PANAJI
The Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) has floated tenders for this year's 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), but with a twist -- two key service providers will remain on board for the next two editions in 2027 and 2028.
The e tender notice issued by the CEO seeks bids to appoint an air travel agency and a vehicle operator for the 57th edition scheduled later this year.
What is unusual, however, is that the selected agencies will also handle travel and transport for the 58th and 59th editions in 2027 and 2028. This effectively locks in contracts for three years, covering delegate flights, jury travel and VVIP transport.
In contrast, other festival services remain restricted to this year’s edition. Vendors for printing works, tote bags, merchandise, mementos, lanyards and souvenirs will be appointed only for the 57th IFFI. Similarly, tenders for empanelment of back up hotels, signage providers and laptop rentals are limited to the current edition.
The staggered approach has raised interest in industry circles with the travel and transport agencies assured continuity but other vendors must compete afresh each year. ESG officials said the arrangement will ensure stability in critical logistics while retaining flexibility in areas like design, hospitality and technical support.
The 57th IFFI is once again expected to bring global cinema to Goa, but behind the scenes, the tendering process reveals how the bidding for the most coveted air travel and vehicle contracts will offer guaranteed business across three consecutive editions of India’s biggest film festival.
