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Conserving nature and culture
Category : Best Domestic Tourism Board
Winner : Kerala Tourism Board
 Started
as a State Hospitality department in 1950s, the Department of Tourism came into
being in the 1960s. However, the functions of the department were confined to
running guest houses, upkeep of residential bungalows of ministers and proving
hospitalities and other arrangements for VVIPs.
It was only during the 7th Plan that the tourism promotion activities found
a place in the functioning of the Department of Tourism. Kerala Tourism has
recorded remarkable growth in the last few years. The number of foreign tourists
and domestic tourists visiting the state has crossed two lakhs and 50 lakhs,
respectively. The revenue generated in the economy of Kerala due to tourism
is estimated to be nearly Rs 4,000 crore which is 6.29 per cent of the state's
GDP. Tourism has generated employment in Kerala to the tune of nearly 7 lakhs
(based on a study by Tata Consultancy Services).
Kerala has emerged as the most acclaimed tourist destination of the country
in the recent past. World Travel and Tourism Council has selected Kerala as
a partner state. National Geographic Traveller after two years of research has
chosen Kerala, as one of the 50 must-see destinations of a lifetime.
Kerala has been stated as one of the 10 paradises of the World. Other acclaims
received by Kerala Tourism include;
- One of the 100 great trips for the 21st century,
by 'Travel and Leisure'
- One of the ten hot spots for the millennium, by
'Emirates Inflight Magazine'
- One of the best breakfast in the world, by 'Travel
& Leisure'
- One of the ten love nests in India, by 'Cosmopolitan'
- One of the six destinations of the millennium, by
'Khaleej Times'
Kerala has also been awarded the Best Performing State Award for the year 1998-99,
1999-2000 and 2000-2001 by 'Government of India' for achieving rapid growth,
development and advancement in the tourism sector. Kerala Tourism has also won
the Best Performing State Award instituted by Outlook Traveller for the year
2000-2001.
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