OUR STORY
Over the last 10 years, The Indian Responsible Tourism Awards (IRTA) has celebrated the pioneers who are redefining travel with passion and purpose. Our journey is fuelled by a commitment to showcase innovative, sustainable tourism initiatives that honour India's rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty. Each year, we shine a spotlight on the remarkable individuals and organisations whose efforts are transforming the travel landscape—driving change, fostering community, and setting new benchmarks for ethical tourism.
Our Impact:
Our initiatives have sparked a nationwide movement, reaching over 50 million digital engagements and building a vibrant community of travel enthusiasts. We have forged partnerships with over 20 states and empowered local stakeholders, all while celebrating the achievements of over 250 trailblazing winners who inspire us with their commitment to responsible travel. These numbers reflect not only our growth but also our enduring influence in championing sustainable tourism practices across India.
We hope to build, inspire, support and amplify the voices of a vast network of responsible tourism stakeholders across the 29 states and 8 union territories of India.
IRTSA GUJARAT 2026
The Indian Responsible Tourism State Awards are a natural progression of our core philosophy - to reach out to every last district in our country, and include more people in our tribe! Small business owners, entrepreneurs, start-ups, cultural crusaders and anyone else who believes - like we do - in an alternative imagination of travel.
As we host the 2nd edition of the Indian Responsible Tourism State Summit & Awards in Gujarat — one of the first states in the country to promote sustainability in its tourism policy and on-ground projects — we know we're poised for great success. We look forward to identifying and celebrating the most remarkable ambassadors of Responsible Tourism in Gujarat and telling their incredible stories to India and the world! We invite you to come and celebrate Gujarat with us!
Award categories
highlights from 2025
apply for IRTSA Gujarat
GORGEOUS GUJARAT
Gujarat is a state with an amazingly varied topography, ranging from the deep green of the dense forests to the stark white of the salt plains. Its 1,660 km coastline is home to some of the most unique marine species, and the geographical location of the state makes it a melting pot of a vast variety of cultures, people, places and history due to aeons of migratory influences.
Along with the migrations came various rituals, traditions, cuisines, crafts, textiles, fairs and festivals, and celebrations, all of which were amalgamated and became a part of what this amazingly diverse state has to offer. One of the very few states in India with a 5-year tourism policy, the vision of the state is to position Gujarat as a vibrant tourist destination, with an emphasis on improving visitor experience, livelihood linkages & environmental concerns, enhancing investment opportunities, thus catapulting tourism as one of the most important economic drivers, leading to sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Partners
