Andhra Pradesh Presented Best Tourism Promotion Award at GTM-2026

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Andhra Pradesh was honoured with the prestigious Metro Expedition-GTM Tourism Awards 2026 as the Best Tourism Promotion State during the inauguration of the second edition of South India’s prestigious travel and trade event Global Travel Market (GTM 2026) here last evening.

Kerala’s Minister for Culture, Cinema and Tourism P C Vishnunadh presented the award to Minister for Tourism and Culture, Andhra Pradesh, Kandula Durgesh, during the inaugural ceremony of GTM-2026 at international beach tourism hub Kovalam.

Ajay Jain, Special Chief Secretary, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, was also present. Andhra Pradesh was selected for the award for the state’s outstanding achievements in tourism promotion, destination branding, cultural heritage preservation, and excellence in advancing the tourism sector.

Durgesh, who thanked the organisers for honouring his state with the prestigious award, said Kerala stood out as a role model in adopting good tourism practices, especially in Responsible Tourism.

V Muralidharan, MLA & former Union Minister of state for external affairs, was also present and congratulated the state of Andhra Pradesh the minister on winning the best state award.

Thiruvananthapuram Mayor VV Rajesh, Siji Nair , CEO GTM and Prasad Manjali, Secretary South Kerala Hotliers Forum were also present.

Over 1000 domestic and international buyers and 300 corporate buyers participated in the three-day event, aimed at generating new sales leads, launch new products, network with key decision-makers, increase brand awareness, and gather market intelligence.

The event showcased a string of tourism circuits by connecting the major tourism centres of South Kerala. It will also feature a project to introduce Ayurveda to global tour operators.

Leading experts from the travel and tourism industry addressed sessions held during the event on various topics.