The largest and the most acclaimed travel magazine in the country, Lonely Planet MagazineIndia hosted the 7th edition of its annual property Lonely Planet Magazine India Travel Awards 2018. The most coveted and relevant awards in the Indian travel industry held at St. Regis, recognised and honoured the destinations most loved by Indians.Speaking on the seventh edition of the awards, Mr. Deepak Lamba, CEO, Worldwide MediaLtd. said,“Lonely Planet Magazine India is one of our legacy brands that has established a strong position in the travel and tourism industry with its relevant and robust content. The launch of the 100th issue of the magazine this month adds to its strength of being the foremost platform in the travel sector. The brand continues to provide an experiential value to its consumers by going beyond the traditional means through unique IPs and providing an enhanced reach to its partners. The Lonely Planet Magazine India Travel Awards builds on the legacy of the brand through its credible jury panel and a people’s choice voting process. With yet another successful edition, I am positive that we will continue to celebrate the travel industry at large for many years to come."
Commenting on this occasion, Primrose Monteiro-D’Souza, Editor of Lonely Planet Magazine India said,“The Lonely Planet Magazine India Travel Awards celebrate the destinations that have truly enhanced our readers’ lives, and helped them make great memories. In 2018, the awards line-up is, again, a mix of old and new favourites, all of which have impressed our travellers with superlative experiences and the warmest welcomes around the world. Each year, our awards give our readers new travel goals, inviting them to explore new destinations and to look at familiar destinations with new eyes, always a very important part of the Lonely Planet philosophy.”The awards ceremony based on the carnival theme this year showcased the buoyant spirit of the festivities around the world. It also marked the celebration of the 100th issue launched this month. The versatile artist Luke Kenny, as the host of the evening piqued the interest of the audience throughout with his exceptional anchoring skills. Thenominations for the awards were invited from apanel of travel experts, while the readers voted for their preferred Indian and internationaldestinations across categories such as‘Best Destinations for Relaxation,’‘Culture,’‘Shopping,’‘Wildlife,’ ‘Family Travel,’ ‘Romance,’‘Indulgence,’‘Adventure,’ and ‘Food and Drink,’ as well as ‘Emerging Destinations,’ and ‘India’s Favourite Destination.’
The esteemed panel of experts, who shortlisted the nominees for this year, comprised KaranAnand – Head, Relationships and Supply Management, Cox & Kings; VeenaPatil - ManagingDirector of Veena World; SuchetaPotnis and Hans Tuinman - Founders of Traveller’s Palm.com;Manu Kashyap - Director, Windmill Holidays; Deep Kalra - CEO, MakeMyTrip.com; Vishal Suri - Managing Director, SOTC; Madhavan Menon - CMD, Thomas Cook India Ltd; and Primrose Monteiro-D’Souza, Editor, Lonely Planet Magazine India.The most coveted awards witnessed attendance from the most prominent personalities in the Indian travel industry, the lifestyle domain as well celebrities from various walks of life. Present at the ceremony were renowned names such asAthiyaShetty, HarshvardhanRane, KunalKapoor, SaqibSaleem, KunalKapoor, AahanaKumra, Upen Patel, Vikrant Massey among others.Lonely Planet Magazine India Travel Awards 2018 was held in association with SBI-Foreign Travel Card Partner; Travel Tours – Holiday partner; Oman Air – Airline Partner;Raymond–WardrobePartner;FreshMeltz –Freshness Partner; Enable Travel – Accessible Holiday Partner;Carlton – Travel Partner;Volkswagen – Auto Partner and CROCS – Footwear Partner.
About Lonely Planet Magazine India
Lonely Planet is the world’s most recognized and trusted travel brand, having helped travelersfind their way since 1973. The magazine was first launched in the UK in 2008, and, subsequently, in India in 2010. In the eight years since its February 2010 launch,Lonely Planet Magazine India has become India’s favourite travel magazine, as rated by TripAdvisor, and the best recognized name in the travel literature sphere. Lonely Planet Magazine India has proven to be an invaluable aid to those planning a holiday, both in India and abroad. With sections like Easy Trips (weekend trips in India and short-haul international destinations), Mini Guides (free, handy tear-out guides to various destinations) and the signature Features section, Lonely Planet Magazine India has brought a level of practicality and insight never before seen in the country.
About Worldwide Media:
Worldwide Media is a part of the Times Group, one of India’s largest media and entertainment conglomerates, and publishes Filmfare – India’s No 1 entertainment magazine. Femina – India’s largest women’s magazine, BBC TopGear, HELLO!, GoodHomes, GRAZIA, Lonely Planet Magazine India, Home Trends and BBC Knowledge are other exciting titles from Worldwide Media.