Rajasthan to Introduce State Tourism Awards Says Deputy CM & Tourism Minister Diya Kumari

Rajasthan is set to launch State Tourism Awards honouring individuals and organisations making significant contributions to the tourism sector. Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Diya Kumari announced this initiative, along with the state's active exploration of a Responsible Tourism Policy, mirroring its existing Tourism Policy, Tourism Unit Policy, and Film Policy.

Emphasising the government's dual commitment to environmental conservation and tourism growth, Diya Kumari highlighted that sustainability begins with small everyday actions. “Environmental protection is our responsibility,” she said. “We must adopt small lifestyle adjustments to conserve water, electricity, and trees.”

Rajasthan: A Trailblazer in Indian Tourism

She underscored the strong link between Rajasthan’s identity and tourism, stating, “We take pride in shouldering this responsibility.” In 2024, the state attracted over 230 million domestic visitors and 2.1 million international tourists, ranking as the fifth most-visited state in India. She stressed that responsible tourism is about celebrating inclusion and respect for people and the environment, and is a pressing necessity.

Infrastructure Development and Sustainability

Deputy CM Kumari outlined her vision for Rajasthan’s tourism sector: restoring every fort, developing every road, and promoting every cultural site. “We aim to create world-class infrastructure that is environmentally sensitive and culturally preserved,” she stated. The 2025 state budget allocates Rs 5,000 crore under the Rajasthan Tourism Infrastructure and Capacity Building Fund (RTICF) for these purposes.

Women at the Core of Tourism Development

Reaffirming the state’s commitment to women-led development, she highlighted the expanding role of women in tourism—including managing homestays—as a critical step toward inclusive growth.

Teej Festival and Cultural Identity

On the occasion of Teej, she issued a cultural appeal, “Sawan and Leheriya are integral to our heritage. Every woman should embrace them and share their cultural pride on social media.”

Celebrating Change-Makers in Tourism

The Deputy Chief Minister congratulated all award recipients and expressed gratitude to those contributing to a tourism ecosystem that values both heritage and hospitality.

Tourism Secretary Stresses on Experiential Travel

Principal Secretary for Tourism, Art, Culture, and Archaeology, and RTDC Chairman Rajesh Yadav said the initiative reflects a vital step in preserving Rajasthan’s intangible heritage. He noted that today’s tourists are keen on experiential and lesser-known destinations. “The themes resonate perfectly with the department’s ongoing initiatives,” he added, assuring all tourism stakeholders of continued support in making Rajasthan a top global destination.

Tourism Commissioner’s Outlook

Tourism Commissioner Rukmini Riar described Rajasthan as becoming an inspiring model of responsible and sustainable tourism. “This platform not only nurtures local culture and traditions but also builds momentum toward tourism-led sustainable development,” she said.

Outlook’s Responsible Tourism Awards

The remarks were made during the third edition of the Indian Responsible Tourism State Awards Rajasthan 2025, held at a Jaipur hotel, supported by the Rajasthan Tourism Department and organised by Outlook. The event celebrated innovative, people-centric, and environmentally responsible approaches to tourism.