Kerala’s efforts to rejuvenate its tourism sector in the wake of the recent floods in August got a robust validation on World Tourism Day with it topping the States with nine National Tourism Awards for 2016-17.
Overall, Kerala Tourism walked away with four awards, including the Best Tourism Film (Live Inspired) and second prize in the category of ‘Best State/Union Territory- Comprehensive Development of Tourism in Rest of India.’ In the Hall of Fame awards section, the two other official entries of the department which got prizes were Excellence in Publishing in Foreign Language and Responsible Tourism Project, Wayanad, for being the Most Responsible Tourism Project/Initiative.
Private stakeholders bagged five more, including the best domestic tour operator promoting tourism products of rest of India, best incredible India bed and breakfast establishment and best standalone convention centre. Intersight Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd got the best domestic tour operator promoting and selling tourism products of rest of India (category 1). Concord Exotic Voyages Pvt. Ltd., won the first prize in inbound tour operator/travel agent (category II).
Munnar-based Rosegardens Homestay was adjudged the best incredible India bed and breakfast establishment approved by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India – (gold and silver category). Somatheeram Research Institute and Ayurveda Hospital Pvt Ltd, Kovalam, was a proud winner in the Hall of Fame Awards category as it was adjudged the best wellness centre, while Adlux International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Kochi, got the award for best standalone convention centre.
Presenting the awards at the Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, Union Minister of State for Tourism K J Alphons said, “A month ago, 13 out of 14 districts in Kerala were under water and today all the destinations are open for tourists in the state. Kerala is back into action and ready to receive people. Kerala needs your support to regain its action.”
Kerala Tourism Director P Bala Kiran and Deputy Director G Sreekumar received the awards for the official entries.
“I wholeheartedly thank Hon Minister Kadakampally Surendran and Secretary, Rani George for the impeccable leadership in this important hour of rebuilding. Hearty congratulations for the stakeholders from the Department and Industry who made the great destination of Kerala what it is!,” said P Balakiran after receiving the award.
