Thekkady, an iconic attraction in Kerala’s Idukki district known for its jaw dropping landscape splattered with rolling hills, dense forests and spice plantations, was on Saturday named the world’s top emerging destination by an international travel trade body.
Thekkady won the inaugural Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) CEO Challenge 2015 award along with Albay in the Philippines.
“The destination in God’s Own Country, which is home to the Periyar wildlife sanctuary, bagged the Top Destination Award in the second and third-tier cities category, the only category for cities,” a press release said.
Albay received the honour in the category for regions, states and provinces.The award, instituted by PATA, was announced in Bangkok.
"Huge honour"
Describing the award as a ‘huge honour’ for Thekkady, Tourism Minister A.P. Anilkumar said it was a proud moment for the State. “The award will only increase our commitment to working further towards the growth of tourism in Kerala and development of our communities and the livelihoods of our people while preserving our environment,” he said. – PTI
