UK Goan pushes for Gen Next in Goa’s regenerative tourism policy

Antonio Fernandes (second from left) together with delegates from SKAL Goa.

LONDON

A British Goan hospitality specialist who had the rare privilege of being part of a global delegation at the recent Goa International Travel Mart (GITM) organized by Goa Tourism has advocated the need to involve the new generation in making strategic policy and implementation of Goa’s regenerative tourism policy.

Originally from Colva, Antonio Fernandes is co-founder of A&G Event Experts, a leading event management company in the UK, and has been involved in hospitality on three continents.

EXPERIENCE

Antonio, who interacted with stakeholders at the GITM in Goa on April 3 and 4, said it was exciting to be invited to the GITM in Goa along with about 60 international delegates from 25 countries and 100 Indian delegates, including stalwarts from industry and buyers. , including tour operators, travel media and corporate buyers.

“The event was a B2B Travel Networking Exhibition organized by the Goa Tourism Department at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, Bambolim. The aim was to bring a new perspective to Goa Tourism’s image by emphasizing on regenerative tourism with a focus on heritage, spiritual, hinterland and gastronomic tourism of Goa,” said Antonio.

Antonio Fernandes together with Colleen Sequeira, co-founder of Fitness Zone Goa (left) and a delegate of 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 connected with international buyers, many of whom I meet in other global markets, and a lot of interest was generated in the wide range of products available beyond the beaches. This certainly made them think 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 Government of Goa, Director of Tourism and MD of GTDC Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, and his team for organizing 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 organizations such as Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) and SKAL Goa. I have known them for many years and they have actively contributed to the promotion and development of tourism in Goa.”

SUGGESTIONS

When asked for his suggestions and recommendations at the GITM, Antonio said he was pushing for greater involvement of the new generation.

“What really impressed me was that the new generation of Goans have already taken the initiative to promote tourism in Goa, with their involvement in historic hotels, gastronomy, apps and a completely new and innovative approach to the Goa market” , said Antonio.

(From left to right) Antonio Fernandes, sales directors of Taj Suman Gulia (Taj Fort Aguada and Holiday Village) and Cleto Pereira (Taj Exotica).

“My most important contribution to the Tourism Department – ​​which may have already begun – is to engage the new generation of these smart and caring Goans in the strategic policy making and implementation of regenerative tourism.”

“This involvement can come from the grassroots 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 shows that Goa is not just about its beaches, but also about its culture, cuisine and heritage.

“This is reflective of recent GMF forums I attended in two countries. I recently traveled to Portugal, where the emphasis was also on history, culture, gastronomy and wines. Also in Spain the focus was on culture, city tourism, food, wine, sports and adventure.”

“It’s great to see that each of these places has more to offer and experience besides the beautiful beaches, such as culture, heritage, food, wine, adventure, sports, adventure, history, gastronomy and nature,” says Antonio.