President of India presents the National Tourism Awards 2015-16

The President of India, Ram Nath Kovind presented the ‘National Tourism Awards 2015-16’ to various segments of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry at a function organised by the Ministry of Tourism on the occasion of ‘World Tourism Day’ on 27 September 2017 at New Delhi.

The function presided over by Minister of State (I/C) for Tourism, Alphons Kannanthanam saw in attendance tourism ministers of states, central and state government officials, members from the travel and hospitality industries and students from tourism and hospitality institutes.

The event also saw the launch of ‘Incredible India 2.0 campaign’ and ‘Adopt a Heritage’ project and new Incredible India website by the President.

Incredible India 2.0 Campaign

The campaign marks a shift from the present generic promotions being undertaken across the world, to market specific promotional plans and product specific creatives with greater focus on digital presence and social media.

Adopt a Heritage Project

• The project was launched with the efforts of the Tourism Ministry, Culture Ministry and Archaeological Survey of India.

• It plans to entrust heritage sites to the public sector and private sector companies and individuals for the development of tourist amenities. They will become ‘Monument Mitras’ and adopt the sites.

• The project can enable India’s rich and diverse heritage monuments to become tourist friendly.

• The development may help in better maintenance of the heritage structures.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that tourism is one of the largest industries in the world and its evolution can be estimated from the fact that the number of tourists all over the world has increased from 2.5 Cr in 1950 to 123 Cr in 2016.

Tourism in India

• The tourism industry contributes 10.2 per cent of the world's GDP.

• As far as India is concerned, in the year 2016, tourism’s contribution to the country’s GDP was 9.6 per cent and 9.3 per cent to total employment.

• The industry can contribute significantly in generating permanent employment opportunities and eliminating poverty.

• According to the President, inclusive tourism development would help in strengthening inclusive economic development.

World Tourism Day 2017 observed across the world

About National Tourism Awards

• The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India presents the awards annually to various segments of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry.

• These awards are presented to state governments/ union territories, classified hotels, heritage hotels, approved travel agents, tour operators, tourist transport operators, individuals and other private organizations in recognition of their performance in their respective fields.

• The awards have, over the years emerged as a prestigious recognition of achievements in the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors.

• The purpose of World Tourism Day celebrations is to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value.

Following is list of the award winners in different categories: