Search:
Mail Today
India is the new big destination on Asia's travel map



Three Delhi/NCR hotels - Trident Gurgaon, Taj Palace and Radisson NH-8 - were rated the best in Asia in their categories, and India bagged the distinction of being the continent's top destination, at the World Travel Awards Asia and Australasia on Thursday evening.

The Awards, universally regarded as the Oscars of the travel and tourism business, are determined by secret ballot in which more than 1,83,000 travellers and industry professionals participate in over 160 countries. Of the 47 awards handed over to Asian destinations, hotels and resorts, India bagged 11, including the best hotel brand award to The Oberoi Hotels and Resorts.

A clear sign of the country's growing positive presence in the international tourism sector was the competition that India was up against for Asia's best destination award. It pipped Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Phuket, Tokyo and Sri Lanka to win the coveted honour.

Likewise, Trident was the first past the post in a field of 21 contenders for the double honour of Asia's leading hotel and luxury hotel. Taj Palace got the award for the continent's best meetings and conference hotel, and Radisson NH- 8 for the best airport hotel.

"It is a big achievement to win this award second time in a row," said Taj Palace general manager Taljinder Singh. " Next year we'll try to win the 'best in the world' title."

The Awards also brought littleknown hotels and resorts into the spotlight. One of them is the Raj Palace, Jaipur, whose Maharaja Pavilion was adjudged Asia's leading suite.

"It is an honour to win an award at the Oscars of the travel and tourism industry," said Ankur Rara, the Jaipur hotel's general manger.

And though her hotel was not among the Asian award winners, Monisha Dewan, general manager, Hilton Garden Inn Gurgaon, was quick to point to the significance of the Indian ascendance.

"The Indian travel and hospitality industries are experiencing a boom, especially in the luxury travel and hotels segment, which is now attracting travellers from all over the world," Dewan said.

The surprise winner in the leading luxury train category was the Indian Maharaja, which has been in the news for its financial woes. Its general manager, Kuldeep Singh, though, was quite upbeat.

The Commonwealth Games had infused a new energy into India's travel and tourism industry, unlike what people are led to believe.

Not surprisingly, the industry's been quick to recover from last year's meltdown blues, he said.