3rd edition brings the industry together, felicitates winners at gala event, ET TravelWorld

India’s tourism industry is on the verge of achieving new heights, just like the business vertical of Economic Times and ETTravelWorld. The Economic Times Travel and Tourism Conclave and Awards, which is designed with the rapidly evolving dynamics and trends of the travel and tourism industry in mind, kicked off with an outstanding third edition, setting the bar high.

Organised at the Crowne Plaza Gurugram on November 26, the event was attended by prominent travel and tourism industry leaders, association heads, hoteliers, aviation experts, government officials, state tourism boards and more.

The day-long conclave received rave reviews from industry stakeholders and attendees, with an interesting line-up of speakers engaging in thoughtful conversation during multiple panel discussions, fireside chats and industry overviews. The Conclave was followed by a gala award night where outstanding contributions of the industry were recognised.

These travel awards honor those who are doing exceptional work, thinking outside the box, and demonstrating resilience as they lead their teams through challenges. Contenders come from various sectors, including Tourism (International and Domestic), Travel Tech companies, Aggregators, the Hospitality sector, Airlines, TAs and TOs (Online and Offline), Niche tourism players (Cruise, Caravan), MICE players, and the star performers of the hospitality world. The winners represent not just individuals, but the companies driving excellence.

The Travel & Tourism Awards continue to strive to select the best in the industry through a rigorous and transparent jury process. The top contenders are chosen following a stringent process of elimination before being selected by a Grand Jury. Monitored by a credible external audit agency, these awards maintain complete transparency and are open to scrutiny.

Here is the full list of Award winners award winners:

Travel and Hospitality Tech

1. Excellence in Travel Tech Startup (less than 5 years): Verismart.ai
2. Excellence in Travel Tech Co. (5–10 years): BluSmart
3. Excellence in Travel Tech Co. (More than 10 years): ITQ Technologies Pvt Ltd
4. Online Travel Marketplace of the Year (B2C): MakeMyTrip
5. Online Travel Marketplace of the Year – B2C- Jury Recognition: ixigo (Le Travenues Technology Ltd)
6. Online Travel Marketplace of the Year (B2B): TBO.com
7. Best B2B Travel Technology Provider: RateGain Travel Technologies
8. Service Provider of the Year: Centre of Excellence – FCM Travel
9. Car Rental Company of the Year: ECOS (India) Mobility & Hospitality Limited

Travel Agents & Tour Operators

1. MICE Travel Operator of the Year: Thomas Cook (India) Limited
2. Luxury Travel Operator of the Year: AABEE
3. Leisure Travel Operator of the Year: Thrillophilia
4. Domestic Tour Operator of the Year: SOTC Travel Limited
5. Outbound Travel Operator of the Year: Thomas Cook (India) Limited
6. Jury Recognition (Inbound Tour Operator of the Year): Sita Travels
7. Adventure Tour Operator of the Year: JustWravel Pvt Ltd
8. Adventure Tour Operator of the Year – Jury Recognition: Inme Learning
9. Excellence in Airport Lounge Services: Encalm Privé
10. Best Cruise and Expedition: Cordelia Cruises

Campaign Awards

1. B2C Travel Campaign of the Year: MakeMyTrip Asli Star
2. Integrated Marketing Campaign of the Year: Free Flight Ticket to Ayodhya – Paytm Travel
3. Excellence in Use of Social Media: Best Use of Instagram – Richmonde Ananta Elite, Goa
4. Excellence in Sustainable Tourism Initiative: Eco Retreat, Konark
5. Excellence in Use of PR: Leading the Narrative in India’s Travel & Tourism Industry with Data-Driven Insights and Strategic Partnerships – MakeMyTrip

Hotels and Resorts

1. 5 Star Hotel of the Year – North: The Claridges New Delhi
2. Jury Recognition (5 Star Hotel of the Year – South): ITC Grand Chola
3. Best Debut Hotel – North: Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre & JECC
4. Best Debut Hotel – South: Moxy Bengaluru Airport
5. Best Debut Hotel – West: Fortune Statue of Unity, Ekta Nagar (ITC Hotel Group)
6. Best Debut Resort – South: Ayatana Ooty
7. Best Debut Resort – North: Teela
8. Best Debut Resort – North – Jury Recognition: Kinwani House by Aalia Collection
9. Best Debut Resort – West: Azora By Ayatana Goa
10. MICE Hotel of the Year: Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty
11. Spa Property of the Year – Hotel: Six Senses Fort Barwara
12. Wedding Property of the Year – Hotels – North: The Ananta Udaipur
13. Wedding Property of the Year – Hotels – West: The Westin Pune Koregaon Park
14. Luxury Wedding Property of the Year – Hotels: Alila Fort Bishangarh
15. Boutique Hotel of the Year: The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg
16. Best Eco-Friendly Hotel: Novotel Hyderabad Airport
17. 5 Star Resort of the Year – South – Jury Recognition: Taj Wayanad Resort & Spa
18. 5 Star Resort of the Year – West: The St. Regis Goa Resort
19. Best Eco-Friendly Resort: Aahana Resort
20. Palace/Heritage Hotel of the Year – Before 1950: Alila Fort Bishangarh
21. Wellness Resort of the Year: Kairali Ayurveda Healing Village
22. Excellence in Homestay Accommodations – Brand: Lohono Stays

Domestic Tourism

1. Tourism State of the Year: Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board

Individual Awards

1. Hotel GM of the Year: Anoop Pandey, General Manager, JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa

Supported by Incredible India, the Ministry of Tourism, the Government of India and leading trade associations in the travel and hospitality industry – IATO, ATOAI, TAFI, OTOAI and FHRAI, the event had state tourism boards like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh as supporting partner states. Cordelia Cruises was the Associate Partner and Trek the Himalayas was the Event Partner. WishNew Wellness was the gifting partner.