The third edition of the Indian Responsible Tourism State Awards lit up Jaipur this July with a powerful message. Travel is no longer about just ticking off destinations. It is about the stories, the people, and the footprints we leave behind. Held at Hotel Clarks Amer, the event brought together an inspiring mix of entrepreneurs, government leaders, homestay champions, and cultural guardians from across the state. And together, they mapped a future for tourism rooted in respect, community empowerment, and sustainability.
With support from the Rajasthan Tourism Department and Outlook Responsible Tourism Initiative, the IRTSA 2025 event turned the spotlight on innovators who are quietly transforming the way Rajasthan is experienced. These are names you may not always hear of, but whose work is making sure every guest experience is also a community gain. From camel safaris that fund education to heritage havelis preserving forgotten art, the awardees were all tied together by one belief: that travel should build more than memories.
Leaders like Diya Kumari, the Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, and Kapil Chopra of The Postcard Hotel, reminded the room that luxury and responsibility are not opposites but partners. Whether it is a farm in Jodhpur redefining fine dining or a Phad painting school preserving oral traditions, each story presented at IRTSA showed how tourism can shift from passive consumption to deep connection.
Standout winners included Rohet Garh, which emerged as the overall champion, Chandelao Garh for sustainable small hotels, and Camel Charisma, which is creating eco friendly livelihood options for the Raika community. Dhanna Ram Ki Dhani, Padmini Haveli, and Shahpura Haveli stood tall as beacons of responsible hospitality, while grassroots heroes like Dr Jitendra Kumar Solanki and Sawai Khan Manganiyar were honoured for keeping local wisdom and culture alive.
In between the awards, a panel titled “Curating Culture” explored the new responsibility of storytellers in shaping global impressions of India’s heritage. Experts including Dr Rima Hooja and Chef Saurabh discussed the power of authentic storytelling, community led tourism, and giving voice to those who make heritage happen.
One of the most memorable takeaways was from Rajnush Agarwal of Mharo Khet, who summed up the future of travel in a single vision: where food is grown with care, stories are shared with purpose, and travellers leave behind more than just reviews. The evening ended with a performance by Sawai Khan and his Manganiyar folk group an emotional reminder that intangible culture is just as important as the physical monuments Rajasthan is known for.
As the awards wrapped, one thing was clear. Rajasthan is no longer just a postcard perfect destination. It is becoming a pioneer of responsible tourism, led by changemakers who are proving that good stories and good travel begin with listening, respecting, and giving back.
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