Media Release
Panjim, Feb 15: The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), a Government of Goa undertaking, organised the Travel Agents Meet 2026, bringing together key stakeholders from the travel and tourism industry to strengthen collaboration and align strategies for promoting Goa as a diverse, experience-led destination.
The dignitaries on dais were the Hon’ble minister for tourism, Rohan A Khaunte; chairman, GTDC Shri Kedar Naik; managing director, GTDC Kuldeep Arolkar; general managers GTDC Gavin Dias, Sachin Gore, Laxmikant Vaigankar, Kapil Paiguinkar and deputy general manager Deepak Narvekar. The event witnessed participation from 55 travel agents, OTAs and NTS operators, along with other stakeholders from the travel trade in Goa.
Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble minister for tourism Rohan A Khaunte emphasised the importance of partnership with the travel trade in shaping Goa’s tourism growth. “Travel agents are our long-term partners in shaping Goa’s tourism growth story. As we move towards promoting quality tourism and diverse experiences beyond our beaches, collaboration with the travel trade becomes central to presenting Goa as a holistic, experience-rich destination. Our focus remains on balanced tourism growth that benefits local communities, strengthens livelihoods, and enhances visitor satisfaction,”
Addressing the gathering, chairman, GTDC Kedar J Naik highlighted the pivotal role played by the travel trade in shaping destination experiences and market perception. “Travel agents play a crucial role in shaping the tourism journey of any destination. You are the first point of contact for travellers and the ones who translate a destination’s vision into real experiences. The confidence with which travellers choose Goa is closely linked to the trust they place in you, and that contribution is deeply appreciated,” he said. Emphasising GTDC’s role in ensuring balanced and inclusive tourism growth, he added, “GTDC carries the responsibility of ensuring that tourism growth is balanced, inclusive, and beneficial to the people of Goa. Our role goes beyond infrastructure or services; it is about creating an ecosystem where tourism supports livelihoods, preserves culture, and enhances visitor satisfaction.”
Speaking on the occasion, managing director, GTDC; Kuldeep Arolkar stated, “The Travel Agents Meet is an important platform to align our tourism products and services with market needs. Through continued engagement with the travel trade, GTDC aims to strengthen the global promotion of Goa Tourism hotels, new tourism services and destination experiences. Such interactions help us remain responsive to evolving traveller expectations and market dynamics.”
As part of the programme, seven prominent tour operators were felicitated, including the president, vice president and Goa coordinator of the Tour Operators Association of India, representatives of Goa-based online travel agents, and NTS operators, in recognition of their contribution to promoting Goa as a preferred destination. Deputy general manager Mktg Deepak Narvekar announced the names of these key stakeholders/ travel agents during the felicitation proceedings in presence of Minister for tourism and other dignitaries.
Presentation on GTDC Hotels and New Tourism/ Adventure activities was made by team of general manager, GTDC Gavin Dias, along with senior managers Vishesh Naik and Pravin Faldessai. Video films were showcased on Goa Tourism, wild life, AVI Tourism and festivals etc during the meet.
The meet also facilitated an interactive exchange between GTDC officials and members of the travel trade on emerging markets, evolving traveller preferences, and collaborative promotion opportunities. Goa Tourism’s hotels, new tourism services and destination experiences were showcased, with a focus on strengthening global visibility through trade partnerships.
The Travel Agents Meet 2026 served as a platform for dialogue, exchange of perspectives and strengthening collaboration between Goa Tourism and the travel trade. The engagement reaffirmed the State’s commitment to working closely with industry stakeholders to position Goa as a preferred destination offering authentic, responsible and high-quality tourism experiences.