Rahul Tom, Amaljith Menon and Thejus Jose win young entrepreneurs award.
The Indo Arab Connect Tourism Awards 2026 were presented at a glittering ceremony held at Crowne Plaza Kochi recently, honouring individuals and organisations who have shaped India’s travel, tourism, hospitality and healthcare landscape.
The awards were given away by Mr. V.D. Satheesan, Chief Minister of Kerala, in the presence of Mr. P.C. Vishnunadh, Minister for Tourism & Culture, Government of Kerala; Mr. Deepak Joy MLA, Mr. Rasheed Kakkat, President, Association of Arab Tour Operators; and Mr. Ravisankar K.V., Managing Editor of Tourism India Media Group.
Lifetime Contribution Honoured
Among the evening’s highest honours, Mr. E. M. Najeeb, Chairman and Managing Director of the ATE Group, was conferred the Indo Arab Global Tourism Award 2026 for Excellence in Travel, Tourism and Healthcare Management, recognising his lifelong contribution as a pioneer of tourism and medical value travel in Kerala.
Mr. Baby Mathew, Chairman and Managing Director of Somatheeram Ayurveda Group, received the Indo Arab Global Tourism Award 2026 for Excellence in Tourism, Hospitality and Healthcare Management, in recognition of his pioneering and lifelong role in building Ayurveda and wellness tourism in India.
Hospitality Leadership Recognised
Dr. Jolly Antony, Chairman of The Vibe Munnar Resort & Spa and The Fog Resort & Spa, was honoured with the Indo Arab Global Tourism Award 2026 for Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality Management.
Mr. Mohammed Farhaad Yenepoya, Hon. Pro-Chancellor of Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) and Finance Director of the Yenepoya Group, received the Indo Arab Global Tourism Award 2026 for Excellence in Travel, Tourism and Healthcare Management.
Young Entrepreneurs Take the Spotlight
The evening also celebrated rising leadership in the industry. Mr. Thejus Xavier, Managing Director of EVM Hospitality, was presented the Indo Arab Connect Tourism Award for Excellence in Hospitality – Young Entrepreneur, for his role in building the group into a successful hospitality venture that blends Kerala’s charm with sustainable, guest-first service.
Mr. Amaljith A. Menon, Vice Chairman of ICL Tours & Travels, Dubai, UAE, received the Young Entrepreneur award for the Travel & Tourism Sector, in recognition of his contribution to making the group one of the most successful travel ventures in the Middle East, known for its service standards and luxury offerings to Arab tourists.
Mr. Rahul Tom, Managing Director of Kondody Hotels, was honoured with the Young Entrepreneur award for the Hospitality Sector, for building the group into one of the sector’s most successful hospitality ventures catering to Arab tourists with high standards of service and luxury.
Medical Value Travel and Healthcare Excellence
Three healthcare leaders were felicitated with the Indo Arab Connect MVT & Healthcare Award 2026 for Excellence in MVT & Healthcare Management, recognising their contribution to strengthening India-GCC medical ties:
- Dr. Segar Arivazhagan, Chief Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon and Head of the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Medical College, Bangalore
- Dr. Mohammed Wali Ghazi, Diabetologist and Urologist, and Chairman of Precious Group of Institutions & Hospital, Bengaluru
- Prof. (Dr.) M. Akheel, Professor and Head of the Department of Anatomy, Precious Group of Institutions, Kolar, Bangalore, and Managing Director of Medi Life, Bangalore
The Indo Arab Connect Tourism Awards 2026 formed part of the celebrations around Indo Arab Connect, the platform bringing together India’s travel, tourism and healthcare sectors with the Arab world’s travel trade.
