New Delhi | 27th Sept ‘2017
The Honorable President of India, Mr Ram Nathj Kovind presented the National Tourism Awards across various segments & categories of the travel, tourism & hospitality industry at a function organized by The Ministry of Tourism in New Delhi on World Tourism Day.
Speaking on this auspicious occasion, Mr K. J. Alphons, The Minister of State for Tourism, Government of India felicitated all achievers & committed to transform India into one of the most preferred destinations for travelers from around the world.
India, on the tourism vertical, has reasons to celebrate as it’s growth trajectory is rapid. India’s ranking in the Travel & Tourism Competitive Index 2017 ( TTCI ) of World Economic Forum moved from 65th to 52nd position in 2015 & is now ranked 40th.The last three years have seen India cumulatively improving it’s ranking by 25 places which is a significant achievement.
This was possible because of an open & tourist friendly policy of the Government & the active participation of all stake holders.
Tourism is in an enviable position with the inherent capacity to creat large scale employment,eradicate poverty,benefit local communities economically & socially and to generate awareness and support for conservation of the environment.
India’s Travel & Tourism sector ranks 7th in the world in terms of its total contribution to the country’s GDP, shows a new report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). According to the new data, Travel & Tourism generated INR 14.1 trillion (USD208.9 billion) in 2016, which is the world’s 7th largest in terms of absolute size, the sum is equivalent to 9.6% of India’s GDP. Additionally, the sector supported 40.3 million jobs in 2016, which ranks India 2nd in the world in terms of total employment supported by Travel & Tourism. The sector accounts for 9.3% of the country’s total jobs. India’s Travel & Tourism sector was also the fastest growing amongst the G20 countries, growing by 8.5% in 2016. A further 6.7% growth is forecast for 2017.
Visitor exports, money spent by foreign travellers in India, only represents 12% of tourism revenues and in 2016 totaled INR1.5 trillion (USD22.8bn). This is 5.4% of the country’s total exports, compared to a global average of 6.6%. Data from the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) shows that India received only 9 million international arrivals in 2016, placing it 40th in the world, and a tenth of those received by top-ranking France. However, there is a lot of potential for India to grow their visitor exports. Over the past few months India has already starting to address this gap and made significant changes to visa facilitation, which will help to boost international arrivals. WTTC data suggests that visitor exports will grow by 5.4% in 2017.
India is a tremendous Travel & Tourism economy with a rapidly growing GDP.However, these numbers could be even higher, and that the positive impact of this sector could be more wide-ranging. India has a huge potential to increase its international visitors and, in doing so, it can create more jobs and drive economic growth. The government should continue to adopt policies that encourage international travelers, such as the new visa regime, enable investment in vital infrastructure, and allow companies to do business. India is a beautiful and diverse tourism destination, with the right policies in place it will no doubt continue to grow towards ranking even higher in terms of its tourism economy.
Madhya Pradesh was in the limelight winning many coveted titles.
Madhya Pradesh was conferred with the mentioned awards :
1. Best state in comprehensive development of Tourism
The Government of Madhya Pradesh received this award. Tireless efforts by the Government authorities, development of infrastructures & tourist friendly policies were acknowledged.
2.Best civic management of tourist destination
Khargone in Madhya Pradesh won this award in category B.
With its tireless and incessant efforts towards the Swacch Bharat Mission,
Khargone is now among the top 20 cities under the Swachh Sarvekshan 2017.
The city has been targeting all the objectives of civic management, set up
under the mission.
Under the sanitation sector, the city has successfully transformed into an ODF
town. Under the Solid Waste Management Sector, the city has achieved 100%
door to door collection, segregation and transportation of waste. Moreover,
the idea of waste to compost is also being practised efficiently. With efforts of
awareness and infrastructural advancement, Khargone has transformed into
a city with an efficiently managed civic system.
3.Best tourist friendly railway station
Ujjain railway station, Madhya Pradesh won this award.
The sacred city of Ujjain is flocked by millions of tourists and devotees every
year. The Ujjain Railway Station connects the city with all major parts of the
country. Gearing up for the holy event of Simhastha Mahakumbha and to
provide better facilities and conveniences, several infrastructural and service
related advancements have been created recently in the Ujjain Railway
Station. These facilities include, more number of retiring rooms, eco-friendly
bio-toilets, installation of energy saving systems, better facilities for differently
abled persons, coach guidance system, restaurants, easy ticket booking
arrangements, automatic ticket vending machines, water vending machines,
public assistance system and varied emergency services and assistance.
4.Best Heritage City
Chanderi of Madhya Pradesh was a joint winner.
Built in a narrow valley and located on the banks of Betwa river in Madhya
Pradesh, Chanderi is a best example of the Holistic Heritage Indian City.
Different cultures have harmoniously been co-existing to nurture a rich
heritage here.
With its magnificent heritage, Chanderi exhibits an important interchange of
human values recorded in the history over a span of 1200 years. Several efforts
have been made by the city to conserve and redevelop this ancient cultural
corridor by restoring its historical architecture, arts and culture. Known for
its world famous handcrafted Chanderi Sarees, some of Chanderi’s heritage
marvels include Chanderi Fort, Bada Madarsa, Jama Masjid, Koshak Mahal,
Nizammuddin’s Tomb etc..
5.Best Wildlife Guide
Mr Saeeb Khan of Satpura National Park, Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh won this award.
Saeeb Khan has been serving tourists in the Satpura Tiger Reserve,
Pachmarhi for the last 15 years. A passionate professional guide with keen
interest and vast knowledge about geography, flora and fauna, Saeeb has
successfully been guiding thousands of tourists. He has also mentored
several study tours. His untiring efforts have immensely helped tourists in
gaining more knowledge about the mystical Satpura range. Saeeb has been
recognized and feted by several tourism bodies and educational institutes for
his invaluable guidance.
6.Excellence in Publishing – Hindi
Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Board received this award for “ Singhasta 2016”.
The book published in Hindi by Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Board elaborating on “ Singhasta 2016” & it’s host city was widely appreciated.
7.Excellence in Publishing – English
This award was won by Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Board’s coffee table book “The Heart of Incredible India”.
India, is endowed with delightful forests, rich world heritage sites, and varied
art, crafts & culture. To give a glimpse of these nuggets, a Coffee Table Book
was designed. The book has a luxurious look with the regal Tiger on the cover.
The contents of the book with precise information on various subjects along
with attractive pictures have been compiled by renowned authors with great
passion. This painstaking exercise was done with the sole motive to give the
reader an enriched experience of the State.
8.Most Innovative & Unique Tourism Product
Hanuwantiya and Jal Mahotsav, Madhya Pradesh tourism were felicitated with this award.
Utilising the backwaters created at the Indira Sagar Dam and the Omkareshwar
Dam, the Government of Madhya Pradesh has developed a backwater tourism
hub in the form of Hanuwantiya.
Hanuwantiya is an innovative project which offers the serenity of nature.
Applying a thought of innovation here, the Government of MP has been
organising Jal Mahotsav. This event blends adventure and tranquility together
in one single destination.
The fifteen day extravanganza manifests the cultural ethos of the region while
offering fun sports and adventure activities amid the beauty of nature.
9.Best Film Promotion Friendly State/ UT
Madhya Pradesh was again awarded with this title.
Madhya Pradesh offers a rich diversity in terms of culture and locations,
making it a great place for shooting and promoting films. There are nearly
500 picturesque locations in the heartland of India in the form of a sprawling
wildlife terrain, Heritage properties, Pilgrimages and leisure spots.
The State’s dedicated Film Office/Commission facilitates such projects through
a single window clearance with utmost ease and transparency. Madhya
Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation works as a nodal agency for
the same.
10.Best State for Adventure Tourism
Madhya Pradesh was judged the best state for adventure tourism.
Madhya Pradesh is home to diverse water bodies, landscapes, jungles, heritage
sites and mountainous terrains which make it a perfect place for Adventure
sports. In the last few years, efforts have been made by the State Government
to promote adventure tourism. Several tourist locations in the state now
offer thrilling adventure activities which include Water Sports, Parasailing,
Trekking, Rock Climbing, River Rafting, Hot Air Ballooning etc. Moreover, the
state with 10 national parks, 25 Wildlife sanctuaries, several rivers, lakes and
mighty mountains is also monitoring these activities for safety and regulations.
To know more about the awards, click here.
