On World Tourism Day God’s Own Country received nine National Tourism Awards for the year 2016-17. Kerala Tourism won the Hall of Fame awards for Excellence in Publishing in Foreign Language and the Responsible Tourism Project, Wayanad, for being the Most Responsible Tourism Project/Initiative.

Kerala Tourism also grabbed four awards including the Best Tourism Film (Live Inspired) and second prize in the category of ‘Best State/Union Territory- Comprehensive Development of Tourism in Rest of India.’

Private stakeholders received five more awards that include the Best Domestic Tour Operator promoting tourism products of the Rest of India, Best Incredible India Bed and Breakfast Establishment and Best Stand alone Convention Centre.

Munnar-based Rose Gardens Homestay got the Best Incredible India Bed and Breakfast Establishment, Somatheeram Research Institute and Ayurveda Hospital Pvt. Ltd., Kovalam, was adjudged the Best Wellness Centre, while the Adlux International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Kochi, got the award for Best Stand Alone Convention Centre.
Intersight Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd got the best domestic tour operator promoting and selling tourism products of Rest of India (category 1) and the Kochi-based Concord Exotic Voyages Pvt. Ltd., won the first prize in Inbound Tour Operator/Travel Agent (category II). Bala Kiran IAS, Director, Kerala Tourism received the awards for the official entries.

Mr. Alphons Kannanthanam, Minister of State for Tourism said: “13 out of 14 districts in Kerala were affected by floods a month ago and today every destination is open for tourists in the State. Kerala is back in action and ready to receive people. Kerala needs your support to get back into its action.”