(THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM)The Uttarakhand government’s continuous efforts to boost tourism development in the state are yielding remarkable results. Over the past few years, the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board has been actively working to enhance heritage and adventure tourism, organizing various initiatives to attract travelers.

In line with these efforts, Rishikesh in Uttarakhand has been awarded as the Best Adventure Destination at the India Tourism Voyage Awards 2025 held in New Delhi on March 28, 2025. This prestigious recognition was presented by the Union Minister for Tourism, Government of India,Jitendra Kshirsagar, and was received on behalf of the state by Liphun Gosain, Secretary, Tourism & Principal Secretary to the Government of Uttarakhand.

Uttarakhand’s Growing Tourism Potential : While receiving the award, Liphun Gosain emphasized that Uttarakhand’s Tourism Department has been actively developing various tourism activities alongside promoting eco-tourism. He highlighted that adventure tourism, particularly in Rishikesh, has seen a significant surge in popularity. The state is also taking steps to strengthen astro-tourism, for which several observation sites have been identified and developed.

To further boost adventure tourism, special planning sessions and site visits were conducted at various locations. These included risk assessments, safety audits, special explorations, and adventure photography competitions, leading to Uttarakhand emerging as India’s first annual AstroVoyage hub.

Grand Participation at the Awards Ceremony : The prestigious India Tourism Voyage Awards 2025 witnessed participation from several states and union territories, including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Meghalaya, and Delhi, among others. Uttarakhand’s recognition as the Best Adventure Destination further cemented its status as a premier travel destination in India.

Insightful Panel Discussion on Tourism Development: A special panel discussion was held during the event, featuring senior tourism officials from various states who shared insights into the evolving landscape of tourism in India. The session was attended by Sachin Kurve, Secretary, Tourism & CEO, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board , Sajiv Ahuja, Principal Secretary, Tourism, Government of Goa, Ravi Jain, Principal Secretary, Tourism Government of Rajasthan, C. S. Rao, Principal Secretary, Tourism & Civil Aviation, Government of Sikkim

These esteemed officials discussed strategies to promote sustainable tourism, the integration of technology in tourism services, and the importance of inter-state collaborations to boost India’s tourism industry. Their insights added immense value to the event, providing a roadmap for states to enhance their tourism potential while ensuring environmental and cultural preservation.

The recognition of Rishikesh as India’s Best Adventure Destination is a milestone in Uttarakhand’s tourism journey. With its breathtaking landscapes, well-developed adventure activities, and commitment to sustainable tourism, the state is poised to attract even more travelers in the coming years.

Through such accolades and insightful discussions, Uttarakhand continues to position itself as a leading tourism hub in India, inspiring other regions to enhance their tourism potential.