Team Goemkarponn
BAHRAIN: Goa Tourism successfully concluded its Bahrain Roadshow on November 25 with a strong turnout from the travel trade, media representatives, airline partners, and the Goan diaspora. The event was graced by His Excellency Vinod K. Jacob, Ambassador of India to Bahrain, and attended by Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte, GTDC Managing Director Kuldeep Arolkar, GTDC Marketing Manager Harish Satlekar, and Director of Tourism Kedar Naik. The team showcased Goa’s refreshed tourism positioning, highlighting themes such as Nocto Tourism, Jet-Setting, and CalmCation under the newly launched Feels Like Goa campaign, which emphasizes the State’s authenticity, emotion, and character.
Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte said Bahrain remains a strategic partner in Goa’s tourism expansion across the GCC, noting that the strong turnout reflects deep interest in Goa’s evolving tourism offerings. He highlighted that the State’s new experiential themes are tailored to meet the expectations of modern global travellers and expressed confidence about welcoming more visitors from Bahrain in the upcoming season.
The roadshow also saw participation from leading dignitaries of Bahrain’s tourism sector, including Fatima Ahmed, President of the Association of Bahrain Travel and Tour Agents (ABTTA); Hussain Zaman, Country Manager for Gulf Air—the only airline providing direct Goa–Bahrain connectivity; and Noel Fernandes, President of the Young Goans Club. Traditional Goan dance performances—dekhni and corridinho—captivated the audience, highlighting the richness of Goa’s cultural heritage.
Director of Tourism Kedar Naik said the Bahrain market holds strong potential for Goa, and the Feels Like Goa campaign aims to bring forward narratives centred on culture, cuisine, heritage, and immersive experiences. He said the roadshow reaffirmed growing partnerships and opened doors for deeper collaborations.
GTDC Managing Director Kuldeep Arolkar said that GTDC is upgrading hospitality infrastructure and enhancing tourist services across the State. He added that the Bahrain Roadshow offered an important platform to showcase improvements in residencies, transport services, and visitor facilities to key international trade partners.
A major highlight of the event was the Destination Presentation featuring curated films and updates on Goa’s diverse offerings, including beaches, heritage sites, hinterland attractions, cuisine, festive culture, and emerging experiential tourism themes. Officials from Goa Tourism engaged with industry stakeholders to reinforce the State’s commitment to expanded collaboration, sustainable tourism, and year-round experiential travel.
The evening concluded with a networking dinner where travel trade professionals, media, airline representatives, and diaspora members interacted with Goa Tourism officials and explored opportunities for strengthened cooperation and enhanced connectivity.
The Bahrain Roadshow forms part of Goa Tourism’s broader initiative to deepen partnerships across the GCC region. Through sustained trade engagement, better connectivity, and a renewed focus on diversified experiences, Goa continues to position itself as a dynamic, future-ready tourism destination for international travellers.
