MUMBAI emerged as the winner of the New Frontiers Award 2009, a scheme recognising destinations that make an outstanding contribution to tourism development in the face of overwhelming adversity.
The award was presented during the ATM’s annual exhibitor’s party at The Address in Burj Dubai and is a tribute to Mumbai’s efforts to reinvigorate tourism development in the aftermath of November 2008’s terrorist attacks.
The nominations, which have to meet a number of pre-defined criteria, were judged by a panel consisting of Fiona Jeffrey, chairman of World Travel Market and Reed Travel Exhibitions’ Just a Drop charity; Amit Arora, president, Dubai Chapter, Skål, and Mark Walsh, group exhibitions director, Reed Travel Exhibitions.
“It is an honour to accept this award on behalf of Mumbai. The people of the city have shown phenomenal strength in the wake of such a shocking and tragic event. The courage of all the nominated destinations should be noted as examples of what can be achieved with spirited will and determination,’ said Devesh Chaturvedi, additional director general, Ministry of Tourism.
Besides being recognised at the special award ceremony, Mumbai will also receive $10,000 of free exhibition space at Arabian Travel Market 2010 to further the development of an essential component of its economy.
The other destinations short listed were Palestine and China.
The award went to Mumbai for its resilience against the terrorist attacks, for three weeks after the attacks most businesses – notably the Taj and Oberoi hotel groups – exhibited impressive strength of character in reopening their doors so quickly.
Although India’s tourism industry did not escape the impact of terrorism, the Indian Tourism Authority took steps to minimise the negative impact including improvements in security infrastructure, and launching tourism promotion campaigns abroad.
Speaking of the award, Walsh said, “The defiant response to terror which engulfed Mumbai in the days and weeks following these brutal attacks and the sheer willpower to carry on in spite of the horrors endured showed courage, resilience and dignity. It was nothing short of awe inspiring.”