The recently released feature film ''Life of Pi'' has been given two National Tourism Awards by the Tourism Ministry recognizing the impact it has had in promoting India as a tourism destination, especially Puducherry and Munnar (Kerala).

Union Tourism Minister Chiranjeevi, who made this announcement, said these Awards would be given to Ang Lee, Director of the film ''Life of Pi'' and Yann Martel, writer of the book of the same name.

He expressed the hope that this will go a long way in encouraging more and more Film producers from abroad to shoot their films in India.

Every year, the Ministry of Tourism recognizes various stakeholders, including filmmakers and writers for their contribution in promoting India Tourism by conferring National Tourism Awards.

With this and the ministry hopes to target the so far indifferent Chinese tourists to their fold. The film has been a roaring success in China, raking in $16 million in its opening weekend itself.

The Ministry of Tourism has identified ''Film Tourism'' as a Niche Tourism product. It has requested the state governments and union territory administrations to recognize the potential of ''Film Tourism'' and constitute special bodies/cells to facilitate filming in their respective States/Union Territories.

It may be recalled that in February this year, the Ministry of Tourism signed a MoU with Ministry of Information and Broadcasting as a major initiative to promote the ''Incredible India'' campaign and cinemas of India as a sub brand of ''Incredible India'' at various international film festivals and markets abroad.

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