Panaji, Aug 13 (IANS): Thailand and Goa, both top beach tourism destinations in Asia, will join hands at mutually promoting each other during the Goa International Travel Mart (GITM), which will be held in October this year.

"Goa and Thailand are similar in their landscape and natural beauty. Yet we don't compete, we complement each other," Sethaphan Buddhani, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, told IANS Friday.

Over 200 buyers have already bought slots at the GITM which will also see countries like Russia, Italy, Japan and Germany promoting their tourism.

"Being south Asian countries, it is important that we support and promote each other. The Thailand tourism board is happy to join hands with Goa Tourism as the spa and wellness country partner for GITM, " Buddhani said.

Buddhani will be heading the Thai tourism contingent at the GITM.

D.C. Sahoo, Goa's tourism secretary, said the number of buyers at the three-day mart was tipped to rise to 1,500.

"The international travel and trade mart held last year was a phenomenal success. We are confident that an event like GITM which is being organised on such a scale will boost trade and result in increased visitors to the state to experience our unique culture," Sahoo said.

The GITM is likely to feature an educative session by Amitabh Kant, a joint secretary formerly posted at the union tourism ministry. He masterminded the 'Incredible India' tourism campaign, which became the face of Indian tourism some years back.

The GITM is being jointly promoted by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation, the state department of tourism, India Tourism, Travel & Tourism Association of Goa and Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).

"GITM offers the perfect platform for local entrepreneurs in the travel and allied trade industry to network with global firms and forge positive business alliances," said GCCI President Manguirish Pai Raikar.