Vol 3 Issue 17. September - October 2017 A Goa Tourism Newsletter.

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1 September - October 2017 A Goa Tourism Newsletter Vol 3 Issue

2 Goa Tourism powers ahead with two honours at National Tourism Awards Goa Tourism carved itself a milestone this World Tourism Day. For the first time in its history, the State bagged two prestigious National Awards for Most Innovative use of Information Technology: Social Media/Mobile App by Goa Tourism Development Corporation and Best State/UT Comprehensive Development of Tourism (Rest of India) (Third Prize Joint Winner). The two prestigious National Tourism Awards were presented to Goa by the Hon ble President of India, Mr. Ram Nath Kovind at a glittering function at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on 27th September. The award ceremony was presided over by the Hon ble Minister of State (Independent charge) for Tourism, Mr. Alphons Kannanthanam. The NTA function coincided with the occasion of World Tourism Day, 27th September The awards were received by the Hon ble Chairman of Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), Mr. Nilesh Cabral and Managing Director of Goa Tourism Development Corporation, Mr. Nikhil Desai. The NTA awards have been instituted since 1990 and presented to State governments/uts and several other tourism bodies in recognition of their performance in the respective fields of travel, tourism and hospitality encouraging healthy competition with an aim to promote tourism. During the last five years, Goa Tourism has powered several campaigns on Goa as an Ideal Wedding Tourism Destination, Monsoon Tourism Destination and many more.

3 Paryatan Parv a grand success in Goa: Tourism Minister Ajgaonkar hails initiative A Cultural programme organized at the Goa Evening by Goa Tourism to mark celebrations of Paryatan Parv Spreading awareness on hygiene and cleanliness Paryatan Parv, a three week long tourism event was successfully organized in Goa by the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India in collaboration with Dept. of Tourism, Govt of Goa and Regional Tourism, Govt. of India. The three week long programme which A rally on tourism at the Fort Aguada commenced on 5th October 2017 concluded on 25th October 2017 with a wide variety of programmes and activities held across the state. The Goa Tourism Development Corporation, IHM, Goa, Archaeological Survey of India, the National Institute of Water Sports, Dept. of Art and Culture and Dept. of Information & Publicity were also associated with this tourism event. The Hon ble Minister for Tourism, Govt. of Goa, Mr. Manohar Ajgaonkar hailed the success of Paryatan Parv in the State during the Goa Evening celebration and highlighted the significance of such an event in drawing insights into various tourism facets in Goa. A Heritage Walk under the Paryatan Parv tourism event organised in Panjim. The objective of the programme was to draw focus on the benefits of tourism showcasing the cultural diversity of the state and reinforcing the principle of Tourism for All. Some of the key events organized included heritage walks, cleanliness drives, workshops, exhibitions showcasing handlooms, handicrafts and cuisine, artisans workshops at different locations, competitions for students, sensitization programmes for tourism service providers, yoga demonstrations etc. In addition, interactive sessions and workshops were also organized on varied themes related to skill development in the tourism sector and rural tourism sites. Various other activities were held which included Rally on Tourism, Nukkad Natak, Run for Incredible India, excursion trips for students to iconic places, and quiz competitions. Goa Tourism and IHM, Goa along with Dept. of Art & Culture also organized a Cultural Evening on 23rd October at Paryatan Bhavan Complex.

4 Goa Tourism celebrates World Tourism Day The Department of Tourism, Govt. of Goa and Goa Tourism Development Corporation in association with India Tourism and Travel and Tourism Association of Goa celebrated World Tourism Day with much fervor and excitement. Various programmes and activities were conducted throughout the day. Goa Tourism organized a boat cruise for special children with cultural programmes, song and dance and a variety of entertainment. An exclusive tour was arranged on the open top Hop on Hop off bus for college students. Various quiz competitions were also held for colleges in North and South Goa and a painting competition for students from Fine Arts College, Panjim. Painting competition held in Fine Arts College, Panjim on the theme Sustainable Tourism - a Tool for Development Hop on Hop off bus tour for College students on the occassion of World Tourism Day Quiz competition held for college students on the occassion of World Tourism Day The Department of Tourism and GTDC welcomed tourists at the Goa International Airport, Dabolim and KRC station, Margao. The tourists were presented with roses and sweets and were greeted with a brass band and musical entertainment. Boat cruise for special children The programmes were organized in keeping with the theme of World Tourism Day: Sustainable Tourism A Tool for Development. Brass Band at the Goa International Airport

5 Goa Tourism initiates Swachh Bharat Abhiyan campaign The Department of Tourism, Govt. of Goa observed a fortnight long Swachhta Pakhwada and Swachhta Hi Seva an initiative under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, sanitation and cleanliness drives at key tourism locations in the State. The initiatives commenced on 16th September in the state capital. Similar sanitation and cleanliness drives were held at other tourism locations in and around the vicinity of Chapora Fort, Kesarwal, Old Goa churches, Miramar beach and Mangueshi temple at Priol. Dept of Tourism undertakes Swachh Bharat Abhiyan initiatives Mr. Laxmikant Vaigankar, GM,GTDC,Mr. Deepak Narvekar, Senior Manager and PRO, GTDC along with other staff of Goa Tourism at International Day for Biological Diversity GTDC presents award to Booking.com Mr. Nilesh Cabral, Chairman, Goa Tourism Development Corporation presented an award to Booking.com for their best performance in the category of online Travel Agents. The award was given in recognition for a GTDC sales record, with GTDC hotels recording sales of more than one crore for the financial year The award was accepted by Mr. Jedesh Kozhippalli, Hotels- Senior Account Manager, India and Ms. Simone Pardiwalla, Content Specialist, India on behalf of Booking.com. Mr. Nilesh Cabral, Chairman, GTDC presenting award to Booking.com GTDC was one of the first tourism boards in India to sign up with Booking.com which is one of the largest travel e-commerce companies in the world. Over the years, a lot of business has been generated through online bookings of GTDC residencies. This year, there was an overwhelming response with an increase in the sales revenue.

6 Goa Tourism puts up an impressive show at OTDYKH Leisure, Moscow 2017 held from September 19-21, 2017 Goa Tourism participated in the 23rd International Trade Fair for Travel & Tourism Forum at OTDYKH 2017 in Moscow from September 19-21, Mr. Manohar Ajgaonkar, Minister for Tourism, Govt. of Goa attended this International event along with officials from the Dept. of Tourism and Goa Tourism Development Corporation. At the event, Goa Tourism took the opportunity to promote its unique facilities and facets to people from across the globe. Goa Tourism put up an attractive pavilion showcasing Goan traditions, heritage and all its tourism attractions. Besides the travel and trade visitors from Moscow, the Goa Tourism pavilion also welcomed a delegation of Regional Travel Trade from around Russia. Hon'ble Minister for Tourism, Govt of Goa, Mr. Manohar Ajgaonkar at the OTDYKH 2017 in Moscow Several b2b sessions were also conducted giving travel and tour operators an insight into Goa s new portfolios and new attractions in the state. Goa Tourism marching ahead as MICE Destination Goa s endeavour of being a destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) got its recognition at the IITM 2017 held in Delhi where it was awarded the MICE Destination of the Year. Goa Tourism s pavilion at IITM, Delhi. During the same event, Goa Tourism also bagged an award for Best Decorated Pavilion- National. In an another event held at the Business Luxury Travel Mart 2017 (BLTM) Gurgaon, Goa Tourism bagged the Best Value MICE Product Award and Best Decorated Stall Award. Goa Tourism s pavilion at BLTM Gurgaon.

7 Tourism season 2017 commences in Goa: tourists throng Goa for Diwali The tourism season 2017 began in Goa on a high note with the first charter flight arriving in the State on 31st September from Russia. A total of 519 foreign tourists arrived from Russia at the Goa airport, Dabolim and were accorded a grand reception. This year Goa is expecting over a 1000 charter flights during the season. As the season commenced, Diwali was also celebrated in Goa with much festive fervor and gaiety. Goa was bursting at the seams with tourists from both domestic and international regions visiting State to enjoy the festive splendor. The traditional Narkasura parades, illuminations, festive flavours, shopping and cultural activities marked the festival of Diwali across the State. The FIFA U17 tournaments held in Goa also drew large crowds and football fans to the State. Here is a pictorial glimpse of Diwali celebrations in Goa and other activities. Goa Tourism welcoming tourists at the Goa International Airport Shopping for Diwali Narkasur Parades

8 Photo of the month Upcoming events International Film Festival India - Goa Christmas Feast of St Francis Xavier New Year s Eve celebrations COLA BEACH, #Goa Shot by: instagram.com/this_fellow Best tweets and... Designed by AMO communications Pvt. Ltd.