Kerala tourism ad wins travel industry Oscar

Another international laurel has come knocking at Kerala tourism's doors. And this time it isn't just another prize.

Highway, Kerala Tourism's commercial has picked up the prestigious Das Golden Stadttor (Golden City Gate), nicknamed the Oscar of the travel industry, at ITB Berlin, the world's largest travel and tourism fair.

E K Bharat Bhushan, principal secretary, Kerala Tourism and B Suman, director, Kerala Tourism, received the award at a special function held in Berlin on March 11.

The award winning commercial is part of "Life in God's Own Country," a set of six commercials that inspires the traveller to look at Kerala in a refreshingly new light. Conceived and scripted by Stark Communications, it was shot by ace cinematographer Santosh Sivan.

According to E K Bharat Bhushan, "this recognition is the ultimate proof of the fact that our promotional tools truly speak an international language that is effective." Added B Suman: "This is the first time a destination from India has won the prize."

Prize winners in each category will benefit from six months of free web video streaming through the video-on-demand streaming media, a Kerala Tourism communication said.