Fort Aguada Resort set to host IFFI

| 11 November 2004 23:38 IST

The Fort Aguada Beach Resort, part of the Taj Leisure Hotels, in the picturesque coastal village of Sinqueri in North Goa, will play host to the 35th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) being held from November 29 to December 10 here.

Fort Aguada and Taj Village have been declared as the official Hospitality Partner for the event by the Goa government. Apart from Taj, Goa Marriott Resorts, Miramar, on the outskirts of this city and Cidade de Goa at Dona Paula near here have also been roped in for the IFFI hospitality. Marriott will be the official caterer at the main screening centre, the newly constructed Inox Multiplex.

Taj and Marriott had competed for the official caterer’s slot at Kala Academy, the inaugural venue, said Sanjeet Rodrigues, commissioner of the state-owned Goa Entertainment Society, co-host of the festival.

“It is not the money, it is the prestige and pride to associate with such a prestigious event which will make the entire Goa proud, that we look at in this partnership,” said Atul Lall, general manager, Fort Aguada. “We have planned a host of specially designed activities and entertainment for the IFFI delegates. Most of the international and national invitees, including jury members will be staying here,” said Rupal Desai, relationship manager.
To reduce the pressure on road traffic and to make the 15-minute journey to and from the venue enjoyable to the delegates and jury members, four boats are being outsourced and possibly a cruise vessel by Tajto ferry the delegates across.

Built on the ramparts of a 16th century Portuguese fortress, Fort Aguada Beach is part of a sprawling 88-acre complex overlooking the Arabian sea. With a large open lobby to refurbished rooms, multi-cuisine restaurants to rejuvenating Spa Aguada, the resort is all decked up to welcome the IFFI delegates. Over 100 rooms have been booked at the Aguada Hermitage and Taj Holiday Village for the entire duration of the festival.

“Various parameters, including availability of large number of roms, was applied and Taj went out of its way to make so many rooms available despite the fact that the festival coincides with peak season,” said Mr Rodrigues. He added that the Taj has agreed for a special festival rate such that any profit derived from the same will be re-deployed as sponsorship amount.

“The commitment of Taj was to look at this as its involvement in making a festival coming to Goa a great success. We are committed to make the atmosphere of festival for the delegates by the ambience we are going to create and the service we will provide,” says Mr Lall confidently.

He recalled that 27 years ago, the Taj hospitality Group came to Goa when no other five star hotel was there and therefore it was but natural for the hospitality group to join hands with the organisers to make the maiden Goa film festival a resounding success.

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