UP Tourism earns global spotlight as Karikot village in Bahraich gets selected for prestigious ICRT Award 2025

Karikot, a village in the Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh, has earned global recognition in rural tourism with its selection for the Indian Subcontinental Responsible Tourism (ICRT) Award 2025.

The village will receive this honor on September 13 at a ceremony in New Delhi. This was announced by Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh.

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Calling it a proud moment for the state, the Minister said that Karikot has set a remarkable example in rural tourism.

Minister Jaiveer Singh said, “Karikot is now an inspiration for villages across Uttar Pradesh. With community leadership and the active participation of the Tharu community and others, the village has shown how rural tourism can bring both pride and prosperity. This achievement will further accelerate the state’s holistic development in rural tourism.”

Located near the India-Nepal border and close to the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, the village has pioneered community-driven initiatives such as homestays and cross-border tourism experiences. These efforts have created jobs, especially for women and youth, while giving new recognition to the local culture, cuisine, handicrafts, and folk arts.

The upcoming award ceremony will take place during the BLTM Trade Show in New Delhi, where 17 institutions from across the Indian subcontinent will be honored under categories such as “One to Watch,” “Silver,” and “Gold.” The recognition list includes organizations that have demonstrated authenticity, innovation, replicability, sustainability, and long-term impact in responsible tourism.

The jury panel for the Responsible Tourism Awards included Prof. Harold Goodwin, Managing Director of Responsible Tourism Partnership and founder of ICRT Global, Manisha Pandey, Managing Director of Village Ways and ICRT India Subcontinent representative, and Charmarie Maelge, Director of ICRT Sri Lanka, among others.