Kerala tourism – Awards galore!
At the National Tourism Award function organised by the Union government on February 24th, Kerala bagged 11 National Tourism Awards for 2007-08. The State Government bagged four awards while the rest went to private entries from the state.
‘Ulsavam’ of Kerala was adjudged the Best Innovative Tourism Project with two other entries. It is an annual event showcasing more than 100 different art forms of the state performed by more than 2,000 artistes at 36 venues across the state, blending various culture and customs of the state such as folk art, temple art and ethnic rituals.
An initiative from the state which combined adventure with tourism-paragliding festival, VAGA Fest being held at Vagamon, Idukki, has been chosen as the Best Innovative Adventure Activity. The film “Rhapsodies from God’s Own Country” bagged the award for the Best Film on Tourism.
The Cochin Port Trust won the award for the Best Tourism-friendly Port. It is one of the major 12 ports of the country hosted one of the biggest cruise tourism events, the Volvo Ocean Race, in December 2008. And the Best Tourism-friendly Golf Course went to Trivandrum Golf Club. In the Best Hotels category, resorts in Kumarokom also won awards.
Kerala tourism is growing at a fast pace. Be it eco-tourism, homestays, wildlife or adventure-Kerala has it all, and more!
