The awards are given since the early 1990s and are presented to State Governments / Union Territories, classified hotels, heritage hotels, approved travel agents, tour operators and tourist transport operators, individuals and other private organizations in recognition of their performance in their respective fields and also to encourage healthy competition with an aim to promote tourism.

THE PRESIDENT of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind presented the “National Tourism Awards” to various segments of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry at a function organised by Ministry of Tourism in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on World Tourism Day (27 September,2017). The function was presided over by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism Shri Alphons Kannanthanam.

The awards are given since the early 1990s and are presented to State Governments / Union Territories, classified hotels, heritage hotels, approved travel agents, tour operators and tourist transport operators, individuals and other private organizations in recognition of their performance in their respective fields and also to encourage healthy competition with an aim to promote tourism.

In an attempt to encourage States and Union Territories to put into place effective mechanisms for maintaining cleanliness at tourist destinations, a new Category of award “Swachhta Award” has been introduced this year. Other new categories of awards being introduced this year include “Best State for Adventure Tourism” and “Best Wildlife Guide”.

To commemorate World Tourism Day, ITC Hotels has curated a series of immersive ‘Responsible Luxury’ experiences for guests at its hotels. Commenting on the occasion, Nakul Anand, Executive Director, ITC Ltd. said, “We are pleased to honour UNWTO’s chosen theme of Sustainable Tourism as it exemplifies ITC Hotels’ journey with ‘Responsible Luxury’ as its credo. ITC’s hotels business is committed to deliver luxury experiences in a responsible manner in keeping with ITC’s objectives to create larger value for the nation in a sustainable and inclusive manner.”

Trident, Gurgaon won the “National Tourism Award for the Best Hotel in the 5-Star Category”. "It is a matter of great privilege and honour to receive the award from the Honorable President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind. The award reflects the hotel's commitment to quality and the unwavering dedication of our people towards ensuring guest delight," Trident, Gurgaon, General Manager Amitabh Rai said.

‘Jaane Kya Dikh Jaaye’ television ad campaign of Rajasthan Tourism was awarded with National Tourism Award under the category of “Best Tourism Film”. The award was received by Smt. Krishnendra Kaur (Deepa), Hon’ble Minister of State for Tourism, Government of Rajasthan.

The awards were followed by the launch of the Incredible India 2.0 Campaign, launch of ‘Adopt A Heritage’ Project and design launch of Incredible India Website. The new version of the marketing campaign will focus on the promotion of monasteries and pilgrim sites in India.