Rajasthan was awarded the National Tourism Award for the year 2011 – 2012 for being the second Best State in the category of Comprehensive Development of the Tourism Sector. Rakesh Srivastava, Principal Secretary and Commissioner, Tourism, Govt. of Rajasthan received the award from the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee.
Furthermore, the award for Best Heritage hotel was also given to the Jaipur-based Samode Haveli. The Rajasthan Relief Riders Programme was also conferred with a special award at the ceremony for the most ‘Innovative and Unique Tourism Project’.
Commenting on the occasion, Srivastava said that the tourism sector has progressed tremendously under the leadership and guidance of the Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and the Tourism Minister Bina Kak,. He further added that owing to the state’s prowess in tourism, foreign tourists coming to India always have Rajasthan as a preferred tourist destination.
According to him, the state’s folk music, renowned monuments, rich heritage, colorful culture, well conserved wild life sanctuaries and national parks as well as the vibrant desert have all been attract a large number of foreign tourists. He further informed that in the past two years there has been a significant growth in the number of tourists coming to Rajasthan and this has been made possible by adopting a proactive marketing and development strategy.
Caption : Rakesh Srivastava receiving the National Tourism Award from the President Pranab Mukherjee
