Responsible tourism changemakers in Sri Lanka are called to apply for the 2025 Indian Subcontinent Responsible Tourism Awards 2025. The six award categories for 2025 include responsible all-inclusive, adapting to climate change, increasing local sourcing, encouraging peace, understanding and inclusivity, managing waste and delivering nature positive tourism. The awards aim to recognize and promote sustainable, ethical, and innovative practices in the tourism sector.

The prestigious Global Responsible Tourism Awards have been a hallmark of global recognition for best practices in responsible tourism since 2004 held at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London. Since 2022, it is held alongside the WTM as a separate event and has grown in to a much-awaited global event in the Responsible Tourism domain.

The awards have grown in stature and now include several regional events – India and the Sub-Continent, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America, with the introduction of a separate category for Europe starting in 2025. Gold winners of the Indian Sub-Continent category go to win the Global Award held parallel to the WTM in London. Jetwing Hotels, for example, was recognized with a Global Responsible Tourism Award in 2024, highlighting Sri Lanka’s potential to lead in the Responsible Tourism field.

Now the judges are on the hunt for equally impressive responsible tourism changemakers for 2025. India Subcontinent Awards run by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism ICRT India Foundation are open for entry by 30 June 2025. Manisha Pande, representing ICRT India Foundation said: “The Responsible Tourism Awards for the Indian subcontinent are all about finding innovative and replicable examples of responsible tourism that other people can learn from. We look forward to hearing more inspiring examples.”

Harold Goodwin, founder of the International Centre for Responsible Tourism global and chair of the judges said: “The Responsible Tourism Awards are free to enter and highlight the travel and tourism sector’s commitment to minimising negative impacts and maximising positive contributions. Entering the awards presents an unmissable opportunity for changemakers to showcase their results and inspire others.”

According Charmarie Maelge of ICRT Sri Lanka “This is an excellent opportunity for Sri Lanka to globally highlight its distinctive responsible tourism practices, fostering greater sustainability and innovation within our local tourism businesses. Recognition through this prestigious international award offers a significant marketing advantage to elevate Sri Lanka’s global image as a sustainable tourism destination”

The closing date for awards is 30 June 2025. Judging takes place in July and the Award winners are announced in August at a ceremony held in India. Indian Subcontinent Responsible Tourism Awards 2025 application forms and judging criteria can be obtained from the ICRT global website at https://icrt.global/icrt-india-awards-2025/ or email charmarie_maelge@yahoo.co.uk