The inaugural day of the Goa International Travel Mart (GITM) 2024 began with an atmosphere charged with anticipation and excitement, as stakeholders from the tourism industry, government officials, and enthusiasts congregated at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium. This year’s GITM focused prominently on regenerative tourism, signaling a pivotal shift towards sustainable practices aimed at restoring and revitalizing local ecosystems and communities.
Highlighted during the event was the significance of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism in Goa, leveraging its world-class infrastructure and amenities for corporate gatherings and international conferences. Additionally, Goa’s allure as a wedding destination was underscored, attracting couples from across the globe with its blend of cultural richness, warm hospitality, and impeccable services.
The day commenced with the grand inauguration of the Goa Tourism stall, symbolizing the state’s commitment to showcasing its diverse tourism offerings and rich cultural heritage. Esteemed dignitaries including Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director Tourism and Managing Director GTDC, Parag Rangnekar, Member of the Goa Tourism Board, and other notable figures inaugurated the stall, marking the beginning of a promising event.
Attendees were treated to a thought-provoking knowledge-sharing session by Travel Trends, delving into the realm of Regenerative Tourism and exploring the evolving landscape of tourism in Goa. The session provided valuable insights into emerging trends and strategies for advancing Goa’s tourism industry sustainably.
The keynote address by Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, highlighted Goa’s vision for Regenerative Tourism, emphasizing sustainability and responsible travel practices. Anchipaka articulated a vision for a tourism sector that not only thrives economically but also preserves the state’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations.
GITM 2024 boasted a robust turnout, with 65 international buyers and 80 domestic buyers from across the globe, including delegates from India, Germany, UAE, USA, and more. This diverse participation underscores Goa’s emergence as a pioneer in Regenerative Tourism, signalling a shift towards sustainable practices on a global scale.
As the curtains drew on the first day of GITM 2024, anticipation mounted for the upcoming sessions, promising more enriching discussions, productive engagements, and opportunities to shape the future of tourism in Goa and beyond.
The second day of GITM 2024 is set to further enrich the experience of the visitors and industry specialists alike with a board of esteemed panelists like G B Srithar, Head of Tourism Services, VFS Global, Carl Vaz, President, SKAL International India and Chairman & CEO, Charson Advisory Services Pvt Ltd, Jack Ajit Sukhija, Incoming President, Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), Riaz Munshi, President, Outbound Tour Operator Association of India (OTOAI) TBC and Ajay Prakash, President, Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) TBC. Panel Discussion Titled ‘New Vision: Strategy, Branding and Promotion’, featuring esteemed panelists from the Taj Group, another Plenary Session II titled ‘Goa: A High Yield Destination and a Plenary Session III titled ‘Development of Skills for the Tourism sector in Goa will shed light on innovative strategies for promoting tourism in Goa and enhancing its brand identity on a global scale.
