City Heritage at India’s First Responsible Tourism Festival

Posted : 23-02-2026

Responsible Tourism Fest 2026 at Trivandrum (Feb. 11- 15, 2026)

As February 11, 2026 dawned over the leafy avenues of Kanakakkunnu Palace in Thiruvananthapuram, a vibrant tapestry of Kerala’s culture and community spirit began to unfold. What began as an ambitious vision of the Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society and the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, had blossomed into a living, breathing festival — India’s first-ever Responsible Tourism Festival, a five-day celebration of the state’s globally acclaimed people-centred tourism model.

The festival was formally inaugurated by Tourism Minister P. A. Mohamed Riyas, whose presence underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening inclusive and sustainable tourism practices across the state. With the ceremonial opening, the palace grounds transformed into a dynamic space of exchange, enterprise, and cultural pride.

From agri and farm tourism experiences to ethnic cuisine stalls, handicrafts, artist collectives, women-led enterprises, and Local Self Government Institution (LSGI) representatives, every corner of the venue pulsed with conversation, colour, and connection. Around 60 stalls showcased indigenous products and immersive experiences, creating a direct bridge between local communities and visitors eager for authentic travel narratives.

More than a festival, it became a marketplace of stories — where farmers, artisans, entrepreneurs, and travellers met not merely to trade goods, but to share identities, livelihoods, and visions for a tourism model rooted in responsibility and resilience.

Celebrating the Cultural & Culinary Soul of Malabar: City Heritage at RT Fest

Amid the vibrant hum of conversations, folk rhythms, and the aroma of traditional kitchens at the Responsible Tourism Fest in Thiruvananthapuram, the City Heritage stall stood not merely as an exhibit, but as a living narrative. Draped in visuals, heritage curios, and thoughtfully curated story panels, the space invited visitors to step beyond observation and into experience. City Heritage presented its philosophy with quiet confidence — that heritage is not a relic to be viewed from a distance, but a living memory to be walked through, tasted, and shared. From cultural trails to community-guided explorations and Malabar’s layered food stories, the stall echoed the idea that responsible tourism and heritage are deeply intertwined — two sides of the same experiential coin.

The stall soon became a meeting point of meaningful exchanges. It was a proud moment when Kumari IAS, District Collector of Trivandrum — who had earlier experienced two City Heritage programmes — visited and shared her appreciation. The space also welcomed Sikha Surendran IAS, Director of the Department of Tourism; Rupeshkumar K, CEO of the Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society; along with founders and representatives from Let’s Go For a Camp, Culturati, Yogi Trails, Classic Pavilion, the Land Use Department, the Nature Guards Initiative, and several Responsible Tourism units and travellers. Each conversation added a new layer to the dialogue on sustainable and community-rooted travel.

One of the most heartfelt moments unfolded when the award-winning Anjarakandy Panchayat committee from Kannur — recognised as the best Responsible Tourism unit — visited the stall. Led by Panchayat President Seena, along with the standing committee members, the team stepped in with curiosity and quiet pride. Drawn towards the Theyyam display, they paused in reflection. For them, it was not merely an exhibit; it was a mirror to their own soil, rituals, and living traditions. As President Seena and her team listened to how City Heritage had once begun narrating stories from Kannur’s cultural landscape, the space seemed to hold a shared sense of belonging. The conversation flowed beyond formalities — touching upon ancestral shrines, community memories, and the evolving identity of their Panchayat. What began as a visit gradually transformed into a meaningful exchange rooted in mutual recognition. The Anjarakandy Panchayat team extended wholehearted support for collaborative efforts to further explore, document, and present the historical and cultural significance of their region. It was more than an official interaction; it was a reaffirmation that heritage thrives best when communities themselves become its custodians and storytellers.

As the festival’s walkways flowed with music, discussions, and the scent of Malabar cuisine, City Heritage quietly wove its thread into Kerala’s larger Responsible Tourism story. Here, tourism was measured not in footfall but in connections — in traditions preserved, communities empowered, and narratives honoured. Coordinated by the passionate team of Yasin Asharaf, Ambili, Abdullah, and Al Ameen, the stall reflected the energy and dedication behind the vision. In that vibrant gathering, City Heritage did not simply participate in the festival; it celebrated the cultural and culinary soul of Malabar with purpose, pride, and a storyteller’s heart.