Goa Tourism Highlights New Themes at Bahrain Roadshow with Strong Participation

Goa Tourism Engages Bahrain Travel Trade

Goa Tourism concluded its Bahrain Roadshow, which featured travel and tourism representatives, media personnel, airline partners, and members of the Goan diaspora. The event was attended by Vinod K. Jacob, Ambassador of India to Bahrain, with representation from Goa Tourism by Rohan A. Khaunte, Minister for Tourism; Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director, Goa Tourism Development Corporation; and Harish Satlekar, Marketing Manager, Goa Tourism Development Corporation, along with Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism. The officials presented Goa’s refreshed tourism positioning, including Nocto Tourism, Jet-Setting, and CalmCation, supported by the Feels Like Goa campaign, which focuses on the destination’s cultural and emotional identity.

Khaunte stated, “Bahrain continues to be a strategic partner for Goa’s tourism expansion in the GCC. The strong turnout of the roadshow reflects the trust and interest this market has in Goa. With our new tourism themes, Nocto Tourism, Jet-Setting, and CalmCation, we are promoting destinations and experiences that resonate with modern travellers. We look forward to welcoming more guests from Bahrain in the coming season.”

The event saw the presence of representatives from Bahrain’s travel and tourism sector, including Fatima Ahmed, President of the Association of Bahrain Travel and Tour Agents; Hussain Zaman, Country Manager for Gulf Air, the only airline offering direct connectivity between Goa and Bahrain; and Noel Fernandes, President of the Young Goans Club. Traditional Goan dances, dekhni and corridinho, were performed and received widespread appreciation.

Naik said, “The Bahrain market holds immense potential for Goa. Through Feels Like Goa, we are bringing forward a narrative centred on culture, cuisine, heritage, and immersive experiences. The interaction at the roadshow has reaffirmed that partnerships here are strong and growing. We look forward to deeper and more meaningful collaborations.”

Arolkar stated, “At GTDC, we are strengthening our hospitality infrastructure and enhancing tourist services across Goa. Meeting the trade partners in Bahrain gave us the opportunity to showcase the improvements in our residencies and transport services. We are committed to offering reliable, comfortable, and upgraded facilities to visitors from Bahrain.”

The event included a Destination Presentation featuring films and updates on beaches, heritage sites, festive traditions, cuisine, hinterland locations, and new initiatives to improve the visitor experience. Officials from Goa Tourism addressed the gathering and reaffirmed the State’s commitment to expanding collaborations with Bahrain and positioning Goa as a year-round experiential destination.

A performance of Goan folk dance added a cultural element to the programme. The roadshow concluded with a networking dinner where trade partners, media professionals, airline representatives, and members of the diaspora interacted with tourism officials, discussed possible collaborations, and exchanged insights on travel behaviour and air connectivity.

The Bahrain Roadshow forms part of Goa Tourism’s broader initiative to strengthen partnerships across the GCC. Through regular trade engagement, improved connectivity, and a focus on diverse experiences, Goa Tourism continues to position the State as a year-round destination for international travellers.