The Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala presented the ‘Kerala State Tourism Awards 2015-2016’, honouring Kerala’s best tourism service providers for their performances. Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala, who inaugurated the awards ceremony at the Hotel Taj Vivanta, presented the award to the winners. The updated version of Kerala Tourism website was also launched by the chief minister.
Kadakampally Surendran, minster for tourism, co-operation and Devaswom, presided over the awards ceremony. He promised to implement the recommendations included in the new tourism policy quickly within the specified timeline. The minister expressed belief in the strength of Kerala’s tourism industry and shared his hope that the new tourism policy will bring a positive upsurge for the overall development of Kerala.
Surendran requested the leaders of tourism industry to contribute to the Chief Minister’s Relief fund and help to the victims of Okhi cyclone.
Tourism and culture secretary Rani George welcomed the gathering and expressed hope that Kerala will be on top of the global tourism map. She congratulated the Kerala Tourism Award winners on behalf of Kerala Tourism Department and believed the new tourism policy will be implemented soon and will yield significant results, empowering Kerala’s tourism industry. She added that the success of the new tourism policy is a collective responsibility and shared her optimism about the leadership of CM Vijayan and Surendran.
Based on the work done, 22 awards under three categories were presented at the event.