4THE EDITION OF GITM IS HERE!
GOA TOURISM’S INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL MART ON APRIL 2 & 3, 2024
Speaking to media people on March 28 Director of Tourism Suneel Anchipaka (IAS) shared details of the 4th edition of the Goa International Travel Mart (GITM) coming up at the Dr Shyama Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Panaji from April 3 to 4. He said it is the commencement of an exciting events in the realm of tourism. Present at the press conference were Mark Mendes, Ernest Dias, Carlos D’souza and Nilesh Shah, TTAG president. The landmark event is being held for the first time post-Covid pandemic and will bring together tourism industry leaders, stakeholders, and enthusiasts from world over for an immersive experience in the world of tourism. A panel discussion on “Goa: The First State to Focus on Regenerative Tourism Leading to a New Road Map of Goa Beyond Sun, Sand, and Sea” will be the highlight of GITM 2024. It will offer invaluable insights into the future of tourism in the region. Suneel Anchipaka, “GITM stands as the pinnacle of Goa’s travel and trade expos.” With a robust presence of trade exhibitors it promises to be a game-changer for industry stalwarts, providing invaluable insights and expertise to attendees.
GITM 2024 will showcase 250+ national and international buyers, spanning across 15+ sectors within the tourism industry with premium sellers from Goa. It will give buyers and visitors from the world over an opportunity to connect with a diverse array of industry professionals, including destination management companies, travel agents, tour operators, MICE specialists, and much more. There will be expert-led sessions, workshops and panel discussions covering a wide range of topics, from sustainable tourism practices to emerging market trends. The virtual 3D immersive platform will be promoted worldwide, connecting video conferencing systems hosted on multiple platforms with re-streams, business card exchange, product video showcase, digital brochure stand, exhibitor access for booth setup, exhibitor analytics dashboard, in booth micro webinar option and more. This year’s GITM promises to be a catalyst for change. Register and be a part of the exciting journey towards a brighter future for Goa’s tourism sector!
MAUNDY THURSDAY GESTURE
IT is a good gesture of the parishes of Archdiocese of Bombay, “Workers, nuns, to be honored on Maundy Thursday” (TOI-March 28). Parishes invited their workers like gardeners to felicitate them. This should also be done by including local helpers like politicians and those helping the church and those in society — policemen, BMC workers, security guards, office staff and migrant workers.
With this kind of honouring we are bringing meaning to the feast of Maundy Thursday! Otherwise only regular parishioners are made to participate in the rites of Maundy Thursday. Parishes must also give non-parishioners like rickshaw drivers, shopkeepers, hawkers, to be part of the festivities of the Easter festivities.
— Cajetan Peter Dsouza, Mumbai
INCREASING CYBERCRIME
DESPITE the advancement in technology, blatant cyber-crimes are on the increase. It is an unacceptable situation that cyber criminals are having a field day while law enforcement authorities watch helplessly. This is a growing global problem that needs concerted efforts to end the cybercrime nightmare that ranges from credit card fraud to identity theft, and it can be devastating for both individuals and companies alike as it inflicts financial and emotional distress to all victims.
Vigilant crackdown on cybercrimes must be relentless, miscreants must be swiftly brought to book. The cyber glitches that aid and assist cybercrimes must be technologically plugged. Prevention is always better than cure.
We see innocent people being robbed of their hard-earned money and data by these cybercriminals. Another case of concern is the rampant hacking of emails and social media accounts like Facebook. Over the years I have had my Facebook account fiddled with so many times and despite reporting it to the authorities the malaise continues merrily.
We individually too must be clued up about cybercrime and take precautions by thinking twice before acting, always question anything that seems too good to be true, it is too good to be true!
–Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar
WHO KILLED JESUS?
TODAY, globally, we remember the crucifixion of Christ and the Christian community celebrates the same as a religious event. It proclaims that Jesus died for our sins. No doubt Jesus took human form to get back humanity into divine realm.
But the question is who finally killed Jesus and why? Two forces: Religious Jewish leaders who saw Jesus as a threat to their oppressive exploitation in Roman times and who were afraid of the rising popularity of Jesus, who may capture power and drive away foreign rulers. Both Both colonial Roman powers and Jewish leaders failed to understand the vision and mission of Jesus, and sought to wipe out the value system he represented.
The two evil forces joined hands to perpetuate their hegemony and keep people subjugated. These two forces worked to crucify like a common criminal for their common interests. Such a system continues to date when oppressive forces work to do away with people who work to bring about transparency, mutual respect, progress of a civilization and culture of love, justice and peace.
It is therefore the power of the oppressors who killed Jesus and is still killing Jesus and what he stood up for both in civil, political, institutional and religious spheres. Let us not cry for our sins but for our indifference towards our existing malfunctioning system!
–Fr Micael Vasco, Goa