Mumbai: India ranks No.1 in top travel destination in the world according to this year''s readers'' travel swards announced by luxury travel magazine Condé Nast Traveller UK, up from the fourth position last year.

In the global luxury travel trade circles, the Condé Nast Traveller awards are considered the equivalent of the Oscars of the travel industry.

Among advertising campaigns for the top tourism destinations, the ministry of tourism''s Incredible India series, walked away with best awards.

"India was the 10th most preferred destination in 2004, the 4th in 2006 and is now at the top in 2007 and that is where we want to be," says Ambika Soni, minister, tourism and culture. "We are proud and privileged to be the recipients of this prestigious award."

The others in the Top 5 winning countries are Italy, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand.

According to Leena Nandan, joint secretary, ministry of tourism, India, "India has a richness and diversity that is unmatched the world over and we are happy that Condé Nast Traveller, UK, has recognized it and given us the award for the most favoured destination."

The influx of British tourisms to India is growing and the respondents to this survey are some of the most sophisticated and avid travelers across the world.

"India''s fantastic success in the UK, especially among the top end of the market, is due to a combination of factors: full marks to the sustained efforts of the ministry of tourism and its Incredible India advertising campaign," says Marzban Patel, chairman and managing director, Mediascope Publicitas. "Similar ad campaigns from other state tourism boards and hospitality majors have helped the momentum and finally credit must go to Condé Nast Traveller, UK whose breathtaking features on India combined with award winning photography has continuously mesmerised its affluent and trend setting readership. As their India representative, I have worked closely with all the above constituents over the last decade and this recognition gives me enormous joy and satisfaction."

The survey was based on the preferences of Condé Nast Traveller readers which were analysed by independent market-research company, Market Management. The nominations were judged on a range of criteria particular to each category, from "range of accommodation" to "environmental friendliness".

Kate Slesinger, publisher, Condé Nast Traveller UK, adds, "No-one could be more thrilled than I to see India at the top of the 2007 list of our readers'' favourite destinations. This year, Condé Nast Traveller celebrates its tenth anniversary, and how far India has traveled up the scale in the past ten years! The success of your country among the UK''s most influential travelers is down to the fact that the product now matches the dream created so artfully by advertising and PR. It is no longer the preserve of die-hard backpackers and gap-year students: the reality of India in 2007 is that it represents a kaleidoscope of experiences to be enjoyed in the utmost comfort and luxury. I applaud the efforts of everyone involved in bringing India to the coveted position number one."