International Pilgrimage Revolution (IPR) a North East based tour operator bagged National Tourism Award for the Best Inbound Tour Operator category at the World Tourism Day celebrations in New Delhi on 28 September 2019.
Receiving the award on behalf of IPR, Rev. Fr. Tomy Joseph, a Catholic priest based in Miao Diocese of Arunachal Pradesh, said this award will give the entire North East region some much-needed visibility. “North East region has a huge tourism scope. Sparing a few places, the region has not found a place in the wish list of the tourists. We hope this award will attract more tourists to the region and IPR can facilitate them for a hassle-free visit”.”
Fr. Joseph received the award from Union Minister of State for Tourism and Culture Prahlad Singh Patel in the presence of Secretary-General of World Tourism Organisation Zurab Pololikashvili.
Bishop George Pallipparambil of Miao Diocese, who was instrumental in bringing IPR to North East region, too expressed joy over the award. “Each State in the North East Region has its unique and identity and beauty. It has every feature to become a tourist’s delight. This award will go a long way in capturing the attention of the tourists across the world,” said the Salesian prelate.
In its first move to promote tourism in the region, IPR brought a group of 13 Germans for a week-long trip to the North East. They visited Kaziranga National Park, Majuli Island, Sibsagar Rang Ghar, Namsai Golden Pagoda, Miao Tibetan Settlement, Jairampur World War Cemetery and Namdapha National Park from 22 to 27 September.
“It is the first time we have experienced such a beautiful culture, traditional houses and food,” said Mr. Hild who visited India for the fourth time. “This is an overwhelming experience and totally different,” said Ms. Eisenreich who visited India for the sixth time.
A North East based operator winning National Tourism Award and Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu taking a tough stance on promotion of tourism in the State augurs well for the scope of tourism in the region.