How Rajasthan Is Leading The Way In Responsible Tourism—Highlights From IRTSA 2025

The third edition of the Indian Responsible Tourism State Awards—Rajasthan Chapter, organised by the Outlook Responsible Tourism Initiative in collaboration with Rajasthan Tourism, was held in Jaipur on 11 July 2025, shining a spotlight on sustainable travel practices across the state.Hotel Clarks Amer played host to over a hundred responsible tourism practitioners—from homestay owners and hoteliers to tour operators and heritage custodians—united by one purpose: to ensure every journey through Rajasthan’s havelis, forts, hills, lakes, wildlife corridors, textiles, music, arts, crafts, fairs, and festivals leaves both visitors and communities enriched.Indranil Roy, CEO of the Outlook Group, shared the vision behind the Outlook Responsible Tourism Initiative, challenging attendees to elevate the movement into a national force. He reminded everyone that “responsible tourism is all about us: how we build India while creating a global impact,” and called for a collective review of accomplishments to set new benchmarks.Ms Diya Kumari attended the ceremony as Chief Guest and shared the state government’s vision for eco-tourism, built on robust public–private partnerships. She emphasised that “these awards are not just recognitions; they symbolise a shift in how we shape Rajasthan’s global future,” and urged tourism to be “rooted in community responsibility and respect for our people and environment,” envisioning travellers exploring Rajasthan as a living culture, not just a destination.In his keynote address, Kapil Chopra offered a powerful reflection on the future of travel and reframed luxury as a tool for transformation. He argued that “to build a great Indian brand, we must focus on transformational travel, where luxury and sustainability go hand in hand,” and invited hoteliers to craft experiences that enrich both guests and host communities.Success Stories From Rajasthan The event also featured speakers who shared the remarkable work they are doing to promote responsible tourism in Rajasthan.Rajnush Agarwal, founder of Mharo Khet, described how his 40-acre chemical-free farm-stay near Jodhpur offers immersive farm-to-table dining, sustainable agriculture workshops, and a seven-course, plant-forward culinary trail under a guava canopy. He emphasised how Mharo Khet has become Jodhpur’s third most sought-after experience—after Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan—by empowering local women and cultivating over 80 crops using regenerative practices.Hanwant Singh Rathore, founder and managing director of Camel Charisma, highlighted how camel-led safaris not only offer eco-friendly tourism but also support schooling and healthcare for Raika community children while promoting camel-based livelihoods and biodiversity-linked products.Parvati and Sudhir Sukhwal, owners of Padmini Haveli, spoke about their restoration of 18th-century frescoes and their commitment to training young artisans in traditional painting techniques—preserving Chittorgarh’s cultural heritage.Prakash Joshi, a nationally recognised Phad painting artist from Bhilwara’s Joshi Kala Mandir, explained how visitor workshops in scroll painting rooted in natural dyes and oral traditions are helping this centuries-old art form survive in the modern world.Thakur Siddharth Singh from House of Rohet spoke about blending luxury hospitality with sustainability to create enduring tourism models.Curating CultureA panel discussion on “Curating Culture” featured archaeologist and historian Dr Rima Hooja, hospitality expert Tarun Bansal, chef and culinary mentor Dr Chef Saurabh, and Sonali Chatterjee, Project Consultant at Outlook Responsible Tourism. The discussion focused on authenticity, equitable revenue sharing, and visitor-led storytelling—aimed at elevating Rajasthan’s living heritage on the global stage.Responsible Tourism In RajasthanRajesh Kumar Yadav, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, reiterated Rajasthan’s standing as one of India’s top destinations—welcoming over 23 crore domestic and 21 lakh international visitors in 2024—and stressed that responsible tourism must keep innovating to meet global standards.Meanwhile, Rukmani Riar, IAS, Commissioner, Rajasthan Department of Tourism, praised the state’s focus on immersive experiences like adventure activities, local food trails, and heritage walks that not only narrate Rajasthan’s story but also empower local communities.Trophies made from local wood and engraved with Rajasthani motifs were awarded to the winners. Winners Of IRTSA Rajasthan 2025 - 3rd EditionOverall WinnerRohet GarhSustainable Leadership: HomestaysGold: Dhanna Ram Ki Dhani Village HomestaySilver: Weavers Homestay RajasthanOne to watch: AURA B&B The Haveli HomestaySustainable Leadership: Small HotelsGold: Chandelao GarhSilver: Radisson Blu Resort, KumbhalgarhOne to watch: Subhadra Ecolodge, Serenity FarmstaySustainable Leadership: HotelsGold: Chokhi Dhani Resort Pvt Ltd, Utsav Camp SariskaSilver: Royal Heritage HaveliOne to watch: Anopura JaipurSustainable Leadership: Travel EnterprisesGold: Baisa’s AdventuresSilver: MTB JaipurOne to watch: ToRoots ExplorersSustainable Experiences: FoodGold: Rohet GarhSilver: Poppy by Royal RepastOne to watch: Millets of MewarSustainable Leadership: Heritage ConservationGold: Shahpura HaveliSilver: Rohet GarhOne to watch: Nachana HaveliSustainability Champions: Grassroots HeroesGold: Dr Jitendra Kumar SolankiSilver: Aman SinghOne to watch: Gopal SainiSustainability Champions: Cultural AmbassadorsGold: Sawai Khan ManganiyarSilver: Rajki SaperaOne to watch: Jakir KhanThe day concluded with a spirited performance of Manganiyar music by Sawai Khan & Group, whose soulful desert ballads reminded attendees that Rajasthan’s intangible heritage is as vital as its built legacy. The performance served as a final reminder: responsible tourism is not just a policy—it is a living, breathing movement anchored in community, culture, and care.More About The AwardsIRTSA Rajasthan 2025, held at Clarks Amer, Jaipur on 11 July, marked the third edition of the Indian Responsible Tourism State Awards—an initiative by the Outlook Responsible Tourism Initiative in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan. First launched in Rajasthan in 2022, IRTSA is the state-level extension of the national Indian Responsible Tourism Awards (IRTA), designed to spotlight local changemakers and grassroots efforts in sustainable, inclusive travel.The Indian Responsible Tourism Awards (IRTA), established in 2016, celebrate excellence in ethical and community-driven tourism across India. With over 250 winners to date, collaborations with more than 20 state tourism departments, and a digital footprint reaching over 50 million, IRTA has emerged as a credible platform recognising transformative work in heritage, conservation, craft, and rural tourism.After successful state chapters in Gujarat, Meghalaya, and Rajasthan, IRTSA continues to amplify regional voices and innovations—bringing local success stories into the national spotlight and strengthening the wider conversation on responsible tourism in India.OT Travel Itinerary: Your 7-Day Guide To Offbeat Places In Rajasthan