Uttarakhand has received the first prize in two categories, for the best adventure tourism destination and all-around development of tourism at the National Tourism Award 2018-19 of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Uttarakhand Tourism and Culture Minister Satpal Maharaj received both awards from Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar at an event in New Delhi. Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy and Minister of State for Defense Ajay Bhatt were also present on the occasion.
On receiving this award, Maharaj congratulated the people of the state and the stakeholders in the tourism industry. Maharaj said that this honour is a matter of pride for Uttarakhand and its residents. He welcomed tourists, domestic and international to visit the state of Uttarakhand which offers an eclectic mix of experiences to tourists. He added, “Himalaya Darshan through helicopter has recently been launched in Mussoorie”.
Maharaj said “The tourism department is working on multiple projects to attract tourists to Uttarakhand. And both the awards received by Uttarakhand prove that the popularity of the state is increasing continuously among the tourists. Himalaya Darshan service will further increase the inflow of tourists in the state, who will be able to enjoy the high peaks of the Himalayas and the natural beauty of Uttarakhand in a helicopter from George Everest.” A photography and videography contest has also been launched on the occasion of World Tourism Day, and interested participants are invited to participate online. Winners will be selected across five categories with the total prize money being Rs. 25 lakhs.
“Uttarakhand Tourism has also launched an attractive scheme for travel influencers across the country, under which the influencers making videos, in any language will be empanelled with the tourism department. Once empanelled, they will be invited to introductory tours to different places in Uttarakhand, which will be sponsored by the Uttarakhand Government. Folk arts, rural culture, adventurous geo-ecology, homestays, unique spiritual experiences, and nutritious cuisine will be showcased through these curated tours and taken to every nook and corner of the country through these influencers”, added Maharaj.
“Among the many programs being organized to encourage winter tourism, prominent events include Track of the Year – Pindari Glacier to be held from October 2022 to January 2023 and Winterline Carnival to be held in Bagchi Bugyal, Mussoorie and Nainital in December 2022, Rafting Championship in Champawat from December 2022 to January 2023, Auli in February 2023 National Skiing Championships to be held and International Yoga Festival to be held in Rishikesh in March 2023”, further added Maharaj.
