Hospitality specialist Antonio Fernandes participated in Goa International Tourism Mart on April 3rd and 4th
Antonio Fernandes (second from left) along with delegates of SKAL Goa.
LONDON
A UK Goan hospitality specialist who had the rare privilege to be a part of a global delegation at the recent Goa International Travel Mart (GITM) hosted by Goa Tourism has advocated the need to involve new generation in strategy policy making and implementation of Goa’s regenerative tourism policy.
Antonio Fernandes, who hails from Colva, is co-founder of A&G Event Experts, a premier events management company in the UK and has been involved in hospitality across three continents.
EXPERIENCE
Antonio, who interacted with stakeholders at the GITM in Goa on April 3 and 4, said it was exciting to have been invited to the GITM in Goa along with about 60 international delegates from 25 countries and 100 Indian delegates, who included industry stalwarts and buyers, which included tour operators, travel trade media and corporate buyers.
“The event was a B2B Travel Networking Exhibition organised by Goa’s Tourism Department at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, Bambolim. The aim was to bring a new perspective to Goa Tourism image by emphasising regenerative tourism with a focus on heritage, spiritual, hinterland and gastronomy tourism of Goa,” said Antonio.
Antonio Fernandes along with Colleen Sequeira, Co-Founder of Fitness Zone Goa (left) and a delegate from IHM Goa (right).
“It was a great platform for international buyers. The delegates were all in awe of the beauty of Goa and the friendly attitude of the Goans.”
“GITM was a great initiative and I interacted with international buyers, many of whom I meet at other global marts and a lot of interest was generated with the wide range of products available beyond beaches and this certainly got them thinking about doing business in Goa.”
“As a Goan doing business abroad, it was great to see this idea of regenerative tourism which, we were told, was the first of its kind in India.”
Antonio had a word of praise for the Goa government, Tourism Director and MD of GTDC Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, and his team for organising the GITM.
“They focused on regenerative tourism in Goa, which is in harmony with nature, respects local cultures and fosters meaningful connections between visitors and our communities,” said Antonio.
“A special mention must be made of trade and club bodies like Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) and SKAL Goa. I have have known them for many years and they have contributed actively towards the promotion and development of tourism in Goa.”
SUGGESTIONS
When asked for his suggestions and recommendations at the GITM, Antonio said he pushed for a greater involvement of the new generation.
“What really impressed me was that the new generation of Goans have already taken the initiative to promote Goa’s tourism, with their involvement in heritage hotels, gastronomy, apps and a complete new and innovative approach to the market in Goa,” said Antonio.
[From L to R] Antonio Fernandes, Taj Sales Directors Suman Gulia (Taj Fort Aguada and Holiday Village) and Cleto Pereira (Taj Exotica).
“My key input to the Tourism Department – which, perhaps, has already begun – is to involve the new generation of these smart and caring Goans in the strategy policy making and implementation of regenerative tourism.”
“This involvement may be from the grass roots in villages or at the taluka level, so that they can support Goa Tourism with the good work they are doing at their level.”
Antonio said GITM’s emphasis on regenerative tourism showed that Goa is not only about beaches but also about its culture, cuisine and heritage.
“This is a reflection of recent GMF forums I had participated in two countries. I travelled recently to Portugal, which also emphasised on history, culture, gastronomy and wines. In Spain too, the focus was also on culture, urban tourism, food, wine, sports and adventure.”
“It’s great to see that besides the lovely beaches, each of these places has even more to offer and experience, such as culture, heritage, food, wine, adventure, sports, adventure, history, gastronomy and nature,” added Antonio.
