Brands
Goa Tourism draws strong trade interest at Satte 2026
Minister Rohan Khaunte backs year-round, responsible tourism drive
GOA: Goa Tourism wrapped up its participation at Satte 2026 on a confident note, reporting sustained engagement from domestic and international buyers at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre.
The three-day travel trade exhibition saw the Goa pavilion attract steady footfall, following its inauguration by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. Officials said the response reflected growing industry interest in the State’s shift towards regenerative and year-round tourism.
The delegation included Goa Tourism assistant director (tourism) Jayesh Kankonkar; Goa Tourism Development Corporation deputy general manager (marketing) Deepak Narvekar; and Goa Tourism assistant tourist officer Chitra Vengurlekar. The team held a series of B2B meetings with tour operators, travel trade representatives and destination management companies across key source markets.
Discussions centred on experiential travel, spiritual and cultural circuits, hinterland exploration, wellness, adventure tourism and off-season offerings: all aligned with Goa’s regenerative tourism roadmap. About 82 co-exhibitors, including hoteliers and DMCs, participated alongside the official delegation.
Minister for tourism Rohan A Khaunte, said the platform underscored Goa’s ambition to position itself as a progressive and resilient destination. The regenerative model, he argued, balances community interests, environmental safeguards and economic growth. Director of tourism Kedar Naik, described Satte as a crucial industry touchpoint, noting rising interest in Goa’s evolving tourism narrative beyond its beach image.
The pavilion received a participation memento in recognition of its active presence. Officials said the partnerships forged at Satte 2026 would bolster Goa’s competitiveness across domestic and international markets, as the State sharpens its pitch on sustainability, governance and community-led tourism.
Brands
Devyani International names Sandeep Anand, Robinder Singh in key roles
Pizza Hut and Costa Coffee businesses see leadership refresh from April
MUMBAI: Devyani International has strengthened its senior leadership bench with a fresh set of appointments across its key brands, Pizza Hut and Costa Coffee, signalling a sharper focus on growth and brand momentum.
The company has appointed Sandeep Anand as chief marketing officer and business head for Pizza Hut. His appointment, approved by the board via a circular resolution on April 3, follows a recommendation by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, as reported by CNBC-TV18. Anand will officially step into the role on April 6, 2026.
He takes over from Vijay Gogate, who currently serves as chief executive officer for Pizza Hut within the company’s operations. The move marks a strategic transition as the brand looks to sharpen its marketing and business playbook in a competitive quick service restaurant market.
Anand brings over two decades of experience across the food and FMCG sectors, with a strong track record in brand building and innovation. His career spans roles at major consumer-facing companies including Domino’s, Zydus Wellness, Zomato, GSK Consumer Healthcare, Reckitt and Ranbaxy, giving him a well-rounded perspective on both scale and agility.
Alongside this, Robinder Singh has been appointed business head for Costa Coffee and the company’s airport operations. He too will assume his new role on April 6, bringing more than 18 years of experience in operations, business expansion and customer experience transformation.
The twin appointments come at a time when Devyani International is doubling down on leadership depth to steer its portfolio through evolving consumer preferences and heightened competition. With fresh faces at the helm of two key verticals, the company appears set to brew up its next phase of growth with renewed energy.
