India has won the Best Destination and Best Marketing Campaign awards at this year’s World Travel awards. Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahai received the award from Chairman, World Travel Awards Mr. Graham Cooke, at a function held in London.

Speaking at the function Mr Sahai said that these awards will boost the government’s efforts to brand India as a global tourist destination. Stating that the number of tourists visiting India has increased by 10 percent between January and October this year alone, Mr Sahai said that the Centre plans to double the number of tourist arrivals by 2016.

The Minister added the increase in tourism will create an additional 25 million jobs in the country, focusing on developing human resources, travel and hospitality and education.

An official release said, Mr Sahai stated that a range of Public Private Partnerships will be needed to meet the demand of additional four lakh hotel rooms. The Tourism Minister also announced that India will hold its first Global Travel Mart next year reinforcing the country’s commitment to become a major player in world tourism.