the goan I network
PANAJI
The three day event called India Travel Mart (ITM) has seen representatives from several states like Karnataka, Jharkhand, Bihar, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan and Kerala wooing Goan tourists.
The event is happening from March 1 to 3 at Panaji Convention Centre at Mala. Close to 10 states have participated at ITM, wherein the government officials and tourism stakeholders from these states are trying to attract tourists from Goa. In fact, Goa is also participating in the event to promote tourism in the state.
ITM is an event, which is aimed at helping various states of India in getting more tourists from within the country. Sanjiv Gadkar, tourism director, inaugurated the ITM.
Speaking to media persons at the event, Gadkar said, “Various states are participating in this 3-day event. We expect all the states will do better by getting more and more tourists. Goa will also benefit as we will learn from the initiatives taken by other states in the area of tourism.”
Ajay Gupta, managing director, ITM, said, “We organise ITM-Goa annually, wherein the customers get specially designed packages and great deals with innumerable choices. We understand the need to promote the tier II & tier III cities in tourism.”
Each participating state at ITM was trying to market several destinations it has, whether hill-stations or jungle safaris or beaches or religious places so that it has something to offer to various kinds of travellers. The state of Jharkhand was marketing destinations like Parasnath and Giridih for spiritual tourism. Parasnath hills are a prominent Jain pilgrimage centre and Giridih is an old and beautiful hamlet.
The state of Karnataka was promoting Bannerghatta Nature Camp, Kabini River Lodge, Bhimgad Adventure and Dubare Elephant Camp at the event.
