The Indian Responsible Tourism State Awards continue to spotlight initiatives that place communities, culture and conservation at the heart of tourism development, reinforcing Maharashtra’s growing leadership in responsible travel practices. A keynote address titled “When Conservation Becomes Development: Rethinking Heritage Tourism” was delivered by Ratish Nanda, Indian Conservation Architect and Projects Director of Aga Khan Trust for Culture, India. His address focused on how heritage conservation, when community-led and carefully designed, can become a powerful engine for sustainable development. The ceremony brought together government leaders, conservationists, tourism professionals, cultural custodians and grassroots entrepreneurs to recognise and celebrate exemplary work in responsible tourism across the state.