Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 31 (IANS) Kerala Tourism has got a boost with readers of SmartTravelAsia.com placing the state as the best Asian holiday destination ahead of Bali, Phuket and the Maldives.

‘This is a phenomenal recognition for Kerala and the people who are working in the tourism sector,’ said V. Venu, secretary, Kerala Tourism.

The only other Indian destinations to be listed in the top 10 were Rajasthan and Goa- at eighth and 10th spot respectively.

Smart Travel Asia has over one million readers worldwide.

It held the 2010 Best in Travel Poll this week. At the previous poll, Kerala was voted as the third best destination.