Panaji – Travel and tourism industry stakeholders from 28 countries will participate in the second edition of the Goa International Travel Mart (GITM), which kicks off here Friday.

Announcing the inauguration, Goa’s tourism director Swapnil Naik said nearly 400 invitees will mingle and talk trade with travel and tourism industry stakeholders in Goa in the B2B event.

“We have confirmed participation from nearly 400 buyers from countries like Singapore, South Africa, the UK, Italy, the US and Thailand, among other countries,” Naik said.

He added that for the second edition of the event, GITM had tied up with the organizers of the world’s most prestigious travel mart, ITB Berlin.

“We are extremely thrilled to have ITB Berlin on board with us, with others like ‘Le Passage to India’, ‘Kuoni India’ and the ‘Tourism Authority of Thailand’,” Naik said.

The GITM, organised with the objective of advancing tourism related business in the state, is jointly promoted by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) and the state department of tourism, India Tourism, Travel & Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) and Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).

The GITM, this year around, will also feature knowledge sessions conducted by industry stalwarts on ‘Responsible Tourism’, ‘Marketing and Innovation in Tourism’, ‘Branding and Reinventing a Destination’, ‘Spa and Wellness Tourism’, ‘Adventure Tourism’ and the ‘Role of Public Private Partnership (PPP) in tourism and destination development’.

According to Manguirish Pai Raikar, President, Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), the theme of the GITM this year, “Uncover the Hidden Treasures of Goa”, would help the state tap the unexplored potential of Goa, which is seen essentially as a beach tourism destination.

“The Chamber is committed to sustainable development of the state. Entrepreneurship development, in particular, is our priority. GITM offers the perfect platform for local entrepreneurs in travel and allied trade industries to network with global firms and forge positive business alliances,” he said.

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According to Manguirish Pai Raikar, President, Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), the theme of the GITM this year, “Uncover the Hidden Treasures of Goa”, would help the state tap the unexplored potential of Goa, which is seen essentially as a beach tourism destination.
The GITM, organised with the objective of advancing tourism related business in the state, is jointly promoted by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) and the state department of tourism, India Tourism, Travel &.
Announcing the inauguration, Goa’s tourism director Swapnil Naik said nearly 400 invitees will mingle and talk trade with travel and tourism industry stakeholders in Goa in the B2B event.