourism, fashion and film tourism were some of the many facets that Goa Tourism showcased at WTM.
Tourism stakeholders from Goa like hoteliers and travel and tour operators who participated at the WTM included Grand Hyatt ,Alila Diwa,W hotel, Blue Ocean Hospitality, The Pride Sun Village Resort Goa, Novotel Goa Resort and Spa, Ibis Styles Goa, D’souza Group and tour operators included Freedom Holidays, Alpha Holidays, Splendor Holidays and Scuba Evolution India, Minar Travels and Spice Route tours and travels Pvt Ltd and many more.
Several B2B meetings were conducted between travel operators from London and Goa Tourism officials and delegates.
Special meetings were also held between Thomas Cook Airlines and Goa Tourism delegates for increasing the frequency of Thomas Cook flights from London to Goa and to add more facilities for tourists visiting Goa from London and other parts of the globe.
Prestigious awards for Tourism Minister and Goa by PATWA at WTM London
Minister for Tourism, Govt. of Goa , Mr. Dilip Parulekar has been awarded The Best Innovative Minister by Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) at an award ceremony held at the WTM London 2016. Goa was also awarded The Best State for leisure and Entertainment. On behalf of the tourism minister, the award was accepted by Deputy Director of Tourism, Mr. Rajesh Kale and Deepak Narvekar, PRO of GTDC.
Minister for Tourism, Mr. Dilip Parulekar said, “I am truly honoured by the PATWA Best Innovative Minister Award and dedicate it to the hard work put in by my team in making Goa a State with the most innovative tourism attractions. During the last four and a half years Goa Tourism has taken the world by storm with the introduction of unique and niche tourism products. The stage has been set and I am confident that Goa Tourism will keep rolling out newer products and services in the months and years to come.”
Chairman of Goa Tourism Development Corporation, Mr. Nilesh Cabral said, “Goa is indeed a unique State for Leisure and Entertainment. The GTDC has taken pains in ensuring that tourism facets of various touristic interests are given a boost. This has helped leisure and entertainment tourism in Goa. Everyone wants to be in Goa to enjoy its beauty and to party. We are augmenting our infrastructure to cater to the increase in footfalls and also taking adequate steps to ensure cleanliness and safety for all tourists visiting Goa. Goa rightly deserves the award for being the Best State for Leisure and Entertainment.”
