The prestigious Andhra Pradesh State Tourism Awards 2024, instituted by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority (APTA) to recognize and promote excellence in the state’s tourism sector, were presented on September 27, 2024, coinciding with World Tourism Day. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Mr. Chandrababu Naidu, in the presence of Tourism Minister Mr. Kandula Durgesh, Tourism Secretary Mr. V. Vinay Chand IAS, APTA CEO Mr. Abhishikt Kishore IAS, and several tourism stakeholders, industrialists, and media representatives, distributed the awards.
During the event, the Chief Minister also unveiled several tourism initiatives, including the Vimala Regency in Adoni, Kurnool district, a light and sound show at Chandragiri Fort in Chittoor district, and a Buddha statue at Bojjannakonda in Anakapalle district.
Among the notable winners, Radisson Blu Resort Visakhapatnam secured the Best 5-Star Deluxe Award for the third consecutive year. Taj Tirupati took home the Best Hotel under the 5-Star Category, while Grand Kakinada by GRT Hotels won the Best 4-Star Hotel award. Minerva Grand Vijayawada was named the Best 3-Star Hotel, and Mango Resort in Sri City earned the Best Eco-friendly Hotel award. Elegant Hotel, Visakhapatnam, was recognized as the Best Budget Hotel.
In the dining category, ZING Restaurant at Hyatt Place Vijayawada received the award for Best Restaurant in a Hotel, while Chenna’s Convention Centre was honored as the Best Stand-Alone Convention Centre.
D. Venkata Naidu, Senior Executive Chef at Dolphin Hotels Visakhapatnam, was recognized with the Best Chef Award for 2024. With over 33 years of culinary expertise, Chef Naidu has contributed immensely to the culinary landscape at Dolphin Hotels over the past 13 years.
Vijayawada-based tour operator Travel Home was named the Best Swadesi Tour Operator, and Travel IQ Global Travel Solutions Visakhapatnam won the Best Travel Agent Award for the sixth year in a row, recognized for their unwavering commitment to serving travelers since 2011.
In the destination and tourism spot categories, Rushikonda Beach in Visakhapatnam was named Best Beach, while the Araku Tribal Museum took the Best Attractive Tourist Spot title. The Amaravati Boating Club secured the Best Watersports Operator award, and Viswanatha Sports Club won the Best Unique Tourism Project award.
The Tirupati District Administration was awarded the Best District Promoting Tourism in Andhra Pradesh (2023-24), accepted by Collector S. Venkateswar, who also serves as Chairman of the District Tourism Council. The Tirupati Railway Station was declared the Best Tourist-Friendly Railway Station, praised for promoting local craftsmanship through the “One Station – One Product” initiative.
For Tourism Promotion through Art and Culture, Sri Balaji Wood Carving Artisans Mutually Aided Cooperative Society from Yerpedu Mandal was honored for their exquisite wood carvings. Historian MyNaa Swamy received the Best Publicity Award for his insightful book “Architecture and Art of Vijayanagara-Lepakshi,” while law student S. Indira from Sri Padmavati Mahila Viswa Vidyalayam (SPMVV) won the Best Social Media Influencer Award for her tourism-focused short videos.
The Best Tourism Film award went to “Buddha… Surrender…!”, subtitled “Vibrant Amaravati”, directed by Dr. Mani Bhushan. K.R. Deepak, Chief News Photographer of The Hindu, Visakhapatnam, claimed the Best Landscape Photography prize for his breathtaking aerial shot of the TU – 142 Aircraft Museum and INS Kursura Submarine Museum along Visakhapatnam’s Beach Road.
Sun International Institute of Tourism and Management was recognized as the Best Tourism Educational Institute in Andhra Pradesh, with the award accepted by Mr. Srikanth Jasti, Chairman & Managing Director, and Ms. Asha Srikanth, Executive Director.
Mr. Vikram Cotah, CEO of GRT Hotels and Resorts, expressed immense pride in winning the prestigious state award for Grand Kakinada by GRT Hotels, stating, “This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to hospitality excellence. We dedicate this award to our valued guests, our hardworking employees, and our supportive owners. Here’s to continuing our journey of providing memorable experiences.”
Finally, Tirupati Railway Station Director Kuppala Satyanarayana and Guntakal ADRM Sudhakar accepted the tourism-friendly railway station award from the Chief Minister. Mr. Satyanarayana remarked that the recognition reflects the station’s relentless efforts to enhance the tourist experience.
The ceremony highlighted not only the milestones achieved by hospitality and travel institutions but also celebrated individuals and innovations that continue to elevate Andhra Pradesh’s tourism industry to new heights.
