Also present at the event were Shyam Satardekar, MLA and Chairman, Goa Tourism and Development Corporation (GTDC), Dr. M. Modassir, Secretary Tourism, Cesar Menezes, President Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Gaurish Dhond, President, TTAG and Swapnil Naik, Director Tourism. Pradip Madhavji, Ex-Chairman, Thomas Cook India and spokesperson of the travel and tourism industry in the country delivered the key note address.

Over 200 national and internationals buyers, travel and trade industry honchos and tourism board members attended this year's event. ITM-Goa, which aims to boost tourism-related business in the state is jointly promoted by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) and the state department of tourism, India Tourism, Travel & Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) and Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).

The dance troupe which performed at the Commonwealth Youth Games earlier last month, Atreya Vedic Sarm, performed the Ganesh Vandana leading to the formal inauguration of the event.

Over 80 participants will showcase their services and network with industry associates over the next four days. ITM-Goa 2010 has confirmed participation of buyers from over twelve countries including Singapore, South Africa, Canada, UK, Italy, Poland, Russia, UAE, Thailand and Brazil, among others.

Important tourism bodies like the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) and the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI) have confirmed participation.

Pradip Madhavji, Ex-Chairman, Thomas Cook India and key note speaker at the inaugural function of ITM-Goa 2010 said, "Goa is a leading holiday destination. To continue projecting Goa as a destination of tomorrow, today; we need to identify audiences and target geographical areas from where we can attract tourists. ITM-Goa is a wonderful initiative by the state government and will aid in marketing Goa as a premier tourist destination."

Ralph de Souza, Chairman, GCCI Committee on Tourism, & former President, Travel & Tourism Association of Goa added, "The hospitality industry is happy with the initiative of GTDC to hold ITM-Goa at Campal, Panjim. We are hopeful that this will benefit the trade and that it will be an annual event where everyone involved in the tourism industry in Goa, is given the opportunity to conduct business."

Gaurish Dhond, President, Travel & Tourism Association of Goa, "Tourism is the backbone of Goa's economy and will always be the most preferred destination for any traveler in the world. ITM Goa is the perfect platform to showcase destination GOA."

ITM-Goa hosted buyer-seller interactive sessions during business hours at the mart, panel discussions, knowledge-sharing sessions, networking dinners and FAM trips. Knowledge sessions with industry leaders on west coast tourism, investment opportunities, branding Goa and adopting the public private partnership (PPP) model to boost tourism were some of the key highlights at ITM-Goa.