Karikot puts Uttar Pradesh on world tourism stage, bags global award for responsible tourism
Community-powered rural model near Nepal border earns international recognition; UP govt hails it as a benchmark for future initiatives
Karikot, a small settlement in Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh, has won the Indian Subcontinental Responsible Tourism (ICRT) Award 2025. Situated close to the Indo-Nepal border and lying alongside the pristine Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, the village will receive the honour at a ceremony in New Delhi on September 13.
Once an obscure hamlet, Karikot has reinvented itself as a rural tourism hub, thanks to the active role of the Tharu tribal community. Local families have opened their homes to visitors, promoted eco-friendly cross-border experiences, and offered authentic cultural interactions. These efforts have revived traditional crafts, cuisine, and folk art, while also creating sustainable livelihoods for youth and women.
The village stood out in the competition for showcasing innovation, community participation, and sustainability, making it an inspirational example for other rural destinations in India.
The award will be presented at the BLTM Travel Show in New Delhi, where 17 leading initiatives from the region will be honoured under categories such as Gold, Silver, and One to Watch. The jury, which included experts like Professor Harold Goodwin (ICRT Global), Manisha Pandey (Village Ways), and Charmarie Maelge (ICRT Sri Lanka), assessed entries on parameters like impact, authenticity, and replicability.
Boost for Uttar Pradesh’s rural tourism drive
According to Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary (Tourism), Karikot’s achievement highlights the success of Uttar Pradesh’s consistent focus on rural and eco-tourism. “This recognition is the outcome of long-term policies such as the UP Bed & Breakfast and Homestay Policy 2025 and dedicated efforts to promote eco-tourism,” he said.
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh added that Karikot demonstrates how community-led initiatives and the involvement of marginalised groups can transform villages into thriving tourism models, and noted that the government plans to scale this approach across the state.
Would you like me to also make a short press release version (2–3 crisp paragraphs) that can be circulated to media quickly?
Once an obscure hamlet, Karikot has reinvented itself as a rural tourism hub, thanks to the active role of the Tharu tribal community. Local families have opened their homes to visitors, promoted eco-friendly cross-border experiences, and offered authentic cultural interactions. These efforts have revived traditional crafts, cuisine, and folk art, while also creating sustainable livelihoods for youth and women.
The village stood out in the competition for showcasing innovation, community participation, and sustainability, making it an inspirational example for other rural destinations in India.
The award will be presented at the BLTM Travel Show in New Delhi, where 17 leading initiatives from the region will be honoured under categories such as Gold, Silver, and One to Watch. The jury, which included experts like Professor Harold Goodwin (ICRT Global), Manisha Pandey (Village Ways), and Charmarie Maelge (ICRT Sri Lanka), assessed entries on parameters like impact, authenticity, and replicability.
Boost for Uttar Pradesh’s rural tourism drive
According to Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary (Tourism), Karikot’s achievement highlights the success of Uttar Pradesh’s consistent focus on rural and eco-tourism. “This recognition is the outcome of long-term policies such as the UP Bed & Breakfast and Homestay Policy 2025 and dedicated efforts to promote eco-tourism,” he said.
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh added that Karikot demonstrates how community-led initiatives and the involvement of marginalised groups can transform villages into thriving tourism models, and noted that the government plans to scale this approach across the state.
Would you like me to also make a short press release version (2–3 crisp paragraphs) that can be circulated to media quickly?