Uttarakhand Tourism Receives Silver Award at ICRT Responsible Tourism Awards 2025

New Delhi/Dehradun, September 13 —Uttarakhand’s Minister for Tourism, Religious Affairs, and Culture, Satpal Maharaj, participated in the ICRT South Asia Responsible Tourism Awards 2025 and the BLTM Trade Show held at Yashobhoomi (IICC), Dwarka, New Delhi on Saturday.

During the event, Maharaj emphasized that the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, is actively working to promote sustainable tourism and responsible investment, in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.

“Our goal is to ensure that development remains in harmony with nature and that local communities directly benefit from tourism initiatives,” Maharaj stated.

Uttarakhand Tourism was also recognized with the Silver Award at the ICRT ceremony, highlighting its commitment to eco-conscious policies such as rural tourism, homestay schemes, and environmental conservation.

Uttarakhand’s Minister for Tourism, Religious Affairs, and Culture, Satpal Maharaj, extended his congratulations to the organizers of the ICRT South Asia Responsible Tourism Awards 2025, held at Yashobhoomi (IICC), Dwarka, New Delhi. He expressed his delight at honoring the winners, stating that the occasion was not merely a ceremony but a collective inspiration to reimagine tourism as a driver of responsible, sustainable, and inclusive development.

“It is a matter of pride that the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board has been included in this year’s list of honorees,” Maharaj said. “This recognition is not just a badge of honor, but a testament to our commitment to sustainable tourism—be it through rural tourism, homestay schemes, or environment-focused policies.”

He emphasized that the state government, working under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, is continuously striving to promote eco-friendly development and responsible investment in the tourism sector. The goal, he said, is to ensure that development remains in harmony with nature and that local communities directly benefit from tourism initiatives.

Maharaj also congratulated all organizations, entrepreneurs, and communities featured in the 2025 recognition list, noting that their efforts reflect the true meaning of tourism—not just traveler convenience, but social and environmental responsibility. He called for collective action to make tourism safe, sustainable, and beneficial for future generations.

A significant highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Uttarakhand Tourism, represented by Additional Director Poonam Chand, and ICRT India Foundation, represented by Chairperson Harold Goodwin and Managing Director Manisha Pandey, to strengthen responsible tourism partnerships.

Uttarakhand Tourism was honored with the Silver Award in the ICRT South Asia 2025 awards, which recognized 17 organizations from India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the Maldives for their exemplary contributions to sustainable tourism.