PANAJI
Goa Tourism is quite excited about the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai 2024 scheduled from May 6 to 9 -- yet another international platform to promote Goa -- albeit remaining silent about the expenses it will incur.
Reliable sources confirmed to The Goan that the 'Department of Tourism, Government of Goa' pavilion and participation will cost the State exchequer no less than Rs 2-3 crore, a substantial amount that seemingly appears inconsequential to tourism officials accustomed to participating in numerous international fairs without subsequent auditing.
Sources indicate that the ATM at the Dubai World Trade Centre will undoubtedly benefit Goa given its reach over the years and with around 17-18 operators expected to market Goa along with promoting their services on a platform that hosted 2,100 exhibitors, representatives from over 150 countries with an attendance of 40,000 last year.
“The expenditure segment has not been disclosed by the department, but based on past participation, it is likely to be Rs 2-3 crores approx covering expenses on the Goa Pavilion, travel, accommodation, and food expenses for officials attending the event,” revealed the source.
The Goa Tourism Pavilion at ATM Dubai aims to feature sustainable initiatives under Regenerative Tourism, including hinterland exploration, restoration of heritage sites, a journey towards spiritual tourism, and more. The department also claimed to highlight the 11 temples under the Ekadasha Teertha circuit and exposition of St Francis Xavier at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa, from November 21, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
With this being one of many international travel marts, sources further reveal that the department has evaded conducting audits of its previous international and domestic fairs, raising suspicions of expenditure and non-eligible officials on board at the expense of the public money.
Moreover, no database of foreign and domestic buyers have been created to be submitted to trade agencies like CII, GCCI, TTAG, etc to be passed on to their members so that Goa tourism can benefit from these participations.
At a press conference on Friday, officials claimed that “Goa Tourism’s pavilion will exhibit the best of what Goa has to offer,” with the presence of Minister of Tourism Rohan A Khaunte, Suneel Anchipaka, Director Tourism & Managing Director GTDC, Kuldeep Arolkar, Deputy Director Tourism, Shawn Mendes, OSD to Tourism Minister, and Chitra Vengurlekar, Assistant Tourist Officer along with co-exhibitors from leading industries like tour operators, hoteliers, and wedding planners.
