Day two of the Goa International Travel Mart 2024 witnessed an array of insightful discussions and engaging sessions, further solidifying Goa’s position as a premier tourism destination. The day kicked off with a riveting panel discussion and sessions by panelists G B Srithar, Head of Tourism Services, VFS Global, Carl Vaz, President, SKAL International India and Chairman & CEO, Charson Advisory Services Pvt Ltd, Jack Ajit Sukhija, President Elect, Travel & Tourism Association of Goa , and Ajay Prakash, President, Travel Agents Federation of India TBC Mr. Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director Tourism & Managing Director GTDC stated “GITM stands as a testament to our shared commitment to innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth. With a notable attendance of buyers, visitors, and enthusiasts, the event has facilitated a vibrant exchange of ideas and fostered significant networking opportunities. It has been an honor to witness the forging of new partnerships between like-minded individuals and businesses alike, all united in their dedication to showcasing Goa’s unique charm to the world. As we bid farewell to another successful 4th edition, I am filled with optimism for the future of our tourism industry. The momentum and enthusiasm generated by GITM leave me confident that Goa’s potential as a premier destination for regenerative tourism will continue to flourish.” The first Panel Discussion Titled ‘New Vision: Strategy, Branding & Promotion’ by panelist Mr. Andrés O. Hayes, President and CEO of Airtifae Hospitality Consulting, Mr. Carl Vaz, CEO of Mumbai based Charson Advisory Services, Mr. GB Srithar, Head of VFS Global’s Tourism Services, Mr. Ajay Prakash, Chief Executive of Nomad Travels, Mumbai and the Founder President of IIPT-India (International Institute for Peace through Tourism – India): delved into innovative …

Manohar International Airport, developed and operated by GMR Goa International Airport Ltd. a subsidiary of GMR Airports Infrastructure Ltd , is proud to declare the implementation of Digi Yatra system for air travellers in Goa. Introduced by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Digi Yatra Foundation, Digi Yatra is the next step towards creating a digitally empowered society. It offers a Biometric Enabled Seamless Travel experience based on Facial Recognition System . FRS enables contactless identification of passengers at key check points like – Airport Entry, Security Check and Boarding Gate. Passenger’s face becomes the boarding pass, taking out the need of physical documents like ID proof, etc. which were checked manually by the security officials. This makes the flight boarding process significantly faster and seamless as each passenger only needs less than 3 seconds at every touchpoint. This technology is also integrated with the Airlines Departure Control System, so only authenticated passengers are allowed to enter the terminal. Mr. RV Sheshan, CEO of GGIAL, expressed his pleasure regarding the implementation of this new facility: “We are thrilled to announce the commencement of Digi-Yatra at Manohar International Airport. With this Manohar International Airport joins the elite group of selected few Airports across the nation equipped with this technology. We have three touch points for Digi Yatra, first is in the forecourt, second at Pre-Security Hold Area and third is at Boarding Gate number 10. Passengers can use this facility for all the airlines operating from our airport. Manohar International Airport remains dedicated to providing world-class facilities and services that transforms our passenger’s journey. We will continue to implement cutting-edge technologies that enhance airport operations and passenger satisfaction.” For further information …

FLY91, a pure play regional airline in India, is thrilled to announce the addition of Agatti and Jalgaon to its domestic network. The Goa based carrier will commence operations between Goa-Agatti-Goa, Goa-Jalgaon-Goa and Hyderabad-Jalgaon-Hyderabad, starting April 18, 2024. The new routes will establish direct connectivity between these vibrant destinations, offering travelers enhanced accessibility, increased flight options. With fares starting at Rs 4391, the Goa-Agatti flights will reinforce connectivity to and from the Lakshadweep Islands. The regional carrier will fly to Agatti on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. FLY91 will operate the Goa – Jalgaon – Goa and Hyderabad-Jalgaon-Hyderabad flights on Monday, Thursday and Saturday with fares starting at Rs 1991 onwards. Commenting on the addition of the airline’s fifth and sixth domestic destinations, Manoj Chacko, MD and CEO at FLY91 said “We are delighted to introduce Lakshadweep, India’s enchanting Union Territory, as FLY91’s newest domestic destination. The breathtaking natural landscapes, pristine sandy beaches, and rich biodiversity are certain to captivate travelers, inviting them to explore the untouched beauty of the island chain. The launch of these new flights underscores FLY91’s commitment to expanding air travel accessibility and promoting tourism. As a leading regional carrier, we are dedicated to delivering affordable and seamless travel experiences.” The addition of Agatti and Jalgaon as domestic sectors in FLY91’s network coincides with the domestic summer holiday season. Agatti Island, one of Lakshadweep’s most sought-after destinations, boasts a 6 km stretch of stunning land blessed with diverse marine life. Agatti attracts enthusiasts of deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, sailing, water skiing, and kayaking. Additionally, the island serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the tranquil isles of Bangaram, Pitti, Thinnakara, Parali-I, and Parali-II, Karavati islands …

Culinary Culture and The Leela Palace New Delhi to host Osteria Francescana’s pop-up once again in the capital, after its first successful culinary showcase, with two special dinners on 19th and 20th April 2024 Culinary enthusiasts and connoisseurs are in for a treat as the world’s greatest chef, Massimo Bottura, gears up to bring Osteria Francescana, twice rated as The World’s Best Restaurant by The World’s 50 Best to New Delhi for a second consecutive year in a row and after its first successful culinary showcase, last year. The Leela Palace New Delhi, Culinary Culture, and the culinary mastermind himself have come together to create an unparalleled partnership whereby on April 19 and 20, 2024, Chef Bottura will reproduce the magic of his Three Michelin Star restaurant from Modena, Italy, at The Leela Palace New Delhi. Massimo Bottura, the culinary maestro and passionate philanthropist, has received international praise for his dedication to social and environmental problems. Bottura, a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and founder of the non-profit group ‘Food for Soul,’ pushes for sustainability and food waste reduction, mirroring The Leela’s eco-conscious approach and shared passion. Under Chef Massimo Bottura’s guidance, Osteria Francescana, has captured worldwide palates with its unique approach to Italian food, consistently being featured amongst the world’s best restaurant. Bottura’s culinary expertise offers a sensory voyage unlike any other, with iconic dishes such as ‘Oops I Dropped the Lemon Tart,’ ‘The Crunchy Part of the Lasagne,’ and ‘Psychedelic Cod Not Flame Grilled’ which will be present on the special menus offered. Bottura will also host an invite-only interactive session in advance of the dinners, in which he will speak with Vir Sanghvi, …

Crowne Plaza New Delhi Mayur Vihar proudly delcare the promotion of Mr. Pankaj Gupta to the esteemed role of Area General Manager within IHG Hotels & Resorts -South West Asia. In his new capacity, Mr. Gupta will responsible 8 operating and 2 pre opening hotels including the General Manager role at Crowne Plaza New Delhi Mayur Vihar. With over two decades of hospitality experience, Mr. Gupta has consistently exemplified leadership and operational excellence. Previously, as the General Manager of Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar, he spearheaded revenue growth, operational efficiency, and guest satisfaction initiatives, setting new industry benchmarks. Mr. Gupta expressed, “Assuming the role of Area General Manager is both an honour and a responsibility. I am deeply grateful to the IHG leadership team for entrusting me with this pivotal role. My vision is to leverage the unique strengths of each market, capitalize on emerging trends, and create synergies across properties to drive sales & marketing strategies, operational excellence, and, above all, unparalleled guest experiences. Together, we will strengthen IHG’s position as a leader in the hospitality sector and foster unique collaborations with industry partners.” Mr. Gupta’s exceptional leadership has garnered widespread recognition, including the number 1 position in Guest Love within the South West Asia region in 2023, the GM of the Year 2023 award at the BW Hotelier Awards, and the Best Business Hotel 2023 accolade at the HVS ANAROCK Showcase Hospitality and Travel Awards. Additionally, he was honoured with the prestigious IMEA GM Conference Innovation Impact Award in 2023 and the GM Par Excellence Award by HT City in the same year.

Ranked as one of Europe’s top destinations for solo travellers, İstanbul provides a wide range of activities and experiences for visitors travelling on their own. Thanks to the city’s endless diversity and welcoming atmosphere, solo travellers will find İstanbul – an enjoyable, vibrant, and easy-to-navigate destination recommended by many world-renowned travel publications for 2024. Home to museums, monuments, special exhibition programmes, picturesque streets, luxury hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, and upscale shopping options, this cosmopolitan metropolis beckons visitors to explore the city independently. Two Continents One City  If this is your first visit to İstanbul – the only city in the world built on two continents – start on the Historical Peninsula. The area houses numerous monuments, including the majestic Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern , as well as the Topkapı Palace and Blue Mosque . The İstanbul Archaeology Museum , set in the garden of the Topkapı Palace complex, is a must-see for anyone curious about Türkiye’s archaeological heritage. Of course, no trip to İstanbul is complete without a visit to the centuries-old Grand Bazaar . Similarly, the Spice Bazaar in Eminönü offers visitors a unique shopping experience in a historical setting. After sampling – and perhaps purchasing – various spices, herbal teas, dried fruits and vegetables or other delicacies at the bazaar, you can board a boat at the nearby ferry terminal and embark on a tour of the Bosphorus, where you’ll be greeted by the legendary Maiden’s Tower, the first of many splendid sights along the Bosphorus. Unique city experiences Suppose you land in Karaköy, a popular tourist destination known for its museums, modern cruise port Galataport İstanbul, and open-air shopping mall. You can also visit the İstanbul Museum of …

Mr. Sharma has a vast experience of more than 15 years in the field of finance. He has successfully developed the financial infrastructure of many hospitality chains and implemented business process improvement initiatives, including streamlining requisition procedures and consolidating facilities to improve bottom-line results, without compromising quality. He has extensive experience in taxation, reviewing MIS, designing business reports, finalizing books and balance sheets, budget forecasting, and experience of software implementation with Pre-Opening properties. He has a proven track record in controlling outstanding inventory. He has grown in the hospitality sector from scratch and specializes in handling budget to mid-segment to luxury properties. In his career he has worked as a financial controller with Country Inn and Suites by Carlson Chain, Royal Orchid, Ashiana Housing Ltd, and many other premium brands. He will be responsible for managing the financial infrastructure of Clarks Collection. Also, his primary accountability will be towards managing MIS, keeping track of revenues, and managing outflows and inflows of all the properties. Mr. Sharma, shares, “Being a part of Clark’s legacy is an honour in itself, I am looking forward to making a concrete contribution that results in the development of a robust financial infrastructure, streamlining the taxation and managing the profitability of the properties. Many new checks, processes, and initiatives, will be implemented in the coming days.”  

Roseate Hotels & Resorts has continuously demonstrated its commitment to the growth and development of its human capital. In line with this, is the establishment of the Roseate Learning Centre, a dedicated space designed to foster self-paced learning. Led by the visionary CEO, Kush Kapoor, Roseate Hotels & Resorts has embarked on several pioneering initiatives aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of its associates. Through the integration of the LobsterInk Learning Management System, associates have access to a comprehensive array of educational modules covering various aspects of hotel operations and management. Partnering with LobsterInk, a subsidiary of Ecolab USA, brand Roseate has brought globally recognized training materials and resources to its associates. The platform offers training videos, materials, quizzes and assessments, with completion badges recognized and linked to individual appraisals, incentivizing learning and growth. Furthermore, the implementation of LobsterInk empowers Heads of Departments to monitor and track the progress of their teams in a transparent manner, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence. Complementing the digital learning platform are specialized programs such as the Professional Development Programme and the Back-To-Basics Programme, designed to enhance managerial skills and reinforce customer-centric values among associates. Recognizing the importance of language proficiency in the hospitality industry, the hotel chain has also introduced Spoken English Training for colleagues, enhancing their communication skills and self-confidence. In its commitment to nurturing future leaders, Roseate Hotels & Resorts has launched the Executive Development Programme, providing intensive training to fresh hotel management graduates. Additionally, the Roseate Mentorship Programme identifies and supports promising students from select institutions, offering internships and training opportunities to groom them for future leadership roles within the organization. Kush Kapoor, CEO, Roseate Hotels & Resorts …

Digital travel platform Agoda has today introduced an AI-powered advertising campaign tailored for the Indian audience, featuring Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana. This initiative marks an innovative step in the travel industry ad space, utilizing cutting-edge AI technology to create over 250 customized videos for different locations across India and abroad. Watch the ad for Goa here: https://youtu.be/Ds93W-G_VFg In collaboration with Blink Digital, Agoda built a digital campaign around content created using Gan.ai’s generative AI technology. With this technology, a single video of Ayushmann Khurrana has been converted into over two hundred videos that each highlight a different destination. All videos feature Ayushmann, thanks to generative AI changing the voice-over, applying lip syncing, and adding contextual images. The AI-powered ad adapts its content based on the viewer’s destination of interest. This ensures the ad is as relevant to its audience as possible and directs viewers to great value Agoda deals for the desired destination. Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana commented, “I’m excited to be part of Agoda’s innovative approach to connecting with travelers. This campaign allows Agoda and me to reach out to individuals in a very personal way, making their travel planning experience more engaging. The idea is to inform travelers about the great deals that exist on Agoda for their destination of interest, which ultimately helps them see the world for less.” Krishna Rathi, Senior Country Director India Subcontinent and Maldives at Agoda, stated, “This campaign represents a forward-thinking approach to digital marketing in the travel sector. Our collaboration with Ayushmann Khurrana and the use of generative AI allow us to engage with our customers in a more meaningful and personalized manner. More than that, it is a great example …

Türkiye is a real open-air museum of ancient treasures located in one of the world’s most essential geographies, where the history of civilisation was written and shaped. The country has a fantastic wealth of heritage historical sites, with 21 on the UNESCO World Heritage List and 79 on the Tentative List, and, unsurprisingly, hundreds of thousands of cultural heritage enthusiasts visit every year. So, how much do you know about these fertile lands home to the mightiest kings of antiquity? Let’s look at some of Türkiye’s lesser-known archaeological treasures – riches to inspire your next adventure! Treasure of the Inner Aegean: Aizanoi Aizanoi, on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, is a remarkable ancient site in Kütahya, in the Inner Aegean. As the principal settlement centre of the Aizanitis living in ancient Phrygia, Aizanoi became a wealthy and prominent city during the Roman period due to grain cultivation and wine and wool production. Aizanoi is home to the world’s first trade exchange building, the Macellum, and Anatolia’s best-preserved Temple of Zeus. In Kütahya, a part of the Phrygian Valley, there are numerous open-air temples and altars dedicated to the mother goddess Cybele, as well as rock-carved tombs. Visit these fantastic structures while you’re in the region. Kaunos and Its Rock Tombs Kaunos, an important port city of the ancient world, is among Türkiye’s most exciting ruins, with its rock tombs. On the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, Kaunos lost its port as silt filled the sea over time. Like Stratonikeia, Kaunos is in the Muğla province and accessible via a 10-minute boat ride from Dalyan. The Kaunos rock tombs, which can also be seen from Dalyan, were produced in the fourth century BC and …