Goan Getaway For Mice
Sanjeev C. Gauns Dessai, Director of Tourism, Goa, talks about the government's plans for the new convention centre at Farmagudi in Ponda
How is the state faring in MICE?
Goa is doing extremely well as a MICE destination with good air, rail and road connectivity. A lot of MICE events have been scheduled during the year 2017. The tourism department is also introducing rooms and dormitories at tourist spots. Along with MICE, we also have a number of festivals and events lined up for the year 2017.
What kind of international as well as national connectivity does Goa enjoy? Can you elaborate plans to improve infrastructure?
Goa Tourism has further stepped up its connectivity to the globe with an all new web portal and mobile app launched by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation. Through this, one can get connected to Goa at the click of a button. The web portal has hotels and other tourism offerings which can facilitate MICE tourism.
The Electronic Tourist Visa regime which came into force in December
2014 has also helped add to the international footfalls and more than a lakh tourists have opted for Goa as port of arrival and availed of the ETV facility at Goa airport in Dabolim. MICE has also created employment opportunities in the state and professional agencies have stepped in to connect with corporate for organising MICE in the state.
What are the main convention facilities available in Goa?
Goa is getting popular for MICE tourism with a number of convention centers and high-end hotels in the state. With the growing number of tourists in the state and in addition to the availability of top-end convention centre's, several established hotels are also re-designing to cater to the MICE a segment. Nowadays, facilities like well appointed meeting rooms, boardrooms and private dining rooms, interpretation facilities, high pixel ceiling cameras, exquisite lighting system, drop screens and luxurious staying options are provided enabling excellent MICE packages.