Rajasthan Takes the Lead in Sustainable Tourism: Key Insights from IRTSA 2025
**Article Title: Rajasthan Shines Bright at the 3rd Indian Responsible Tourism State Awards**
The 3rd Indian Responsible Tourism State Awards—Rajasthan Chapter, held on July 11, 2025, at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur, celebrated the transformation of Rajasthan's tourism sector through sustainable and community-centric practices. Over a hundred responsible tourism practitioners, including homestay owners, hoteliers, tour operators, and heritage custodians, gathered to recognise and applaud the efforts being made in the region.
The awards emphasised Rajasthan's role not just as a tourist destination, but as a living culture, where travel enriches both visitors and local communities. The gathering reinforced the state government's vision for eco-tourism fueled by public–private partnerships and rooted in community responsibility, environmental respect, and cultural preservation. The Chief Guest, Ms Diya Kumari, stressed that the awards symbolise a shift toward a globally respected, community-driven tourism model.
Contestants were celebrated for their contributions across Rajasthan’s diverse offerings: havelis, forts, hills, lakes, wildlife corridors, textiles, music, arts, crafts, fairs, and festivals. The awards spotlighted stories of "homestay heroes," eco-entrepreneurs, and initiatives that blend creativity, care, and shared responsibility.
A renowned jury, including Deepa Krishnan (Magic Tours India), Dharmendar Kanwar (author & conservationist), Ishita Khanna (Ecosphere & MUSE), Michael Dominic (CGH Earth), Raj Basu (Help Tourism), Dr Rima Hooja (archaeologist & historian), Dr Chef Saurabh Sharma (culinary mentor), and Tarun Bansal (Arya Niwas Hospitality group), judged the entries.
Rajasthan continues to lead the national conversation on responsible tourism, having been the first state to join the IRTSA initiative in 2022. The 2025 edition further amplified regional innovations, bringing local success stories into the national spotlight.
Indranil Roy, CEO of the Outlook Group, challenged attendees to elevate responsible tourism into a national movement, urging a collective review of accomplishments to set new benchmarks for the industry.
The event was widely covered on social media, with dedicated content introducing winners and sharing highlights from the ceremony, further broadening its reach and impact.
Some of the notable winners of the night included Rajki Sapera and Sawai Khan Manganiyar, who won Gold and Silver respectively in the category of Cultural Ambassadors. Aman Singh and Gopal Saini won Silver in the category of Sustainability Champions: Grassroots Heroes. Nachana Haveli, Rohet Garh, and Shahpura Haveli were awarded Gold in the categories of Sustainable Leadership: Heritage Conservation, Sustainable Experiences: Food, and Sustainable Leadership respectively. Baisa's Adventures, Travel Enterprises, and Chokhi Dhani Resort Pvt Ltd, Utsav Camp Sariska won Gold in the category of Sustainable Experiences: Adventure.
In addition to the awards, the event featured keynote addresses by Kapil Chopra, who reframed luxury as a tool for transformation, and Hanwant Singh Rathore, who highlighted eco-friendly tourism and camel-based livelihoods. Prakash Joshi, a nationally recognised Phad painting artist, explained visitor workshops in scroll painting, while Parvati and Sudhir Sukhwal, owners of Padmini Haveli, spoke about their restoration of 18th-century frescoes and training young artisans.
The third edition of the Indian Responsible Tourism State Awards-Rajasthan Chapter was a testament to the state's commitment to responsible tourism, showcasing the best of Rajasthan's sustainable tourism offerings and setting new benchmarks for the industry.
Lifestyle choices and travel experiences in Rajasthan were celebrated for their sustainability and cultural enrichment as the region's transformative approach to tourism was recognized at the 3rd Indian Responsible Tourism State Awards. The event underscored Rajasthan's tourism sector as an embodiment of living culture, where responsible travel nurtures both visitors and local communities.
