Panjim, April 28: Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) today launched its all new e-commerce portal and mobile application on the android and iOS platforms that will provide tourists a digital experience of Goa. This is the first venture of its kind to be launched by a Tourism Board in India.
Hon’ble Chief Minister, Mr. Laxmikant Parsekar recently launched the new technology at a function held at Calangute Residency. Also present at the launch event included Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Mr. Dilip Parulekar, Hon’ble MLA and Chairman of GTDC, Mr. Nilesh Cabral, Hon’ble MLA and Chairman of NGPDA, Mr. Michael Lobo, Chief Secretary of Goa, Mr. R. K. Srivastava (IAS), Director of Tourism, Mr. Sanjeev C. Gauns Dessai, Managing Director of GTDC, Mr. Nikhil Desai and Board of Directors of GTDC.
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Mr. Laxmikant Parsekar said, “I am extremely happy to see how Goa Tourism Development Corporation is evolving and making Goa Tourism attractive and innovative every passing day. The use of technology and digitalizing tourism services is the need of the hour to reach out to tourists in India and international markets. I credit the Tourism Minister, Chairman of GTDC and their teams for adopting technology as a tool to give a big fillip to tourism. Goa is the first Board in the country to log in to a unique technology which will provide a variety of Goa Tourism products to tourists on one platform. Every aspect of Goa, such as its history, tourist spots, culture, adventure activities, transport facilities, and many more will be highlighted in this portal. This will help tourists plan their trips and easily make their bookings at Bed and Breakfast units, starred hotels, heritage homes and indulge in activities such as water sports, adrenaline activities, music festivals, restaurant bookings, nature and cultural trails to heritage sites, walking trails to river cruises, and many more at the click of a button.”
During the launch the dignitaries, guests and media were also given an insight into the operations of the technology and it’s working.
Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Mr. Dilip Parulekar said, “ The web portal is designed in such a way that international and domestic visitors will be able to browse through various options right from choosing holiday packages, travel itineraries, hotel bookings, sight-seeing, adventure trips, spice gardens , water parks, crocodile dandis, dolphin trips and much more, with ease. Right from a pick-up at the airport to the activities available in Goa will be provided under this single portal.”
Goa Tourism Development Corporation has got tremendous positive response from Goan private entrepreneurs who have already registered with GTDC to market their products.
Hon’ble Chairman of GTDC, Mr. Nilesh Cabral said, “The new web portal provides an opportunity for locals to generate revenue thereby making it beneficial for residents of Goa and tourists alike. The suppliers will need to register under the GTDC web portal to avail the benefit as it is an opportunity to market their products and services worldwide.”
QUB Tourism Services Pvt. Ltd., experienced in developing software for over 100 travel website applications and marketing noted travel brands world-wide, was awarded the contract to undertake this project. GTDC will not incur any costs for the venture and in fact stands to gain revenue through a revenue sharing model.
This website-cum-e-commerce portal will be available in six foreign languages including Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, German and French in addition to Hindi and English. It is also backed by a 12-hour contact centre service that will make the process of booking and query responses quicker.
APIs to connect with other platforms and increase collaborative opportunities will now be possible.
The major highlight of the project is to build a world-wide database of travel agents interested in Goa and provide them with everything their clients need in the simplest form. Elements like artificial intelligence supported itinerary builders will facilitate the same. On ground service to all registered suppliers in Goa is pivotal to the success of the project.
Shawn Mendes, from QUB Tourism Services Pvt. Ltd. said, “The vision behind the platform is to be a holistic resource where one can educate oneself on the tourism offering of Goa. It will promote experiences unique to Goa and deliver value to not only the visitor but also all the tourism stakeholders that are contributing to make this vision a reality.”
QUB Tourism Services Pvt. Ltd. will conduct national and international online marketing activities through offices in countries outside India along with creation and management of marketing tools for agents.
GTDC is the first tourism board across the country to introduce such a innovative platform.
