Rewarding stakeholders for their contribution in the growth of the tourism sector, the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) presented National Tourism Awards for the year 2011-12 yesterday in New Delhi. The awards were given by President Pranab Mukherjee. While Andhra Pradesh has bagged the best state award for comprehensive development of tourism in the National Tourism Awards 2011-12, Rajasthan and Gujarat won second and third awards in the category. Moreover, Gujarat Tourism also bagged two more awards for best tourism film and innovative use of information and technology for the tourism growth. Jammu & Kashmir was conferred the awards for comprehensive development of tourism in the state and Royal Springs Golf Course as the most tourism-friendly course.
Madhya Pradesh also bagged two awards in the field of best civic management of a tourist destination in category-‘B’ city for Municipal Council of Mandu in Dhar district and another one for most innovative and unique tourism project-Air Taxi.In tour operator/travel agents category, Select World Tours (India) bagged the first award in approved inbound tour operator category and the second award was bagged by Kuoni Travel India.
Speaking on the occasion, the President welcomed the institution of the national tourism awards and said that it would give an impetus and encourage all players in the tourism sector. He said that new categories of awards would promote India as a year-round destination. The awards would also encourage States and Union Territories to develop effective mechanisms for maintaining cleanliness and safeguarding heritage spots, he added. He also stressed on the importance of sustainable, ‘green’ tourism and called upon host communities to be more conscious and proactive with regard to tourist destinations in their respective areas.
K Chiranjeevi, Union Tourism Minister, revealed said his ministry is working towards the electronic delivery of more than half a dozen services online; to enable anyone desirous of visiting India from any part of the world plan their trip to India and make actual bookings from the comfort of their home. He said “To provide round the clock information to international tourists, the ministry is also setting up a tourism information line which would be a multi lingual helpline in nine world languages”. Chiranjeevi also informed that the MoT continues its holistic and integrated approach to marketing, branding and advertising that is designed to bring more visitors to our country.
