President Pratibha Patil to present national tourism awards

President Pratibha Patil will Wednesday give away national tourism awards to various segments of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry, officials said Monday.

The tourism industry this year has introduced three new categories of awards – “The Best State: Campaign Clean India”, “Best Heritage City” and “Best Heritage Walk”.

The awards are presented to state governments, union territories, classified hotels, heritage hotels, approved travel agents, tour operators and tourist transport operators, as well as individuals and other private organisations in recognition of their performance in their respective fields and also to encourage healthy competition with an aim to promote tourism.