In recognition of its sustainable tourism practices, Kerala has been accorded the prestigious “Hall of Fame” status for being the Best State in the category of ‘Comprehensive Development of Tourism’ for the fourth consecutive year at the National Tourism 2018-19 announced the other day.

The Kozhikode District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) was adjudged the best in the category.

Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) Managing Director V. Vigneshwari received the awards on behalf of Kerala Tourism from Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar at an impressive function in Delhi. Union Tourism and Culture Minister G. Kishan Reddy presided over the function.

The ‘Hall of Fame’ status is given to a state/ union territory or an organization, which has won the National Tourism Award in a particular category for four consecutive years. However, the winner of this status is not eligible to apply for the same category for the next three years.

“Kerala’s stress on sustainability is perfectly complemented by innovative marketing and promotional techniques, helping it evolve into a paradigm for Responsible Tourism,” read the citation for the ‘Comprehensive Development of Tourism’ award.

The DTPC Kozhikode focuses on tourism promotional activities on various beaches, bio-parks, hill stations, improvement of signages, and sanitation by working closely with local governments, heritage conservation, and preservation, coordination of tourism clubs, and creation of tourism awareness.

Kerala Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas said the ‘Hall of Fame’ status is an eloquent testimony to the state’s sustained efforts to promote tourism through a string of innovative measures. “A major strategy has been to promote Responsible Tourism that is sustainable and generates employment opportunities besides conserving cultural heritage,” he said.

Two other entities from Kerala won accolades – Taj, Kumarakom, Kottayam, for the Best 4-star Hotel, and Manaltheeram Ayurvedic Hospital & Research Centre Pvt Ltd for the Best Wellness Centre in the Southern Region.