Goa Tourism has successfully conducted a high-impact roadshow in Muscat, Oman, reinforcing its commitment to promoting Goa as a premier tourism destination in the Middle East. The roadshow served as a strategic platform to engage with key travel trade professionals, tour operators, media representatives, and potential investors, highlighting Goa’s diverse tourism offerings and emerging opportunities.
The event witnessed the esteemed presence of Mr. Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director GTDC, and leading stakeholders from Oman’s travel and hospitality industry. The Goa Tourism delegation was accompanied by Mr. Shawn Mendes, OSD to Goa Tourism Minister, Mr. Kundan Naik, Dy General Manager GTDC, Mr. Jack Sukhija, TTAG President along with members of TTAG; Mr. Sheikh Ismail, Vice President of Concord Exotic Voyages, Mr. Nahush Bargi, AVP- Le Passage to India (Tui group)-Goa; Mr. Hanumant Naik, General Manager, Adamo Hospitality; Ms. Tanisha Alves and Shri. Vedant Shah, the event brought together key stakeholders, consisting of charter operators, hoteliers, tour operators, travel agents, media, and investors – highlighting Goa’s vibrant tourism potential and growing opportunities.
The roadshow featured an engaging networking session, where key discussions revolved around new tourism initiatives, including regenerative tourism, eco-tourism circuits, and the promotion of niche segments such as wellness tourism, adventure tourism, and cultural heritage experiences. Smt. Tavishi Bahl, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India in Muscat, addressed the gathering with warm remarks on the roadshow, highlighting the growing tourism and cultural ties between Goa and Oman.
Commenting on the roadshow, Mr. Rohan A. Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, Goa, said, “Goa is evolving beyond its beaches to offer a diverse and enriching tourism experience — from the serene charm of our hinterlands and spiritual circuits to world-class infrastructure for MICE tourism. Through this roadshow in Oman, we aim to strengthen ties with the Middle East market, inviting travelers and businesses alike to discover Goa’s vibrant culture, natural beauty, and growing potential as a holistic tourism destination.”
Highlighting the importance of the roadshow, Mr. Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Goa stated, “Goa continues to position itself as a global tourism hub, offering diverse experiences beyond its beaches. Goa has always been a melting pot of cultures, offering visitors a blend of rich heritage, serene landscapes, and immersive experiences. Through strategic international engagements, we aim to strengthen tourism partnerships, enhance connectivity, and showcase our commitment to regenerative and sustainable tourism.”
In his keynote address, Mr. Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director of GTDC, emphasized Goa’s position as a world-class tourism destination and highlighted new initiatives under the Regenerative Tourism model. “Oman is an important market for Goa, and we are committed to strengthening tourism collaboration between our regions. This roadshow has provided a valuable platform for fostering strategic partnerships, enhancing connectivity, and introducing new travel experiences that resonate with international travelers. The response from Oman’s travel trade community has been overwhelmingly positive. We look forward to welcoming more visitors from Oman and working closely with stakeholders to create customized experiences that showcase Goa’s rich cultural and natural heritage”
As part of the roadshow, Goa Tourism also hosted a special ‘Goa Evening’ at Crowne Plaza Muscat, where attendees experienced a glimpse of Goa’s vibrant culture through traditional folk performances, a destination presentation, and a networking dinner.
The Goa Tourism roadshow in Oman marked a significant step in expanding Goa’s outreach in international markets and strengthening its presence as a sought-after travel destination. With a strong focus on collaboration and engagement, Goa Tourism continues to build meaningful connections with global travel partners to drive sustainable and responsible tourism growth.
The delegation from Goa Tourism, ahead of the Goa Roadshow, led by Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director of GTDC and Mr. Shawn Mendes, OSD to the Hon. Tourism Minister of Goa, met with His Excellency Azzan Al Busaidi, Under Secretary for Tourism at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, at the Ministry Headquarters in Oman and Mr. Mohammed Khamis Al Ghufaili, Chief Operating Officer of Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN). The meeting explored avenues to strengthen tourism collaboration between Oman and Goa. The interaction mainly focused on areas of mutual interest, fostering cooperation, and exploring opportunities for growth and diversification in the tourism sector.
