TravTalk India Online Magazine
India Travel Awards North 2023 recognizes the movers and shakers of the industry, who have contributed to the country’s vibrant tourism landscape, setting new benchmarks.
Janice Alyosius
The India Travel Awards North 2023 took place at Hyatt Regency Delhi on 25 July 2023. The event was a huge success, as it brought together the brilliant minds from the travel and hospitality sector to acknowledge and honour outstanding leaders and achievers.
With an impressive participation of more than 12,000 votes in this edition, the event recognised the trailblazers, who made substantial contributions this year to the country’s vibrant tourism landscape, setting new standards for the entire industry. It was a celebration of excellence and innovation, inspiring others to follow in the footsteps of these outstanding individuals. The awards process began with an online nomination that saw enthusiastic participation from across the sector. The thought-provoking nomination form encouraged participants to contemplate what sets them apart, resulting in over 203 different nomination categories, highlighting the diverse and dynamic nature of the Indian tourism industry. Voting was conducted with utmost care to ensure transparency and avoid any duplication, giving rise to a fair and unbiased selection process. After the completion of online voting, a distinguished jury, renowned for their expertise in the domain, diligently assessed and chose the most deserving individuals and organisations as award winners.
The event commenced with a keynote address by Chief Guest, VK Duggal, former Governor of Manipur & Mizoram and Chairman, Advisory Councils of VFS Global and OYO Hotels. He acknowledged the growth of the domestic tourism market, but also stressed on the need for addressing challenges like pricing to boost inbound tourism. He urged the industry to focus on providing competitive pricing, seamless travel experiences, and sustainable practices to attract and retain international tourists, further elevating India’s position as a preferred global destination.The awards recognized several accomplished names in the industry for their outstanding contribution.
The Gallery of Legends Inductee: Ashwani Lohani, ex-Indian Railway Service officer and former CMD, Air India, expressed his deep connection with the travel industry and said, “The entire tourism sector is a big family. One joins it never to get out. I have thoroughly released my association with the tourism family and would continue to do so.”
DDP Trailblazer for 2023: Rajiv Mehra, President, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), expressed gratitude for the award, saying, “This award will now motivate me to work further and fulfil the goals of my members who have just begun their revival journey.”
Wedding Tourism Ambassador 2023: Rajeev Jain, Founder & Director, Rashi Entertainment, acknowledged the appreciation from the travel industry, saying, “The amalgamation of travel and wedding industry is a big thing.”
DDP Game Changer for 2023: Rikant Pittie, Co-Founder, EaseMyTrip. On his behalf, Nutan Gupta, COO, EaseMyTrip, took the award and said, “Hard work and there is no shortcut to success at any-time zone I’ve seen Rikant working all the time and this award resonates with him and his core personality.”
Face of the Future: Isha Goyal, Executive Director & CEO STIC Travel Group, humbly acknowledged her recognition and said, “I would be a miss if I didn’t credit this recognition to my amazing team at STIC, without whom I am only a face.”
These exceptional leaders were celebrated for their dedication, innovation, and outstanding contributions, which have played pivotal roles in shaping the Indian tourism landscape.
The ceremony also showcased exceptional achievements across various other categories, including Best Airline, Best Tour Operator, Best Hotel Chain, and more. This provided a glimpse into the immense talent and dedication within the Indian tourism and hospitality industry, truly reflecting the vibrant spirit of Indian hospitality.
SanJeet, Founder, DDP Group, expressed his delight at the event organisation, saying, “Tonight’s award recipients embody the spirit of excellence, creativity, and resilience. They have elevated India’s status as a global tourism destination and showcased the true essence of Indian hospitality. From creating unforgettable experiences for travellers to empowering the workforce behind the scenes, these trailblazers have left no stone unturned in their pursuit of excellence.”
India Travel Awards North 2023 is not just an event; it is a celebration of the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations in the tourism industry, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps and continue to propel India’s tourism sector to greater heights.
