By Matters India Reporter

New Delhi, September 28, 2019: International Pilgrimage Revolution (IPR), a tour operator based in northeastern India, has bagged the National Tourism Award.

The award under the Best Inbound Tour Operator category was presented on September 28 at the World Tourism Day celebrations in New Delhi.

Receiving the award on behalf of IPR, Father Tomy Joseph of the diocese of Miao in Arunachal Pradesh, said it will give India’s northeastern region much-needed visibility.

“The Northeast region has a huge tourism scope. Sparing a few places, the region has not found a place in the wish list of the tourists,” he added.

German team in the Northeast
He expressed the hope the award will draw visitors to the region and the IPR could facilitate a hassle-free visit for them.

Father Joseph received the award from federal 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, who was instrumental in bringing IPR to northeastern India, expressed joy over the award.

“Each state in the northest 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,” the Salesian prelate added.

In its first move to promote tourism in the region, IPR brought a group of 13 Germans for a week-long trip to the Northeast.

They visited Kaziranga National Park, Majuli Island, Sibsagar Rang Ghar, Namsai Golden Pagoda, Miao Tibetan Settlement, Jairampur World War Cemetery and Namdapha National Park during September 22-27.

“It is the first time we have experienced such a beautiful culture, traditional houses and food,” said Jurgen Hans Hild who visited India for the fourth time.

“This is an overwhelming experience and totally different,” said Margit Eisenreich, who visited India for the sixth time.