The Karnataka tourism department has won the special prize at the National Tourism Award 2006-07 for the best tourism promotion collateral/publicity material among the states.

The department, which received the award from External Affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee at a function held here on Wednesday, had launched publicity and promotional events to boost tourism in the State. These included, Karnataka tourism secretary Vittal Murthy told Deccan Herald, a magazine called Karnataka Traveller, upgraded website, publicity materials on each of the historical and tourist destinations in the state, etc.

Bangalore’s Taj Residency and Gateway Hotel won the awards in the five-star and four-star categories, respectively. The Taj West End, Bangalore, won the best eco-friendly hotel and resorts award while the city’s ITC Hotel The Windsor won the award for providing facilities for physically challenged.

Southern Travels Delhi, amongst the most sought after by South Indians, won the award for best domestic tour operator.

Mumbai-based Kannadiga couple Anand Katti and Madhura Katti won the best film award in the category of creative contributions in marketing tourism product. The couple produced the documentary Glasgow Crafts, Kinnala, an hour-long film which spotlights the diminishing 400-year-old wood craft — Kinnala art form . Kinnala near Koppal in Bellary is home to the unique craft form where about 30 craftsmen practise the craft. The art of Kinnala painted woodenware dates to the Vijayanagar empire and flourished due to the patronage of Vijayanagar rulers.