GMR Hyderabad International Airport (GHIAL) is proud to be the recipient of the prestigious National Tourism Award 2009-10, under the best airport category. The airport has been adjudged as the best airport in India for actively promoting tourism, not only at Andhra Pradesh but also at pan India level. The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India presents National Tourism Awards to various segments of the travel and tourism industry every year, which includes, states/union territories, hotels, travel agents, tour operators, airports, etc., to recognize their performance with an aim to promote tourism. The award was accepted by Mr P S Nair, Chief Executive Officer-Corporate, Airport Sector & Mr Raveen Pinto-Head Aero Commercials & Route Development, GHIAL on 28th March 2011 at the award ceremony in New Delhi.
National Tourism Awards 2009-10 under the best airport category was open for all the Indian airports, providing the best facilities to the passengers and the guests. The criteria for selection included:
- Creation of tourist friendly atmosphere, infrastructure & initiatives to support tourism by the airport
- Facilities provided to visitors such as seating facilities, toilets, eating outlets etc at the Airports.
- Maintenance and upkeep of the Airport.
- Adaptation of Eco-friendly practices.
- Availability of transport facility from airport to nearest city center.
- Display of proper signages at important locations.
- Facilities for the physically challenged persons, particularly at the point of boarding.
- Other relevant facilities at the Airport.
Hyderabad Airport has shown excellence as per the prescribed criteria. The airport has the best infrastructure and facilities, with an emphasis on eco-friendly practices. Facilities & services provided are passenger friendly with special attention towards convenience and comfort. Hyderabad Airport is also actively working with the Government of Andhra Pradesh, airlines, travel agents and other related bodies in promoting Andhra Pradesh Tourism on global platform. Hyderabad Airport participates jointly with Andhra Pradesh Tourism in various events to promote destination-Hyderabad internationally. Under tourism promotion, APTDC has a 24x7 counter at the airport to provide information about tourism packages. Other joint efforts include promotion of destination-Hyderabad to all passengers, from untapped destinations to sumptuous cuisine; promotion of business tourism; participation and hosting of MICE related events; promotion of temple tourism by developing attractive packages for Tirupati-a key temple tourist spot; promotion of medical, film tourism, etc. Not only this, the airport makes maximum utilization of the advertising space for promoting various passenger informative advertisements, like glorious India ads and air connectivity advertisements. Thus, Hyderabad Airport has a complete focus on developing and promoting tourism by providing world class infrastructure, passenger friendly facilities, and its innovative ways to boost tourism and traffic out of Hyderabad.