MP,Sikkim receive top tourism awards

President Pratibha Devisingh Patil gave away the National Tourism Awards 2010-11 to 78 awardees across 50 categories.

Sikkim won the award for the best among Northeast states and J&K category,besides the new award under Campaign Clean India. Hyderabad airport bagged the Best Airport award while New Delhi railway station emerged as the most tourist friendly railway station. The Oberoi Rajvilas was named the Best Five Star Deluxe hotel and Neemrana Hotel in Alwar was declared the Best Heritage hotel.

The President pointed out that the World Travel and Tourism Council has ranked India as a tourism “hot-spot”,with a very high growth possibility in the coming years and India must work towards responsible tourism to sustain growth.

“Tourism,however,needs to be responsible tourism,which means that the footprints of tourists have to be handled in a manner that respects cultural traditions,and protects fragile eco-systems. Tourism also entails regular conservation efforts,so that heritage sites are well preserved and maintained,” she said,noting that adequate infrastructure must be built to make tourists welcome.

Union Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahai said that his ministry is looking at diversifying tourism products by developing and promoting nascent and niche products.

Three new awards were introduced this year — The Best State: Campaign Clean India,Best Heritage City and Best Heritage Walk.