The National Tourism Awards 2019,organised in conjunction with World Tourism Day celebrations, honoured state governments, hotels, tour operators, individuals and organisations in recognition of their contribution to the Tourism industry
The Ministry of Tourism organised the National Tourism Awards 2017-18 on September 27, 2019 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The National Tourism Awards were given in conjunction with World Tourism Day celebrations. This year, the United Nation World Tourism Organisation celebrated World Tourism Day in India, with the purpose of fostering awareness among the international community regarding the Tourism industry on the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value. The National Tourism Awards were given away by Hon’ble Vice President of India Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, who addressed the august gathering.
These awards were presented under 75 categories to state governments, union territories, classified hotels, approved tour operators, travel trade, individuals and other organisations in recognition of their performance in respective fields. These awards were given for the activities undertaken in 2017-18.
The National Tourism Awards were given away by Hon’ble Vice President of India Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu in the Presence of Mr. Zurab Pololikashvii, Secretary General, United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C) for Tourism and Culture.
Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C) for Tourism and Culture Shri Prahlad Singh Patel said that the Indian Tourism industry is growing at an exponential rate. Tourism not only helps in creating employment opportunities but also plays a major role in maintaining social harmony. It bridges the gap between geographies and cultures and creates a common link.
Yogendra Tripathi, Hon'ble Secretary, Government of India, Ministry of Tourism, said, "Ministry of Tourism through its various schemes such as Swadesh Darshan and Prashad has improved the tourist infrastructure of destinations which has further enhanced the travel experience of the tourist visiting our country."
The awards for the following categories were given away by the Hon’ble Vice President of India
· Best State/Union Territory: Comprehensive Development of Tourism
· Best State/Union Territory: Adventure Tourism
· Best Film Production Friendly State/Union Territory
· Best Civic Management of a Tourist Destination in India
Awards for the remaining categories were given away by Shri. Prahlad Singh Patel and Mr. Zurab Pololikashvii. The Event commenced at 10:20 hrs and continued till 13:30 hours, followed by lunch.
Madhya Pradesh Tourism bagged 10 awards
Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board was awarded with 10 National Awards in different categories, for instance, Best Adventure State, Excellence in Publishing in Foreign Language – Chinese Brochure, Best Tourism Promotion Publicity Material – Lonely Planet Pocket Guides, Best Maintained & Differently Abled-Friendly Monument for Buddhist Monument at Sanchi, Best Wildlife Guide to Mr. Manoj Kumar, Panna, Best Heritage City - Orchha, Best Airport – Indore, Swachhta Award, Indore, Best Tourist Transport Operator to Radient Travel.
Goa Tourism Development Corporation bagged Best State for Adventure Tourism award
Owing to consistent efforts by Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) in turning Goa into a premium adventure tourism destination during the last 4-5 years, Goa Tourism received a huge laurel at the National Tourism Awards 2019 bagging the prestigious award as the Best State for Adventure Tourism.
In yet another shot in the arm for Goa Tourism, the State for the third consecutive year bagged the National Tourism Award for Comprehensive Development of Tourism (Rest of India). This hat-trick of National Tourism Award for Comprehensive Development of Tourism has been attributed to the outstanding performance of the State in providing amenities, facilities, new tourism services, initiatives, activities etc for tourists visiting Goa.