Kochi based Intersight Tours and Travels Private Ltd has won the best in-bound tour operator award of the state Tourism Department for the year 2011-12. Riya Holidays Private Ltd, based in Kochi itself,is the best out-bound tour operator.
Announcing the awards here on Saturday, Tourism Minister A P Anil Kumar told a news conference that in the Five-Star Deluxe hotel category, Dream Hotel, Kochi has been selected for the top honour.
Turtle on the Beach, Kovalam is the winner in the Five- Star category. Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel, Kovalam and Marari Beach Hotel, Alappuzha have topped as the best four-star and three-star hotels.
The best Heritage Hotel Award goes to Coconut Lagoon in Kumarakom. There were no contestants in the one and two-star categories.
Somatheeram Ayurveda Beach Resort, Kovalam has been picked for the best ayurvedic centre, whereas Coconut Creek Farm and Homestay at Kumarakom has been selected as the best homestay.
The best approved house boat operator is the Rainbow Cruise of Alappuzha.The best hotel manager award goes to Anil Kumar,heading Mahindra Holidays resort in Munnar. G Jyothilal (Yatra magazine) has been selected for presenting the best tourism report in the award year. Mathrubhumi senior photographer Rajan Pothuval’s work has won him the Best Photographer Award.
Awards in various other categories were also announced.
Entries Invited
“Entries for selection of awards in the 2012-13 fiscal have been invited,” the Minister said.
The same has to be submitted before November 30 to the Tourism director, Park View, Thiruvananthapuram-33. Details are available on the website www.keralatourism.org.