Morung Express News Dimapur | September 27 Sikkim has bagged a top honours at the National Tourism Awards 2016-2017 which were presented by Union minister K J Alphons on the World Tourism Day, in New Delhi, on September 27. The state won the award for ‘Best State / Union territory: Comprehensive Development of Tourism (Jammu & Kashmir and North East including Sikkim)’ “Sikkim as a tourism destination has come a long way and has built its reputation as the cleanest safest and one of the most tourists friendly State in India. Sikkim has set new benchmarks for responsible travel in the country,” the award citation read. Homestay has rapidly made way for sustainable community based tourism and eco-friendly policies have lent new vigor to the virgin Himalayan wilderness that drapes the region's mountains, it said. Organic farming is the new mantra in Sikkim and is being promoted in a big way and with With a new airport, Sikkim is all set to welcome more tourists, it added. Meanwhile, the Ministry in a press statement via PIB, New Delhi informed that the awards are given annually in various segments of travel, tourism and hospitality industries since early 1990s. State Governments/Union Territories, classified hotels, heritage hotels, approved travel agents, tour operators and tourist transport operators, individuals and other private organizations are given the award in “in recognition of their performance in their respective fields, and also to encourage healthy competition with an aim to promote tourism.” In the overall category, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Goa and Rajasthan won top honours. Andhra Pradesh bagged the top prize for promoting 'Andhra Pradesh Tourism' as a global brand, Kerala came second for comprehensive development of tourism. Rajasthan and Goa shared the third spot, the PTI news agency reported. The awardees were chosen on the basis of several parameters including tourist footfall, initiative of the state government and policies implemented to make the state tourist-friendly. A total of 77 awards were presented to the tourism industry stakeholders, state governments, central agencies and individuals, it added. Speaking on the occasion, Alphons said that tourism is the cornerstone of the Indian economy as it is a major source of employment and foreign exchange and stressed that it the responsibility of every citizen to build the image of the country as a safe tourist destination. He also announced that India will be hosting the World Tourism Day celebrations for the UNWTO in 2019. The tourism minister also launched the 'Incredible India' mobile app and the 'Incredible India Tourist Facilitators Certification' programme, which he informed, was designed keeping in mind the preferences of the modern traveller and follows the trends and technologies of international standards. It will showcase India as a holistic destination, revolving around major experiences such as spirituality, heritage, adventure, culture, yoga and wellness, among others, the PTI report added.
