GTDC restarts holiday packages & tours, targets longer stays and higher tourist footfall

NT Reporter

Panaji

The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) on Wednesday resumed holiday packages and tours at its residencies across the state after a gap of several years, aiming to attract longer-staying hotel guests.

GTDC chairman Kedar Naik said the decision to
restart holiday packages and tours is intended to extend the stay of guests at the corporation’s hotels and boost overall tourist footfall in Goa.

“Our holiday packages support the tourism department’s efforts of promoting Goa beyond beaches. GTDC always offered tours in the past, but they had stopped during Covid. They are being revived now due to enquiries from tourists and to revitalise the corporation’s residencies. The holiday tours will run throughout the year. They are targeted at domestic tourists,” said Naik.

Of GTDC’s hotels, the Calangute Residency is performing well, while the other four residencies in Panaji, Margao, Vasco and Mayem are operating at about
50 per cent occupancy,
said the chairman. He added that GTDC will participate in travel fairs in the coming months to increase check-ins.

Alongside the new
holiday packages and tours, GTDC, in partnership with Thomas Cook, is introducing spiritual tours to Ashtavinayak and Shirdi in Maharashtra, Velankanni in Tamil Nadu, and Hampi in Karnataka. For outstation tours, the corporation has recently procured
two buses.

The new packages were launched in the presence of GTDC managing director Kuldip Arolkar, deputy general manager Deepak Narvekar, Thomas Cook India Ltd., general manager Rupesh Parvatkar, and officials of both the companies.

GTDC managing director Kuldip Arolkar said the focus is on creating seamless, value-driven travel experiences for visitors. “The new packages are thoughtfully designed to combine convenience with exploration, ensuring that tourists can enjoy the very best of Goa,” he said.

The new packages were launched in the presence of GTDC deputy general manager Deepak Narvekar, Thomas Cook India Ltd general manager Rupesh Parvatkar, and officials from both organisations.

They include a three nights and four days Capital Retreat at Panaji Residency, the Southern Gateway tour at Margao and Vasco residencies, the Cool Coastline tour at Calangute Residency, and the YaYaMayemYa tour at Mayem Lake. The cost of the newly introduced packages ranges between Rs 18,335 and Rs 7,124 for two persons, excluding GST. Bookings for all packages and tours are now open and can be made through the official GTDC website.