Friday, September, 04,2026

Latest News

Travel World Online honours excellence in travel, tourism and hospitality at Global Tourism Excellence Awards 2026

Noida (Uttar Pradesh) : The Global Tourism Excellence Awards 2026, presented by Travel World Online, brought together leading names from India’s travel, tourism and hospitality fraternity for an evening recognising professional excellence, outstanding contribution, innovation and leadership across the industry.

 

Held at ExpoInn & Suites, Noida, the awards recognised individuals, organisations and enterprises contributing to the growth and evolution of travel, tourism and hospitality. Senior tourism professionals, hospitality leaders, travel trade representatives, destination specialists, MICE professionals and other stakeholders from across the industry attended the occasion.

Three distinguished personalities were honoured for their outstanding contribution to the industry. Mr. Nakul Anand received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality, Mr. Ashwani Lohani was conferred the honour of “ICON OF INDIAN TOURISM”, while Dr. Satyajit Singh received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Contribution to the Growth of Medical Tourism in Eastern India. Together, the three recognitions represented leadership across hospitality, tourism administration and medical tourism.

The evening also added a touch of glamour, with Miss Universe India 2026, Miss India International and Mr India being honoured by the Global Tourism Excellence Awards, adding further star appeal to the celebrations.

The awards also recognised professionals making a significant contribution to different areas of the tourism ecosystem. Mr. Anand Kumar Pandey, President, Regional Tourist Guides Association (RTGA), Delhi, received the Tourism Professional Excellence Award; Mr. Sarvesh Kumar was recognised for PR and Strategic Public Relations; while Mr. LP Gupta was also honoured for his contribution to society in De-addicted a number of people from all walks of life.

The awards covered a wide spectrum of categories across hospitality, airlines, tour operators, MICE, transportation, technology, sustainability, destinations, wellness, cruise tourism and other specialised areas of travel and tourism. Among the notable institutional recognitions, Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) received seven awards, while ELIVAAS India’s fastest-growing and premier luxury villa management and hospitality brand bagged three awards in alternative accommodation.

Nepal also emerged prominently among the jury recommendations, with four hotels receiving awards across different hospitality categories, while Nepal Tourism Board also bagged an award in the sustainable category. The Nepal hotel winners included Soaltee Westend Premier Nepalgunj, Hyatt Place Butwal, Holiday Inn Express Kathmandu Naxal and Lemon Tree Premier Budhanilkantha, reflecting the growing recognition of Nepal’s hospitality and tourism offerings.

The awards also marked an important development for the next edition of the platform. Mr. Upaul Mazumdar, one of the jury members from Nepal, invited the Global Tourism Excellence Awards to Kathmandu on behalf of Aloft Kathmandu, which is set to host the next edition of the awards. Mazumdar also moderated the panel discussion on “The Future of Hospitality: Sustainability, Value & Evolving Guest Expectations”, featuring Mr. K. B. Kachru, Mr. Rohit Khosla and Mr. Nakul Anand.

Dr. Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, Chairperson and Managing Director of Pride East Entertainments, brought a distinctive Northeast perspective to the evening, speaking on tourism, sustainability, destination development, local culture and responsible tourism. Her association with Vaani Greens Kaziranga Wildlife Resort also reflects her engagement with the region’s tourism and natural environment.

The Global Tourism Excellence Awards jury brought together experienced voices from tourism, hospitality, government, trade, education and the wider industry, including senior tourism professionals and industry leaders from India and Nepal. The jury framework was designed to bring professional assessment, industry experience and independent judgement into the recognition process.

The Global Tourism Excellence Awards were conceptualised by Mr. Anil Kumar Sharma with the objective of creating a recognition platform where professional contribution, achievement and excellence remain central to the awards. A conscious distinction was maintained between sponsors and the awards and jury decision-making process.

Travel World Online also acknowledged the continued support of leading industry associations, including TAAI, TAFI, IATO, ADTOI, NIMA, GTEA, TIA, OTOAI, UTEN, ITTA and the Chamber for Service Industry. Representatives of the associations were presented with plaques of appreciation. The Ministry of Tourism was also acknowledged as the Supporting Partner.

The evening included industry interaction, the panel discussion on the future of hospitality, an AAFT fashion show, and musical performances, bringing together business, ideas and celebration under one platform.

The successful staging of the occasion was supported by ExpoInn & Suites as Hospitality Partner, Bakshi Transport Service Pvt. Ltd. as Transport Partner, PP Jewellers by Pawan Gupta as Gifting Partner, Tooray Events as Event Partner, and Amadeus as Supporting Partner.

The Global Tourism Excellence Awards 2026 by Travel World Online brought together established leaders and emerging professionals from across the tourism ecosystem, recognising the people, organisations and ideas shaping the future of travel, tourism and hospitality, with the awards supported by an eminent jury.

The jury comprised Mr. Nakul Anand; Mr. M. P. Bezbaruah, former Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Mr. Vinod Zutshi, former Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Mr. Sanjay Bhatia, former Chairman, Mumbai Port Trust and presently Lokayukta, Maharashtra; Mr. Sinha, DG, SEPC; Dr. Subhash Goyal; Mr. Sandeep Marwah; Dr. Suborno Bose; Mr. Ashish Gupta, former CEO, FAITH; and Mr. Upaul Mazoomdar from Nepal, among other experienced industry voices.

Award Winners & Jury Recommendations

  • Best Adventure Tour Operator — Rakesh Pant, Trek The Himalayas

  • Best African Airline — Amr Aly, Egyptair Airline

  • Best Asian Airline — Tansita Akrarittipirom, AirAsia

  • Best B2B Travel Platform of the Year — Nipun Bansal, TBO Tek Limited

  • Best B2B Visa Service Provider — Imran Khan, Visawaale Travel Services LLP

  • Best Biodiversity and Habitat Resort — Ruth Goodwin, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans

  • Best Business Hotel (International) — Suarpana Shahi, Aloft by Marriott Kathmandu Thamel

  • Best Business Hotel — Saran Haridas, Taj Cochin International Airport

  • Best Convention Hotel — Swaha Patnaik, Vivanta Bhubaneswar DN Square

  • Best Destination Management Company – Country Specific — Chetan Gupta, Aussie Grand Tours

  • Best Destination Management Company – Country Specific — Narayan Pd Pokhrel, Fishtail Tours & Travel Pvt Ltd

  • Best Destination Management Company – Country Specific — Om Prakash Tiwari, MP Tours India Private Limited

  • Best Destination Management Company – Country Specific — Darshana Cabraal, Tour Blue Holdings (Pvt) Ltd

  • Best Destination Management Company – Country Specific — Jeetendra Wagh, Go Smart Tourism

  • Best Domestic Tour Operator — Krishna Mohan Alapati, Southern Travels Pvt. Ltd.

  • Jury Appreciation — Alok Rawat, Travel Catalyst Destination Private Limited

  • Best Employee Transportation Service Provider (ETS) — Tarlochan Singh, Victoria Car Rental Pvt Ltd

  • Best Event Transportation Service Provider — Iqbal Singh, Punia Traveleaze Private Limited

  • Best Government Transportation Service Provider — Manish Thakur, L. R. Taxi Services

  • Best Heritage Property — Palak Chhabra, Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur (IHCL)

  • Best Inbound Operator — Harpreet Singh Bindra, Victoria Car Rental Pvt Ltd

  • Best International Cruise (MICE) — Nalini Gupta, Costa Cruises India

  • Best Luxury Homestay — Karan Miglani, ELIVAAS

  • Best Luxury Hotel (International) — Kumar Amrendra, Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa Bhutan

  • Best Luxury Hotel — Pardeep Siwach, Mayfair Spring Valley Resort Guwahati

  • Best Luxury Transport Provider — Amarjeet Mnan, Mann Fleet Partners

  • Best MICE Operator — Chander Mansharamani, Alpcord Network Events and Conferences Management Co. Pvt. Ltd.

  • Best Offbeat Homestay in India — Karan Miglani, ELIVAAS

  • Best Resort / Wildlife — Dr. Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, Vaani Greens Kaziranga Wildlife Resort

  • Best Sustainable Destination — Rohini Prasad Khanal, Nepal Tourism Board

  • Best Sustainable Homestay — Karan Miglani, ELIVAAS

  • Best Wellness Resort — Kairali – The Ayurvedic Healing Village, Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resorts Pvt Ltd

  • Excellence in MICE & Business Tourism in Nepal — Pramila Devkota Chhetri, Hyatt Place Butwal

  • Fastest Growing Hotel Chain — Amit Kumar Singh, OPO Hotels LLP

  • Most Innovative Travel Technology Platform — Ajay Kumar Wadhawan, AIR IQ 365 Limited

  • Outstanding Contribution to Cultural Exchange — Madiha Siddique, Indian Hotels Company Limited

  • Special Jury Appreciation – Best Luxury MICE Hotel in South India — Taj Coromandel, Chennai

Nepal Jury Recommendations

  • Best Business Hotel in Western Nepal — Mr. Agnimitra Sharma, Soaltee Westend Premier Nepalgunj

  • Excellence in MICE & Business Tourism in Nepal — Pramila Devkota Chhetri, Hyatt Place Butwal

  • Best Group-Leisure Hotel in Nepal — Aarati Budhathoki, Holiday Inn Express Kathmandu Naxal

  • Best Wellness Resort in Nepal — Ashif Shrestha, Lemon Tree Premier Budhanilkantha


 

Related News

visit e-papers

Daily Astro

04-09-2026

image

Aries

Ganesha says it will be an important day for you, Aries. Your energy and confidence are ready to take you to new heights. Today you will be able to express your thoughts with clarity, which will increase your communication skills. New opportunities may arise in the working areas, which you have to be ready to take advantage of. In social life, you can make new meetings, which will prove beneficial for you in the future. This day will be good for solving family issues, and you will be able to establish better relations with your close ones. In the field of health, take care of your routine and resort to yoga or meditation to relieve mental stress. Controlling your expenses will be a smart move, as any sudden financial need may arise. Overall, this day is for you to stay positive, just use your insight and energy properly.

image

Pisces

Ganesha says it is going to be a positive day for you. Your sensitivity and intuition will flourish today, allowing you to establish better connections between yourself and others. It is time to connect with someone or refresh old memories. Try to communicate with people close to you, as it will strengthen your relationships. In the field of work, your creativity will be cyclical today. If you are working on a project, your ideas will be new and full of innovation. Do not be afraid to share your ideas, it will give you positive feedback from your colleagues. In terms of financial condition, avoid any big investments. Small expenses will prove to be justified but think well before making any big decisions for the long term. In terms of health, focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise. For mental health, practicing meditation or yoga will help keep you stress-free.

image

Aquarius

Ganesha says new opportunities are likely to open up for you. You will be in a position to take your creative abilities to new heights. This is the time to share your ideas and make new plans. Your friends and family will support your ideas, so it will be beneficial to take their advice into account. Positive changes are possible in business. This is the right time to work on an important project. You will get an opportunity to use your skills and knowledge properly. But, be careful; in some cases, you will need to control your emotions. In personal life, relationships will deepen. You will try to spend more time with your loved ones. This is a good time for love and companionship. Enjoy emotional moments that will make your relationships stronger. Be health conscious. Dedication to yoga and meditation will give you mental peace. These activities will keep not only your body but also your mind active. Overall, today will be full of possibilities for you. Stay committed to your dreams and work on them.

image

Capricorn

Ganesha says your day is full of some new possibilities. You will experience grace and stability in your actions. This is the time to focus on your goals and work with determination to pursue your plans. You are likely to get success in your work, especially if you maintain your hard work and dedication. Positive changes can also be seen in your relationships. You will get a chance to spend time with family and listen to them, which will increase mutual understanding and depth. Focus on communication, as it will make your relationships stronger. However, it is also time to make monthly plans. Take care of your financial matters and try to save. This is the time when you can take concrete steps for your future. Your health condition is likely to remain normal but take some rest. Maintaining a mental balance will be important for you. Stay positive and keep faith in your actions!

image

Sagittarius

Ganesha says today will be full of new possibilities and positive energy for you. You will feel a rise in your confidence, which will keep you open to new opportunities. This is the right time to make an important decision. Your spirituality and intuition will be strong, which will enable you to understand and face difficulties. Spending time with friends and family will awaken a sense of happiness and satisfaction in your mind. Relationships with colleagues at work can take a new direction. Cooperation and communication will help solve problems. If you face an obstacle or challenge, remember that you can overcome it. In terms of health, you may need to make a little improvement in your routine. Regular exercise and a balanced diet will give you freshness and energy. Strengthening social relationships and contacting new people will also be beneficial today. This is the time for self-growth and positive change for you, so recognize the energy within you and use it properly.

image

Scorpio

Ganesha says today will be full of enthusiasm and energy. You will move towards achieving your goals, and your hard work will pay off. Social life will also be active; you will get a good chance to spend time with friends and family. In terms of health, take a little caution. Focusing on meditation and exercise will help reduce mental stress. This is also a good time to take up a new hobby, which can unleash your creativity. Take wise steps in terms of money. Make informed decisions while investing. For potential financial gains, take a look at past projects again. Your career is showing good signs of progress. Your ideas may be appreciated at the workplace, which will increase your confidence. Still, some issues may require restraint. Overall, today will prove to be positive and auspicious for you. Spend it with pride with your loved ones.

image

Libra

Ganesha says today will be a very auspicious and positive day. You will get a chance to clarify your thoughts, which will bring stability to your personal and professional relationships. Your communication skills will increase, and this will open the doors of new possibilities for you. Your creativity and aesthetic sense will be especially strong today. If you are associated with any art or design, your work will be appreciated. This is the right time to express your feelings. If you are confused about a decision, trust your intuition; it will show you the right path. In terms of health, small changes can make your life better. Focus on regular exercise and a balanced diet. In love and relationships, a new understanding will develop, which will strengthen the mutual bond even more. Overall, this day is a sign of positive changes and new beginnings for you. Stay focused on your goals and recognize your inner strengths.

image

Virgo

Ganesha says today is a suitable day to highlight your cognitive abilities and business skills. Today, you will be full of clarity and precision in your actions, which will increase your value among your colleagues and superiors. There is a possibility of bringing some changes to your routine, which will bring positive results for you. This is a good time to improve relations with family members. Try to resolve any old disputes, and keep communication open. In terms of health, meditation and yoga will bring mental peace. Also, take some time out of your routine for exercise. From a financial point of view, this is the right time to make a good plan for the right investment. Take a good look at the options available to you and make a wise decision. Overall, today will prove to be a day of new possibilities and positive changes for you. Be full of confidence and stay focused on your goals.

image

Leo

Ganesha says today will be a day full of energy and inspiration. Your confidence will increase and your thoughts will come out with clarity. On this day, you will be able to see some new possibilities in your career, which will bring you hard work. Mutual understanding and harmony will increase your relationship, which will create a happy atmosphere among the family. This is a great time to express your thoughts clearly, so do not hesitate to communicate with your partner or friends. It is important to be health conscious, a little exercise and meditation will maintain your mental and physical health. Overall, this day will bring activity and positivity for you, so make the most of all the opportunities!

image

Cancer

Ganesha says it will be a day of information and communication for you. Your mind will be full of ideas and you will be able to express your ideas well. There is a possibility of some new opportunities in professional life, which can prove beneficial for you. It is a good time to strengthen relationships with your colleagues, so work together at the workplace. Your emotional state will also be strong. Time spent with family will give you satisfaction. If you have any old problem going on, then the right time is coming to solve it. However, you need to keep your emotions under control, so that you do not get agitated over small things. In terms of health, try to practice yoga and meditation. It will empower you both mentally and physically. Take informed decisions in financial matters; do not rush into any investments. In summary, this day will be all about communication and cooperation, which will lead to positive changes for you.

image

Gemini

Ganesha says there will be a new energy and freshness in your thoughts, which will make your personality even more attractive. Social contacts are likely to increase, which will expand your network. You will be inspired to spend blissful time with your friends and family. Some positive changes can also be seen in the business sector. The results of your hard work will gradually start coming, and this will motivate you to move forward. Keep in mind that while sharing your ideology, work with empathy, this will strengthen your relationship with colleagues. It is important to be health conscious. A little attention and relaxation will give you mental freshness. Practicing yoga or meditation will be beneficial for you. This day will be full of positivity and new possibilities for you. Express your mind openly and do not hesitate to adopt new ideas.

image

Taurus

Ganesha says it will prove to be a positive day for you, Taurus. You will feel energetic and full of confidence. The time has come to reap the fruits of your hard work and efforts. The workload may stress you for a while, but you will face all the challenges recognizing your strengths. Sweetness will also remain in your relationships. Spending time with your family and friends will be a source of joy for you. Conversation with someone special can give you a new vision and promote mutual understanding. A special occasion may be organized among friends or family, which will bring happiness and harmony to you. Moments spent with loved ones will give you mental peace. It is important to be health conscious. A little exercise or yoga will give peace to your mind and energy to your body. Your day will be full of happiness and positivity, just keep your thoughts and emotions balanced.

Gallery

04-09-2026