Panjim, June 26, 2015: Goa attracts tourists from all over the world. Some come here to let their hair down at the beaches, others to sample some delicious cuisine and some others who just want to soak in the ‘susegaad’ vibe of the state. But what all tourists seem to find in common is that they take back a lot more than just memories when they return. Perhaps this is why Goa has been chosen as ‘Best Value Destination (India)’ by the Lonely Planet Magazine India Travel Awards, which were held on June 22 in Mumbai. The awards felicitated 32 of India’s favourite experiences.
For the fourth year running, Lonely Planet Magazine India called upon the country’s discerning travellers to choose their favourite destinations and hotels. Nominations for the awards were shortlisted by a panel of travel experts and professionals, and LPMI readers voted both online and in the magazine. The panel comprised LPMI Editor Vardhan Kondvikar; Veena Patil, Managing Director, Veena World; Manu Kashyap, Director, Windmill Holidays; Sucheta Potnis and Hans Tuinman, Founders, Travellers-palm.com; Madhavan Menon, Managing Director, Thomas Cook India Ltd; and Deep Kalra, CEO, Makemytrip.com.
Speaking about the award, Shri Dilip Parulekar, Minister of Tourism, Govt. of Goa said, “It is a very proud moment for us to be recognized as a state that offers value to tourists. We aim to enhance the tourist experience with the introduction of some new services like Hot Air Ballooning, Amphibious Vehicles and Seaplanes, which will begin operations in Goa soon. We are also focusing on keeping the state clean and green, especially the beaches, so that our guests find reasons to visit us again. Awards like these motivate us to do better.”
Vardhan Kondvikar, Editor of Lonely Planet Magazine India, said, “The Lonely Planet Magazine India Travel Awards, firmly established as the industry-best measure of what Indian travellers love. We have some exciting new winners this year, alongside some perennial favourites, demonstrating the widening range of experiences that Indian are willing to open their hearts to.”
The Lonely Planet Magazine India Travel Awards celebrates the best travel experiences available to Indians. An expert panel, comprising travel experts and professionals, shortlisted candidates in various categories, following which, readers of Lonely Planet Magazine were invited to vote both online and through the magazine. Lonely Planet is one of the world’s leading travel magazines that launched its Indian edition in 2010 and has gained a large reader base ever since.
