Kerala's Rural Tourism Project Wins India's National Award

KERALATourism's tourism model in Kumarakom area that links the local community to hospitality industry has won the National Award for Best Rural Tourism Project,Press Trust of India(PTI) reported.Kerala Tourism secretary Suman Billa received the award from President Pranab Mukherjee at a ceremony at the Vigyan Bhavan on Monday.Under the Kumarakom Rural Tourism Project, Kerala Tourism has forged partnerships with self-help network Kudumbashree to sell fruits and vegetables to tourists in kiosks run by its units and with hotels and restaurants in the area to buy produce from the local community.Kumarakom also picked up two awards for Vivanta by Taj in Best Four Star Hotel' category and Coconut Creek Farm and Home Stay, Kumarakom for Bed and Breakfast Establishment.Kerala bagged honours in three other categories at the 2011-2012 National Tourism Awards.The Best Wellness Centre award went to Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort in Chowara near Thiruvananthapuram and Pioneer Personalised Holidays won in Best Approved Inbound Tour Operator and Travel Agent category.