Outlook Traveller Awards 2025: Celebrating India’s Finest Destinations, Experiences, And Travel Leaders

For years, the Outlook Traveller Awards have stood as the benchmark for honouring excellence, innovation, and leadership in India’s travel and tourism industry. The 2025 edition highlighted outstanding destinations across specific categories and honoured individuals based on their social media influence. Held on November 22 at the Hyatt Regency, New Delhi, the ceremony unfolded with notable enthusiasm and ceremony.The event brought together an esteemed group of dignitaries, including T T Bhutia, Hon’ble Minister, Tourism & Civil Aviation, Government of Sikkim; Pavithran, Head-ARFF, Kannur International Airport; Colonel Ranveer Singh Jamwal, Director, NIMAS; Diwash Kapil Chettri, Founding Member, Rinchenpong Tourism Development Committee & Co-Founder, Apuphi Pvt. Ltd.; and Erastus Lepcha from the Soreng Tourism Development Association. The evening was hosted by Master of Ceremonies Ridhima Bhatnagar.What The Outlook Traveller Awards HighlightedToday, the nature of travel is shifting significantly, driven by a younger generation that is redefining what exploration means. Travellers are looking inward, discovering India through its mountain homestays, coastal getaways, wellness retreats, culinary circuits, and lesser-known cultural experiences. The awards recognised destinations, accommodations, creators, and initiatives that demonstrate how India offers a complete spectrum of travel experiences without requiring long-distance journeys.International destinations also continued to be acknowledged, though with a more consumer-focused perspective. This year’s emphasis was on countries actively engaging with Indian tourists—those that value India’s growing traveller base and are adapting their offerings to match its evolving preferences and spending power. Reflecting this dual lens, the 2025 tagline was “Celebrating India, Celebrated By The World.”The ceremony opened with a performance by the Oorja Dance Company, a renowned troupe known for its innovative choreography and custom-designed acts.This was followed by a visually striking film by the Outlook Traveller team that highlighted the beauty of Indian destinations, capturing the spirit of travel and the brand’s core values of destinations, experiences, and memories.Acknowledging Responsible TourismDuring his TED-style address at the event, Indranil Roy, Chief Executive Officer of the Outlook Group, emphasised that tourism and experiential travel must be rooted in responsible practices. “In my view, every journey should be undertaken with an understanding of our duty towards nature. This idea has gained global traction, though India still has some distance to go. Data shows a significant shift in traveller preferences—nearly 70 per cent of travellers today actively seek sustainable tourism experiences. This signals a major opportunity for the industry and reflects a growing movement towards responsible tourism,” he said.He added that several Indian states have already embraced this change. Kerala, Sikkim, and Meghalaya stand out as examples, each incorporating responsible tourism principles into its policies and initiatives. Following this, Anindita Ghosh, Editor of Outlook Traveller, spoke about her journey and insights as an Indian traveller. “We have all seen uncomfortable videos of foreign tourists picking up litter, struggling with scams, encountering poor sanitation or digital systems, and dealing with issues of personal safety. Women’s safety remains a particularly urgent concern."Ghosh further stated that these issues exist worldwide, but we must speak about them openly. Only then can we create an India where every traveller—man or woman—feels joy and freedom. “As we celebrate our winners today, let’s also reflect on what they teach us: how to balance tourism with sustainability, how to attract travellers while protecting natural and cultural heritage, how to empower local communities, and how to build safer, more meaningful travel experiences,” she commented.Exploring India’s Leading Sustainable Travel DestinationsThe Outlook Traveller Awards 2025 highlighted the many exceptional experiences Sikkim has to offer. T T Bhutia, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Sikkim, is leading the state’s efforts to shape a forward-looking tourism and aviation framework.Speaking at the Awards, Bhutia commented that Sikkim is witnessing strong momentum across heritage circuits, adventure tourism, battlefield tourism, spiritual trails, and eco-sensitive experiences.Pakyong Airport, Sikkim’s first greenfield and India’s 100th operational airport, is located over 4,600 feet above sea level. Though fully ready, it is currently non-operational due to flight service challenges, which the state government and the Ministry of Civil Aviation are working to resolve, Bhutia said.Air connectivity has improved with the M172 helicopter service between Bagdogra and Gangtok, reducing a long road journey to 30 minutes and boosting tourism with faster travel and Himalayan views. The upcoming Sivok–Rangpo railway line will further transform connectivity.However, Bhutia threw light upon the vulnerability of Sikkim’s connectivity. “National Highway 10 is frequently disrupted by landslides and harsh weather. While the state government is actively addressing this, support from the Central Government is essential due to the scale and urgency of the challenge. Additionally, developing an alternative highway through safer terrain is now crucial,” he remarked.The Awards evening then featured a captivating mentalist and illusionist performance by Manoj Malik, who showcased mind-reading acts and magic tricks with enthusiastic participation from the audience.Speaking next at the Awards, G Asok Kumar, advisor to the government of Delhi and a professor at IIT Kanpur, shared that India’s lesser-known destinations deserve far more attention than they receive. Reflecting on his time in Nizamabad, he described developing it into a tourist hub, launching the Indur Utsav, creating a heritage museum, and forming Tourism Clubs in schools.This was followed by a fireside chat. The Panel DiscussionModerated by Kartikeya Shankar, Associate Editor, Outlook Traveller, the discussion—titled “Beyond the Stay: What Community Tourism Really Looks Like in Sikkim”—brought together Erastus Lepcha, Secretary of the Soreng Tourism Development Association, and Diwash Kapil Chhetri, Founding Member of the Rinchenpong Tourism Development Committee and Co-Founder of Apuphi Pvt. Ltd.Diwash noted, “People often assume we survive only on noodles and momo, but Sikkim is much more—it’s a feeling you must experience.” Erastus added that another misconception is that Sikkim is “far from India,” clarifying, “Under Article 371F, Sikkim is the 22nd state of India. We share the same culture, goals, and constitutional identity.”Three major initiatives underway in Rinchenpong were highlighted during the conversation:A new web app that allows travellers to browse and book homestays and guides, with taxi and carpool services to be added soon.Handicraft kiosks installed in every homestay and hotel to promote local artisans.A tourist police programme that enhances safety for women and solo travellers.The Soreng district is also expanding its adventure tourism offerings, including paragliding, landboarding, mountaineering, and bouldering, with upcoming events such as Surufest further adding to the excitement.Further at the Awards, Pavithran, Head-ARFF, Kannur International Airport, introduced Kerala’s Malabar region as a compact but diverse destination with beaches, waterfalls, forts, heritage sites and adventure trails. He highlighted Kannur’s unique identity—its Theyyam traditions, handloom legacy, martial art Kalaripayattu, and Asia’s longest drive-in beach. The region also has a rich history of early ports, aviation links, and trade networks dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries.Subsequently, Satya Prabha, Nodal Officer, Investments, Andhra Pradesh Tourism, highlighted the state’s ambitious tourism roadmap, including a plan to expand classified room inventory from 4,500 to 20,000 within four years. “Andhra Pradesh’s new Tourism Policy 2024–29 aims to attract investors by tapping into its diverse offerings—rivers, mangroves, eco-tourism zones, a long coastline, scenic hill destinations like Araku and Lambasinghi, and rich craft traditions such as Kalamkari, Mangalagiri, and leather puppetry. The government is also working with private players to develop resorts, glamping sites, and tent cities,” she announced.Colonel Ranveer Singh Jamwal is one of India’s most accomplished mountaineers and the Director of the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports. Known for his record-setting expeditions and high-altitude leadership, he has inspired thousands to explore India’s outdoors. Speaking next at the Awards, he described Har Shikhar Tiranga, a first-of-its-kind expedition that covered 30,000 km and scaled the highest point in all 28 Indian states to spotlight “the unseen India”—its unnamed peaks, forgotten ranges and unexplored terrain. Many of these summits were undocumented or misidentified, and the team’s climbs helped correct records for states like Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, Goa, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh. The journey also highlighted India’s vast adventure tourism potential, with peaks like Mount Kamet and Mount Jongsong demonstrating world-class challenge levels.Our winners:Best Healing Destination in IndiaSilver: Varkala, KeralaGold: Rishikesh, Uttarakhand Best Indigenous Culinary Destination in IndiaSilver: Hyderabad, TelanganaGold: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Best Intangible Cultural Heritage Destination in IndiaSilver: Kanchipuram, Tamil NaduGold: Kutch Villages, GujaratBest Nature & Wildlife Conservation Effort in IndiaSilver: Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, West BengalGold: Satpura National Park, Madhya PradeshBest Rural Tourism Destination in IndiaSilver: Mawphlang, MeghalayaGold: Kuthlur, Karnataka Best Trekking Circuit in IndiaSilver: Markha Valley Circuit, LadakhGold: Goecha La–Dzongri Circuit, Sikkim Best Wedding Destination in IndiaSilver: GoaGold: Udaipur, Rajasthan Best Startup-Led Tourism Initiative in IndiaSilver: Oasis India CampsGold: India AssistBest International Campaign For The Indian TravellerSilver: German National Tourist OfficeGold: Visit SaudiBest Road Journey Destination For Indians Silver: North Coast 500, ScotlandGold: Great Ocean Road, AustraliaBest Shopping Destination For Indians AbroadSilver: Bangkok, ThailandGold: Dubai, UAEBest Sports Tourism Destination For IndiansSilver: London, UKGold: Doha, QatarBest Value-For-Money Destination For IndiansSilver: Sri LankaGold: Vietnam Best Wedding Destination For Indians Silver: Abu Dhabi, UAEGold: Bali, IndonesiaBest Food TravellerTanmay Sharma (Veggie Paaji)Best Storyteller In TravelMaroof Umar Emerging Travel Creator Of The YearRohit Sharma Travel Personality Of The YearShenaz TreasurywalaMeet The JuryOur jury comprised six members who came from varied backgrounds.Jyoti MayalJyoti Mayal is a distinguished leader in India’s travel industry. As Chairperson of the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council and former President of TAAI, she has championed skill development, women’s empowerment, and sustainable tourism across the sector.Anubhav SapraAnubhav Sapra is the storyteller who put Delhi’s street food on the world map. As the founder of Delhi Food Walks, he has spent over 14 years curating immersive culinary experiences that celebrate the flavours, people, and history behind the capital’s vibrant food culture.Dr Latika NathDr Latika Nath is an internationally celebrated wildlife conservationist, author, and photographer. With a doctorate on tiger conservation from the University of Oxford, she is recognised as one of Asia’s foremost voices on big cat biology, sustainability, and responsible tourism.Dr Navina JafaDr Navina Jafa is a pioneering scholar of heritage tourism, a celebrated Kathak dancer, and the author of Exhibiting India: Art of Heritage Walks. Known for blending culture, performance, and community empowerment, she is one of India’s foremost champions of experiential tourism.Colonel Ranveer Singh JamwalColonel Ranveer Singh Jamwal is one of India’s most accomplished mountaineers and a decorated Army officer. A Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Awardee, he is the first person to summit the highest peaks of all seven continents—and all 28 Indian states.Anindita GhoshEditor Anindita Ghosh, with over two decades of experience across Indian and international media, brings an instinctive understanding of culture, destinations, and storytelling. Closing The EveningThe Outlook Traveller Awards 2025 was concluded with a performance by Harsh Arora. Known for his soulful blend of Sufi, Bollywood, and Punjabi music, his dynamic stage presence and engaging shayari created an immersive musical experience that captivated audiences. With numerous high-energy performances to his credit, he brought an irresistible rhythm and infectious charm that turned the event into an unforgettable celebration.Our sponsors for the event were:Outlook Traveller Awards 2025 was Powered By Air India ExpressAssociate Sponsor: Delhi TourismState Partners: Andhra Pradesh Tourism, Gujarat Tourism, Government of Sikkim, Uttarakhand Simply Heaven, Telangana Zarur AanaSilver Partner: Kannur International AirportJourney Partner: Harrier.evKnowledge Partner: TolunaCelebration Partner: IndriTravel Companion Partner: Kheoni WellnessGifting Partners: Wow Skin Science and Luxmi EstatesFAQs1. What are the Outlook Traveller Awards 2025?They are annual honours recognising India’s best destinations, tourism initiatives, creators and global destinations that resonate strongly with Indian travellers.2. Who attended the Outlook Traveller Awards 2025?Ministers, tourism board leaders, creators, industry experts, mountaineers, academicians and partners from across India and abroad were part of the event.3. What was the main theme of the 2025 edition?The theme “Celebrating India, Celebrated by the World” reflected India’s rising global influence, diverse experiences and the shift toward responsible travel.4. Which destinations won major awards this year?Rishikesh, Lucknow, Kutch Villages, Satpura National Park, Udaipur, and Goecha La–Dzongri Circuit were among the top winners across key categories.5. Why are the Outlook Traveller Awards significant?They highlight travel excellence, amplify emerging destinations, celebrate sustainability, and influence consumer travel choices across India and worldwide.Outlook Traveller Getaways The Northeast