Premier Ewart Brown has left for the Commonwealth Games in India after receiving a tourism award in Jamaica.

Dr. Brown was presented with the Caribbean Media Exchange on Sustainable Tourism's highest honour on Sunday the World Leadership Award.

It was established to recognise those who inspire others with their life's work to the cause of sustainable tourism and development.

The Caribbean World News quoted the Premier as saying he'd cancelled his trip to India in order to be present for the Kingston ceremony as "it is rare that the media honours a politician".

But his press secretary Jamahl Simmons said that was incorrect, and that Dr. Brown was travelling to India as planned.

The Caribbean newspaper quoted Dr. Brown as saying: "In Bermuda, we have made tremendous strides to review our once moribund tourism industry. From targeting new air carriers to improving existing hotels properties and attracting new hotel properties to our Island, we have begun a tourism turnaround that will continue for years to come.

"To accept this award in Jamaica is particularly rewarding as their leadership on tourism is one that has inspired many throughout the region.

"It is also personally significant, as Jamaica is the country where I attended high school and spent many of my formative years."

The Premier and his wife Wanda Henton Brown are to join Sports Minister Glenn Blakeney and his Permanent Secretary Ellen Kate Horton for the games in India.

It marks the second trip Dr. Brown has made to India in the last 12 months, the first cost $37,000. Shortly after this trip was announced in early September the Premier said: "Wanda and I have reconsidered and decided that this will be a personally funded trip.

"Simply put, we will pay for the airfare, transportation and accommodations associated with the India trip.

"Despite this, I will continue to do the people's business, ensuring that Bermuda's interests are pursued and every avenue explored for the benefit of Bermudians."

Fourteen Bermudian athletes have gone to the XIX Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. Also attending is Chef de Mission Stan Douglas and his assistant Chantelle Grant, Bermuda Olympic Association president Judy Simmons and four coaches.

Dr. Brown will also sign a tax information exchange agreement with India and meet business and film industry leaders during his trip.