At 78, Rene Mendes’ journey from a young sales enthusiast to a leading figure in Goan tourism and cultural preservation is inspiring. Having recently completed 50 years of service in the travel and tourism industry, he reminisces about the past, while providing inputs on how to boost tourism DANUSKA DA GAMA | NT BUZZ Rene Mendes stands at the intersection of past and present in Goa’s dynamic tourism industry. For years, he has been a beacon of local heritage and a custodian of Goan culture.
In fact, till date, he offers immersive tours to Portuguese travellers. “This gives me a chance to exchange views and share the history of Goa and the younger days of me in Panaji,” he says, adding that he continues to learn about the history of Goa. Having instituted the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa in 1981-82, Mendes’ prowess in the field is rarely challenged.
In fact, many well-known entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry have been guided by Mendes, who is looked upon as a father-figure. Originally from Chandor/Sirlim, Mendes studied at Massano de Amorim in Panaji and later at Liceu National Afonso de Albuquerque. From a young age, he displayed a knack for sales and customer interaction, skills that would later define his career in tourism.
He began at Hobbies and Holidays International which then earned him a position at Aero Mundial, one of Goa’s oldest travel agencies. He later took on significant roles, including a 20-year tenure as the general sales agent fo.
