The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) recently organised the Travel Agents Meet 2026, bringing together key stakeholders from the travel and tourism industry to strengthen collaboration and align strategies for promoting Goa as a diverse, experience-led destination.
The dignitaries on the dais were the Minister for Tourism, Rohan A Khaunte; Chairman, GTDC Kedar Naik; Managing Director, GTDC Kuldeep Arolkar; General Managers GTDC Gavin Dias, Sachin Gore, Laxmikant Vaigankar, Kapil Paiguinkar and Deputy General Manager Deepak Narvekar.
The event witnessed participation from 55 travel agents, OTAs and NTS operators, along with other stakeholders from the travel business in Goa.
KEY POINTS
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Tourism Rohan A Khaunte emphasised the importance of partnership with travel stakeholders in shaping Goa’s tourism growth. “Travel agents are our long-term partners in shaping Goa’s tourism growth story. As we move towards promoting quality tourism and diverse experiences beyond our beaches, collaboration with the travel trade becomes central to presenting Goa as a holistic, experience-rich destination. Our focus remains on balanced tourism growth that benefits local communities, strengthens livelihoods, and enhances visitor satisfaction.”
Addressing the gathering, Chairman, GTDC, Kedar J Naik highlighted the pivotal role played by the travel trade in shaping destination experiences and market perception.
“Travel agents play a crucial role in shaping the tourism journey of any destination. You are the first point of contact for travellers and the ones who translate a destination’s vision into real experiences. The confidence with which travellers choose Goa is closely linked to the trust they place in you, and that contribution is deeply appreciated,” said Naik.
“GTDC carries the responsibility of ensuring that tourism growth is balanced, inclusive, and beneficial to the people of Goa. Our role goes beyond infrastructure or services; it is about creating an ecosystem where tourism supports livelihoods, preserves culture, and enhances visitor satisfaction,” he added.
Managing Director, GTDC; Kuldeep Arolkar, had this to say, “The Travel Agents Meet is an important platform to align our tourism products and services with market needs. Through continued engagement with the travel trade, GTDC aims to strengthen the global promotion of Goa Tourism hotels, new tourism services and destination experiences. Such interactions help us remain responsive to evolving traveller expectations and market dynamics.”
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
As part of the programme, seven prominent tour operators were felicitated, including the President, Vice President and Goa Coordinator of the Tour Operators Association of India, representatives of Goa-based online travel agents, and NTS operators, in recognition of their contribution to promoting Goa as a preferred destination.
A presentation on GTDC hotels and new tourism/ adventure activities was made by team of General Manager, GTDC Gavin Dias, along with Senior Managers Vishesh Naik and Pravin Faldessai. Video films were showcased on Goa Tourism, wild life, AVI Tourism and festivals etc were also part of the event.
The meet included an interactive exchange between GTDC officials and members of the travel trade on emerging markets, evolving traveller preferences, and collaborative promotion opportunities. Goa Tourism’s hotels, new tourism services and destination experiences were showcased, with a focus on strengthening global visibility through trade partnerships.
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