The National Tourism Awards covers an extensive range of categories to award State Governments &…

The National Tourism Awards covers an extensive range of categories to award State Governments & Union Territories, Hotels, Travel Agents, Tour Operators & Transport Operators, Individuals and other Private Organizations in recognition of their contribution towards promoting Tourism in their respective fields. Conceptualized with the objective of encouraging healthy competition in promoting tourism in the country, the National Tourism Awards have been a much-awaited annual event since its inception over a decade ago.

At the ceremony this year, the awards were presented by the Hon’ble President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind and presided over by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism and Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Shri K J Alphons, at a formal event in the Ministry of Tourism, Vigyan Bhawan. The efforts made by Sikkim towards the inculcation and promotion of nature-friendly concepts like Eco Tourism and Responsible Tourism was appreciated this year, and the state was thus awarded the ‘Most Responsible Project / Initiative Award’. Sharing the award with Kerala, Mr. Ashwani Kumar Chand, Resident Commissioner, Sikkim House, New Delhi.