The Enterprising Travel Agents Association (ETAA) North India Committee recently organized a Familiarization (FAM) trip to the luxurious Zuri White Sands, Goa Resort & Casino from 14th to 16th June 2025. The FAM trip was attended by a vibrant mix of ETAA members from North India, Mumbai, and Pune, creating an excellent platform for cross-regional networking, knowledge sharing, and first-hand destination experience.
The Zuri White Sands, situated along Goa’s pristine white-sand Varca Beach, offered the perfect backdrop for the trip. Over the course of two nights, participants had the opportunity to explore the resort’s premium amenities, spacious rooms, expansive pool areas, lush beachfront lawns, and versatile banquet spaces. The immersive property inspections provided valuable insights into how the resort can cater to a wide range of travel segments including luxury leisure, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions), and destination weddings.
The ETAA North India Committee, led by Chairman Saurabh Tuteja, Senior Vice Chairman Punit Bhasin, General Secretary Deepika Khanna, Alliance Head Arush Mittal, Joint Secretary and Treasurer Praveen Ghai, and Joint Secretary Gaurav Arora, played a pivotal role in curating and steering the FAM experience. Each committee member took the opportunity to address the gathering, sharing valuable perspectives on the rising demand for experiential travel, the importance of hands-on property exposure, and Goa’s growing prominence as a prime destination for both weddings and corporate events. Their encouragement to promote Goa and Zuri White Sands within their client circles was well received by all attendees.
Adding special significance to the FAM trip was the presence of ETAA Chairman Emeritus Mr. Carl Dantas and his wife, Mrs. Amala Dantas, who graciously joined the group throughout the journey. Mr. Dantas addressed the gathering with heartfelt words, drawing from his vast experience and long-standing association with the travel industry. He emphasized the importance of continuous learning, relationship building, and the critical role travel agents play in shaping client experiences. His thoughtful insights and warm presence were deeply appreciated by all participants and served as a source of inspiration for the entire ETAA community.
The FAM trip was not just about exploring the property—it was also about experiencing Goa’s rich culture and relaxed vibe. The members enjoyed leisure time on the stunning Varca Beach, sampled delicious local and international cuisines, and engaged in lively evening get-togethers that allowed for informal networking and deeper bonding among participants from various regions. These moments of camaraderie helped foster lasting professional and personal connections, further strengthening the ETAA network.
The success of the trip was made possible by the exceptional hospitality and seamless arrangements by Mr. Tarun Sharma, General Manager of Zuri White Sands Goa, and his dedicated team. The participants unanimously appreciated the warm, thoughtful service extended throughout the stay. The Zuri team went above and beyond to ensure the comfort and satisfaction of every guest, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.
The ETAA North India Committee expressed sincere gratitude to Mr. Sharma and the entire Zuri White Sands team for hosting the group with such warmth and precision. The flawless execution of the FAM program, combined with the genuine hospitality, showcased Zuri White Sands as a highly recommended venue for weddings, corporate offsites, and leisure travel.
This FAM trip stands as a shining example of ETAA’s ongoing commitment to enhancing destination knowledge, promoting quality properties, and fostering collaboration among travel professionals. It provided valuable exposure, strengthened industry partnerships, and underscored the critical role that such immersive experiences play in empowering travel agents to confidently recommend premium destinations to their clients.
