In a major development , the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTCL) for Special Holiday Trains to Goa from the national capital and Bombay from December 30, 2014 to January 1, 2015.
[su_highlight background=”#1c58eb” color=”#fafcfc”]The first Holiday Special train will arrive to Goa on December 30, 2014.[/su_highlight]
This is a mega step towards a larger co-operation between GTDC and the IRCTC for holiday trains to Goa proposed in the New Year 2015.
The MoU was signed on Monday, December 22, 2014 after the GTDC Board accorded its approval to the joint venture project. The Minister for Tourism Shri. Dilip Parulekar said, “The special trains to Goa between December 30, 2014 to January 1, 2015 will have 756 berths which includes 560 non-air/conditioned berths and 200 air/conditioned berths. These trains will give travelers to Goa a splendid experience via rail during the festive season.”
The Chairman of Goa Tourism Development Corporation said, “Both domestic and international tourists can avail of this special facility to Goa to enjoy the year-ending festivities in a comfortable and affordable way.” Part of the agreement also includes marketing of packages of the GTDC by the IRCTC including those by private hotels on its website.
As per the MoU signed between GTDC and IRCTC, the areas of co-operation include development of joint tourism products, marketing of products and services of GTDC and IRCTC to their respective clients and beyond, opening and managing various catering and hospitality outlets budget hotels etc using the joint strength at railway and non-railway locations.
The MOU includes imparting service training to IRCTC staff by the HRD division of GTDC, training security staff for tourist trains, rendering IT Solutions to GTDC, development of lounges/Meet and Greet Services for tourists, and offering event management services/Conference Management Services.
In addition, Shri. Dilip Parulekar said, “ We are also working out a venture for additional trains in the New Year 2015 so that this becomes another mode of transport for tourists to avail off in the wake of an increasing demand for transport facilities to Goa.”
