Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Apratim Ghoshal, the Founder Editor, Travel and Tour World had the opportunity to interview Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, the Secretary of Tourism & Industry Technology, Government of Goa, at ITB Berlin 2024.
Travel And Tour World: Could you briefly describe the services you provide in Goa?
Sanjeev Ahuja: As everyone knows, tourists primarily come to Goa to enjoy the sun and beaches. But there are a lot of other things that Goa has to offer. As a result, we provide people with regional tourism that includes newly renovated churches and temples. We plan to promote these local festivals, which include the Shigmo Festival and Chikal Kalo, by organizing them and encouraging people to attend. We are promoting rural tourism by encouraging people to stroll through the many spice and cashew plantations in Goa, where they can purchase food straight from the farm to their table. We also urge individuals to visit the turtle nesting sites in Goa.
Travel And Tour World: Is the destination open to visitors year-round, or is there a specific season or time of year that you would like people to visit?
Sanjeev Ahuja: Goa is now open year-round because, in the past, people believed it to be preferrable to other Indian cities during the winter. However, visitors now come throughout the year.
Travel And Tour World: Which nations account for the majority of inbound tourists from abroad?
Sanjeev Ahuja: Prior to COVID, the UK and Russia were the main sources of tourists; however, since then, these two nations have declined, and in addition to Russian visitors, we now receive visitors from all over the world, including the CIS countries.
Travel And Tour World: Regarding connectivity, there is a recently constructed airport. Would you please tell us about the connectivity?
Sanjeev Ahuja: Currently, Goa is home to two airports: one in the north and the other slightly to the south. These are both international airports; Goa is now extremely well connected due to the increase in flight frequency.
Travel And Tour World: Could you briefly discuss MICE in Goa, which is a popular destination for Indian tourists?
Sanjeev Ahuja: Considering that Goa hosted eight G20 meetings, the most of any state, things are going really well. A week-long event known as Indian Energy Week took place. Additionally, we had massive MICE gatherings in Goa. Other than that, MICE travel is a specialty of our upscale hotels.
Travel And Tour World: Could you tell us more about the delicious Goan cuisine?
Sanjeev Ahuja: Seafood and non-vegetarian options are definitely must-haves. Particularly the chicken cafreal and of course you’ll find fish—I personally adore Goa’s seafood. Therefore, you are really missing out if you have not tried pomfret. It is definitely must try.
Travel And Tour World: Suppose the foreign visitors are coming to Goa for a holiday. How long should they stay, in your opinion?
Sanjeev Ahuja: For a month. Since foreign visitors love the summer, they take pleasure in the beach and the sun. Although many visitors stay longer—an average of six to seven days—I would advise them to do so since foreign visitors prefer to bask in the sun rather than follow guided tours, which have predetermined destinations.
Travel And Tour World: Sir, where does Goa stand in the context of responsible and sustainable tourism?
Sanjeev Ahuja: We are going to pursue regional tourism, as I mentioned. And that is sustainable tourism only. Sustainable because, among other things, we emphasize sustainability, which is the kind of tourism we hope to see, and we use local cuisines and local cultures. Environmental preservation is another area that we focus on.
Tags: connectivity, cuisine, Festivals, goa, MICE, Sanjeev Ahuja, sustainable tourism, Tourism
Monday, April 29, 2024
Monday, April 29, 2024
Monday, April 29, 2024
