To honour the best in travel and tourism this year, the Lonely Planet Magazine India Travel Awards 2016 presented not only the most coveted, but also the most relevant awards in the Indian travel industry. It was a people’s choice awards, where readers voted for their favourite travel experiences based on nominations shortlisted by a panel of travel experts and professionals.
(L-R) Vardhan Kondvikar, Editor Lonely Planet magazine, Luis Miguel Cabello, Economic and Commercial Counsellor, Peru, John Abraham and Deepak Lamba CEO Worldwide media
The expert panel this year comprised of Vardhan Kondvikar – Editor, Lonely Planet Magazine India; Manu Kashyap – Director, Windmill Holidays; Sunila Patil–Co-Founder & Director, Veena World; MadhavanMenon– Chairman & Managing Director, Thomas Cook India; Sucheta Potnis & Hans Tuinman– Founders, www.travellers-palm.com; Deep Kalra – Founder & CEO, MakeMyTrip, and Vishal Suri – Managing Director, Kuoni India.
The awards were held in a grand celebration with the who’s who from the travel and entertainment industry presenting the awards and joining the winners of 2016.
Vardhan Kondvikar, Editor of Lonely Planet Magazine India, said,“ The Lonely Planet Magazine India Travel Awards have always centred around the travellers themselves, and are voted upon by the experiential, curious, exploratory readers of the magazine. In 2016, they have again voted for their favourite destinations and experiences, which range from destinations as well-known as Goa and Switzerland to the still-unknown, like Nagaland and Peru.”
Deepak Lamba, CEO, Worldwide Media Ltd, said, “Lonely Planet Magazine India is one of the most sought-after brands in travel and tourism. Its legacy continues to be relevant because of its robust content, which is a fantastic mix of destinations presented with a fresh perspective and with a practical approach to travel.”
India’s Favorite Destination – The USA
Best Emerging Destination – Peru (International), Nagaland (Indian)
Best Destination for Culture – Jordan (International), Uttar Pradesh (Indian)
Best Destination for Adventure – New Zealand (International), Himachal Pradesh (Indian)
Best Destination for Wildlife – South Africa (International), Madhya Pradesh (Indian)
Best Destination for Families – The United Kingdom (International), Kerala (Indian)
Best Value Destination – Turkey (International), Goa (Indian)
Best Destination for Food & Drink – Singapore (International), Mumbai (Indian)
Best Destination for Relaxation – The Maldives (International), Rajasthan (Indian)
Best Destination for Shopping – Dubai (International), Delhi (Indian)
Best Destination for Romance – Switzerland (International), Jammu & Kashmir (Indian)
