Thaindian News

Panaji, Nov 18 (IANS) Special check-in baggage tags, dedicated baggage handlers to sipping beer at the Raj Kapoor lounge, organisers of the 42nd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) Friday said long-term partnerships with sponsors were beginning to pay off.

Manoj Srivastva, chief executive officer of the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), one of organisers of the event, said special efforts had been made, courtesy the sponsors, to ensure that the 8,000-odd delegates who come to the festival are made to feel at home.

“We ensured that special baggage tags have been mailed to the delegates who can attach them to their check-in luggage so that dedicated baggage handlers can pick the stuff up from the belt and avoid confusion at the airport,” Srivastava said at a press conference here.

Said Shaji Thomas, spokesperson for the Qatar airways in Goa: “Qatar airways have sponsored tickets worth Rs.8 lakh and this is the second time we are partnering with IFFI and flying in their delegates. This association is paying off for us.”

Qatar airways will also sponsor three lounges at the IFFI venue.

“We have the Raj Kapoor lounge for producers and directors, the actors lounge where actors can spend time and the IFFI lounge areas. All of them are sponsored by Qatar airways,” Srivastava said.

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan will inaugurate the 42nd IFFI to be held here Nov 23-Dec 3.

Govind Tiwari, divisional vice president of the United Breweries (UB) group, said the liquor company - which manufactures Kingfisher beer — already had an 85 percent market share in Goa and that the association with IFFI ever since it shifted to Goa in 2004 was a matter of privilege.

“We do not look for financial returns every time. Goa is a great place to be in. It is good that IFFI is held here,” Tiwari said.

IFFI director Shankar Mohan said sponsorship money and barter deals accounted for nearly Rs.4.7 crore out of the total Rs.8 crore expenditure which was to be incurred for IFFI this year.

“The union tourism ministry has sponsored Rs.2.7 crore. IFFI will be used as part of ‘Incredible India’ - a tourism promotion campaign launched by the ministry. We will also screen a specially curated session on tourism films,” Mohan said.