India’s tourism industry is on the verge of achieving new heights, just like the business vertical of Economic Times and ETTravelWorld. The Economic Times Travel and Tourism Conclave and Awards, which is designed with the rapidly evolving dynamics and trends of the travel and tourism industry in mind, kicked off with an outstanding third edition, setting the bar high.
Organised at the Crowne Plaza Gurugram on November 26, the event was attended by prominent travel and tourism industry leaders, association heads, hoteliers, aviation experts, government officials, state tourism boards and more.
The day-long conclave received rave reviews from industry stakeholders and attendees, with an interesting line-up of speakers engaging in thoughtful conversation during multiple panel discussions, fireside chats and industry overviews. The Conclave was followed by a gala award night where outstanding contributions of the industry were recognised.
These travel awards honor those who are doing exceptional work, thinking outside the box, and demonstrating resilience as they lead their teams through challenges. Contenders come from various sectors, including Tourism (International and Domestic), Travel Tech companies, Aggregators, the Hospitality sector, Airlines, TAs and TOs (Online and Offline), Niche tourism players (Cruise, Caravan), MICE players, and the star performers of the hospitality world. The winners represent not just individuals, but the companies driving excellence.
The Travel & Tourism Awards continue to strive to select the best in the industry through a rigorous and transparent jury process. The top contenders are chosen following a stringent process of elimination before being selected by a Grand Jury. Monitored by a credible external audit agency, these awards maintain complete transparency and are open to scrutiny.
The award show was attended by Minister of State for Tourism and Defense, Ajay Bhatt and Tourism Minister of Goa, Rohan Khaunte. Hand picked by our jury panel of experts, a total of 32 winners were awarded in different categories. The awardees included the hotels and resorts, destinations, tour and MICE operators and startups.
Here is the full list of Award winners award winners:
Travel and Hospitality Tech
Excellence in Travel Tech Startup (less than 5 years): Verismart.ai
Excellence in Travel Tech Co. (5–10 years): BluSmart
Excellence in Travel Tech Co. (More than 10 years): ITQ Technologies Pvt Ltd
Online Travel Marketplace of the Year (B2C): MakeMyTrip
Online Travel Marketplace of the Year – B2C- Jury Recognition: ixigo (Le Travenues Technology Ltd)
Online Travel Marketplace of the Year (B2B): TBO.com
Best B2B Travel Technology Provider: RateGain Travel Technologies
Service Provider of the Year: Centre of Excellence – FCM Travel
Car Rental Company of the Year: ECOS (India) Mobility & Hospitality Limited
Travel Agents & Tour Operators
MICE Travel Operator of the Year: Thomas Cook (India) Limited
Luxury Travel Operator of the Year: AABEE
Leisure Travel Operator of the Year: Thrillophilia
Domestic Tour Operator of the Year: SOTC Travel Limited
Outbound Travel Operator of the Year: Thomas Cook (India) Limited
Jury Recognition (Inbound Tour Operator of the Year): Sita Travels
Adventure Tour Operator of the Year: JustWravel Pvt Ltd
Adventure Tour Operator of the Year – Jury Recognition: Inme Learning
Excellence in Airport Lounge Services: Encalm Privé
Best Cruise and Expedition: Cordelia Cruises
Campaign Awards
B2C Travel Campaign of the Year: MakeMyTrip Asli Star
Integrated Marketing Campaign of the Year: Free Flight Ticket to Ayodhya – Paytm Travel
Excellence in Use of Social Media: Best Use of Instagram – Richmonde Ananta Elite, Goa
Excellence in Sustainable Tourism Initiative: Eco Retreat, Konark
Excellence in Use of PR: Leading the Narrative in India’s Travel & Tourism Industry with Data-Driven Insights and Strategic Partnerships – MakeMyTrip
Hotels and Resorts
5 Star Hotel of the Year – North: The Claridges New Delhi
Jury Recognition (5 Star Hotel of the Year – South): ITC Grand Chola
Best Debut Hotel – North: Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre & JECC
Best Debut Hotel – South: Moxy Bengaluru Airport
Best Debut Hotel – West: Fortune Statue of Unity, Ekta Nagar (ITC Hotel Group)
Best Debut Resort – South: Ayatana Ooty
Best Debut Resort – North: Teela
Best Debut Resort – North – Jury Recognition: Kinwani House by Aalia Collection
Best Debut Resort – West: Azora By Ayatana Goa
MICE Hotel of the Year: Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty
Spa Property of the Year – Hotel: Six Senses Fort Barwara
Wedding Property of the Year – Hotels – North: The Ananta Udaipur
Wedding Property of the Year – Hotels – West: The Westin Pune Koregaon Park
Luxury Wedding Property of the Year – Hotels: Alila Fort Bishangarh
Boutique Hotel of the Year: The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg
Best Eco-Friendly Hotel: Novotel Hyderabad Airport
5 Star Resort of the Year – South – Jury Recognition: Taj Wayanad Resort & Spa
5 Star Resort of the Year – West: The St. Regis Goa Resort
Best Eco-Friendly Resort: Aahana Resort
Palace/Heritage Hotel of the Year – Before 1950: Alila Fort Bishangarh
Wellness Resort of the Year: Kairali Ayurveda Healing Village
Excellence in Homestay Accommodations – Brand: Lohono Stays
Domestic Tourism
Tourism State of the Year: Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board
Individual Awards
Hotel GM of the Year: Anoop Pandey, General Manager, JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa
Supported by Incredible India, the Ministry of Tourism, the Government of India and leading trade associations in the travel and hospitality industry – IATO, ATOAI, TAFI, OTOAI and FHRAI, the event had state tourism boards like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh as supporting partner states. Cordelia Cruises was the Associate Partner and Trek the Himalayas was the Event Partner. WishNew Wellness was the gifting partner.
Published On Nov 30, 2024 at 12:49 PM IST
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