State tourism awards given to 54 best performing agencies

Chennai: Tourism minister K Ramachandran on Wednesday said 1,22,188 foreign tourists visited Chennai till July this year. Similarly, 57,672 people visited Chengalpet district where Mahabalipuram is located. The minister was speaking at an event in which 54 tourism agencies including private firms, government agencies and tourist operators received awards from the Tamil Nadu government. "The department plans to take measures to contribute 12% revenue to the state's total revenue in the coming days. Further, tourism department and its associated departments will work on getting 25 lakh jobs for youth in the state," he said. The minister added that they are also working on getting Rs 20,000 crore worth investments, while it will also be initiating skill development exercises for three lakh workers. "Recreational tourism spots will be set up in Kanyakumari, Madurai, Tiruchi and Coimbatore, while an 100-acre theme park is being set up too," he said. ITC Grand Chola, has been named the "Best Classified Hotel" in the 5-star category at the Tamil Nadu Tourism Awards and Ottimo Cucina Italiana, located at ITC Grand Chola, has been awarded the prestigious "Best Continental Restaurant" title at the Tamil Nadu Tourism Awards 2023.Twenty-four individuals who shot tourism-related videos were given prizes and certificates. The awards were given by Ramachandran along with health minister Ma Subramanian, HR and CE minister P K Sekar Babu, and Minister of Minorities Welfare, Non Resident Tamils Welfare, Refugees & Evacuees and Wakf Board K S Masthan.

And the best village tourism award goes to Ullada

Ullada, a village in Tamil Nadu, has won the Union government's 'best village tourism' award. The village's attractions include hill-grown vegetables, tea gardens, and a eucalyptus distillery unit. The century-old Nilgiris Mountain Railway also played a role in securing the award. Ullada offers a unique experience for tourists with its traditional culture, cuisine, and lifestyle. The village's badaga style of construction and farming practices were appreciated during the assessment by the Centre. Ullada's proximity to the NMR track and the presence of homestays have also contributed to its recognition in recent times.

'Best tourism village' award goes to Murshidabad temple destination

The village of Kiriteshwari in Murshidabad, West Bengal, has been declared the best tourism village in India by the Ministry of Tourism. The competition aims to honor a village that exemplifies a rural tourism destination and promotes sustainability and community well-being. Kiriteshwari's heritage value, eco-friendly atmosphere, and tourist amenities helped it win the top honor. The village is named after the historical Kiriteshwari temple and attracts many pilgrims. The district tourism department has developed infrastructure and approved 19 homestays in the village.

Gurdaspur village bags Best Tourism Village Of India-2023 award

Punjab's village Nawan Pind Sardaran in Gurdaspur district has been awarded the Best Tourism Village of India-2023. The village was recognized for its efforts in promoting and preserving Punjab's cultural heritage and sustainable development through tourism. Out of 750 villages from 31 states and UTs, Nawan Pind Sardaran emerged as the winner. Local residents, in collaboration with the Punjab tourism department, have worked to preserve ancestral havelis and turn them into popular rural tourism spots that attract both domestic and international tourists.