The 4th Edition of the Tamil Nadu Tourism Awards 2025 celebrated the excellence and achievements of the state’s vibrant tourism and hospitality sector at a glittering ceremony held at The Leela Palace, Chennai. The event recognised the outstanding contributions of tour operators, hoteliers, and tourism professionals who continue to position Tamil Nadu as one of India’s most dynamic and diverse travel destinations.
Cholan Tours Pvt. Ltd., Tiruchirappalli once again retained its dominance by bagging the Gold Award for Best Inbound Tour Operator, while MPM Travel XS Pvt. Ltd., Mamallapuram walked away with the Silver Award in the same category. Cholan Tours also added another feather to its cap by winning the Silver Award for Best Domestic Tour Operator, with Parveen Travels Pvt. Ltd., Chennai, claiming the Gold.
in the presence of Dr. K. Manivasan, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments Department & Chairman, TTDC, and Mr. T. Christuraj, IAS, Director of Tourism & Managing Director, TTDC.
In the hospitality segment, ITC Grand Chola, Chennai, was adjudged the Best Classified Hotel – 5 Star, and The Residency, Chennai, secured the top honour as Best Classified Hotel – 4 Star. Among other notable winners, IKON by Annapoorna, Coimbatore, was named Best Classified Hotel – 3 Star, while Bala Tourist Service, Chennai, received the Best Travel Partner Award.
The Best Heritage Resort Award went to Visalam by CGH Earth, Karaikudi, and the Best Beach Resort (Gold) was awarded to Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa, Chennai, followed by Annai Resorts and Spa, Kanniyakumari (Silver). In the plantation category, Stanmore Garden Bungalow, Valparai, took home the Gold, and INDeco Lake Forest Hotel, Yercaud, received the Silver.
Mr. Pandian Kumaravel, Managing Director, and Mr. Moorthy, Business Development Manager, received the award on behalf of Cholan Tours Pvt. Ltd., while Mr. J. Sethuraman, Managing Director, and Mrs. Sailakshmi Sethuraman, Director, accepted the award for MPM Travel XS Pvt. Ltd. from the ministers.
Mr. A. Afzal, Chairman and Managing Director of Parveen Travels Pvt. Ltd., along with Mr. A. Anees, Director, received the award for Best Domestic Tour Operator. Mr. Shaariq Akthar, General Manager of ITC Grand Chola, Chennai, and Mr. P.K. Venkatesh, General Manager of The Residency, Chennai, received the awards for their respective hotels.
Recognising the state-run hospitality brand, Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) properties earned several accolades, including Hotel Tamil Nadu, Madurai (Unit 2) as Best Premium Hotel, Hotel Tamil Nadu, Yercaud as Best Budget Hotel, and Yercaud Boat House as Best Boat House.
In the culinary section, Avartana at ITC Grand Chola, Chennai, won Best Theme Restaurant, Sangamithirai at Feathers – A Radha Hotel, Chennai, was honoured for Best Traditional Cuisine, O Café at O by Tamara, Coimbatore, bagged the Best Multicuisine Restaurant, and Chin Chin at The Residency, Chennai, took home the Best Pan Asian Restaurant Award.
Among the special recognitions, Kanyakumari District Collector, R. Alagumeena IAS, received the Tourism Promotion Award (Best District), while Arulmigu Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam, was named the Cleanest Tourism Destination. The Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology & Applied Nutrition, Chennai, won Gold for Best Educational Institution, followed by Alagappa University, Sivagangai, with the Silver.
Promoting sustainability and niche experiences, Tamil Nadu Wilderness Experiences Corporation was awarded Best Niche Tourism Operator, and Luxeglamp Eco Resorts LLP, Kodaikanal, received the Best Adventure Tourism and Camping Site Operator. Dr. Rela Institute & Medical Centre, Chennai, earned recognition for Best Medical and Wellness Tourism Establishment.
Mr. P. Marimuthu from Madurai won the Best Tourist Guide – South award, while Mrs. R. Bhuvaneswari from Tiruchirappalli walked away with the Best Tourist Guide – Central award.
The awards were presented in the presence of Mr. Ma. Subramanian, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Mr. P.K. Sekarbabu, Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, and Ms. R. Priya, Mayor of Greater Chennai Corporation. The ceremony was graced by Dr. K. Manivasan, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments Department & Chairman, TTDC, and Mr. T. Christuraj, IAS, Director of Tourism & Managing Director, TTDC.
The Tamil Nadu Tourism Awards 2025 celebrated 13 categories across tour operations, hospitality, cuisine, adventure, wellness, and education – acknowledging the dedication, passion, and innovation that define the state’s thriving tourism ecosystem.
