Tourism and Energy Minister K.J. George presenting the Best Domestic Tour Operator Award to Vathika Pai, Proprietor of Nirmala Travels-Mangaluru, at the first Karnataka Tourism Awards ceremony in Bengaluru on Sunday (September 27).
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Nirmala Travels, a 55 year-old Mangaluru-based travel agency, has been honoured with the Best Domestic Tour Operator Award at the first Karnataka Tourism Awards ceremony.
The Karnataka Tourism Society, in association with the Department of Tourism, chose Nirmala Travels owing to its contribution to the growth and promotion of domestic tourism and their commitment to delivering quality travel experiences.
Vathika Pai, proprietor of Nirmala Travels, received the award from Tourism and Energy Minister K.J. George at the inaugural edition of the Karnataka Tourism Awards in Bengaluru on Sunday (September 27), which was World Tourism Day.
The event celebrated excellence, leadership and outstanding contributions to Karnataka’s tourism sector. The programme was inaugurated by Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar. Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara, Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, and others were present.
Receiving the award, Ms. Pai expressed her gratitude to the organisers and acknowledged the contribution of the entire Nirmala Travels team, whose dedication and commitment have been instrumental in building the organisation over the years.
She said, “This award is not just a recognition of Nirmala Travels, but a tribute to the trust our customers have placed in us and the dedication of our entire team for the last 55 years. We are deeply honoured to receive this recognition and remain committed to providing meaningful, reliable and memorable travel experiences.”
Published – September 28, 2026 06:26 pm IST
