Tourism Pioneer William D’Souza of Globe Travels Honoured with Prestigious Indian Travel Award in New Delhi
Mangaluru: William D’Souza, Managing Director of Globe Travels, Mangaluru, has been conferred the prestigious Indian Travel Award in recognition of his outstanding and lifelong contribution to tourism in Dakshina Kannada district.
The award was presented at a ceremony in New Delhi on October 15, 2026, by Josel F. Ignacio, Ambassador of the Philippines to India, in the presence of Bhuvnesh Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
Speaking on the occasion, Kumar emphasised that the success of Indian tourism depended on the hard work, perseverance and dedication of stakeholders who worked tirelessly to strengthen the sector.
Recognising Four Decades of Contribution to Coastal Karnataka
The award jury recognised D’Souza’s four decades of pioneering efforts in developing tourism infrastructure, improving connectivity and promoting Mangaluru and the coastal Karnataka region as a tourism destination.
Pioneering cruise tourism: D’Souza played an instrumental role in introducing New Mangalore Port to international cruise liners, opening a new chapter in cruise tourism along the Karnataka coast.
Developing tourism infrastructure: He played a key role in the development of the Pilikula Golf Course in association with Eugene Rent and other like-minded visionaries, helping establish a major leisure facility in the region.
Improving international connectivity: Along with T. Subbaya Shetty, the then president of the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), D’Souza was among those who persistently advocated for and helped secure international airport status for Mangaluru.
Social and community leadership: As the founder of the Indian Red Cross Society’s Mangaluru chapter, he was instrumental in establishing its blood bank, providing an essential service to the local community and visitors.
Promoting Mangaluru as a tourism destination: Through innovative tourism initiatives, familiarisation tours and promotional activities, D’Souza has consistently worked to attract domestic and international tourists to Dakshina Kannada.
The award ceremony was attended by prominent figures from the travel, tourism and hospitality industries, along with diplomats and dignitaries from across India.
William D’Souza Expresses Gratitude
Reacting to the honour, D’Souza said he was deeply humbled by the recognition and dedicated it to the people who had supported his efforts to promote Mangaluru as an international tourism destination.
“I am deeply humbled. This recognition is not mine alone. It belongs to the people of Dakshina Kannada, my team at Globe Travels, stalwarts like the late T. Subbaya Shetty and Eugene Rent, and everyone who shared my dream of putting Mangaluru on the world tourism map. This honour will inspire me to continue my work,” he said.
