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 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.
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 icons and anyone else who believes – like we do – in an alternative imagination of travel.
After the tremendous success of IRTSA Meghalaya in 2024, we are incredibly excited to announce that we’re partnering with the Government of Meghalaya once again to host IRTSA 2025 – Meghalaya Chapter! We look forward to recognising and celebrating the incredible work being done in Meghalaya and tell their stories to India and the world!
Join us this September at the awards as we celebrate those redefining tourism in Meghalaya with creativity, care, and shared responsibility.
Sustainable leadership
Homestays
B&Bs & guesthouses
travel Enterprises
Nature Conservation
Sustainability Champions
grassroots heroes
Musical Traditions
Cultural Ambassadors
Sustainable experiences
food
Sustainable Leadership: Homestays
Any responsible homestay in Meghalaya with 5 rooms or less, that continues to be rooted in the local way of life, where the owners live on the property and share a kitchen with their guests.
Sustainable Leadership – BnBs & Guesthouses
Any responsible accommodation in Meghalaya with more than 5 rooms, that continues to be rooted in the local way of life, where the owners may or may not stay on the property
Sustainable Leadership: Travel Enterprises
Any responsible Meghalaya-based travel company, committed to curating experiences that celebrate the land and the people of the state in new, inspiring, innovative, sustainable ways; they employ and empower locals and aim for social, ecological and economic resilience.
Sustainable Leadership: Nature Conservation (New)
Note: Public as well as private enterprises or individuals can apply
Any organisation based in Meghalaya that works within the state in preserving the nature and ecology of a particular region or in restoring and regenerating habitats.
Individuals — local guides and nature guardians — who are champions of the history and bio-diversity of the state.
Sustainable Experiences: Food
Any Meghalayan establishment that offers a hyperlocal culinary experience to travellers with the help of the local community:
Organisations that have rediscovered and are celebrating local beverages and brews through pop-ups, workshops, online/offline stores, etc
Sustainability Champions: Grassroots Heroes
Meghalayans of any age, gender or background, who have made a significant impact on the local tourism practices in his/her/their own home destination, and inspired others to do so too.
Individuals who have generated economic resilience in their community by building community homestays and promoting hyper-local experiences for travellers
Sustainability Champions: Musical Traditions (New)
Individuals or groups who are protecting and promoting Meghalayan musical traditions – vocal or instrumental and bringing the musical legacy of the state to the forefront.
Sustainability Champions: Cultural Ambassadors
Individuals who are working towards protecting and promoting an art form (craft, textile or dance form) and inspiring others to join them.
Overall State Winner: One Gold winner who demonstrates exceptional impact and stands out across all categories will be awarded the Overall State Winner title.
How can one not feel welcome in a state where every celebration begins with a thanksgiving dance, Noh k jot, and visitors are greeted by a stone carving — two hands embracing a stone — in a a living woodcraft museum (village). Amidst the canyons, mist-covered hills, waterfalls and clear-bottomed rivers live some of the most heartwarming smiles and welcoming arms, who will share with you generations-old folklore about the living root bridges, music from the traditional Dama drums, and bottomless bowls of Jadoh and Pumaloi. Come, experience the magic of magnificent Meghalaya!
