BRIDGES for Conscious Travel 2025: A Celebration of Sustainable and Experiential Tourism

by  EVENTFAQS Bureau Industry Watch | April 23, 2025 | News

BRIDGES for Conscious Travel 2025 RARE India

BRIDGES for Conscious Travel 2025, hosted by RARE India, was a landmark event that brought together leaders and changemakers in sustainable tourism. The three-day conference welcomed 55 hotel exhibitors, six museums of stories, two NGOs, and several experience providers, who connected with 51 foreign tour operators (FTOs) and 221 destination management companies (DMCs), as well as inbound and domestic travel operators.

This year’s edition stood out for its innovative use of technology and its strong focus on sustainability. Meetings and interactions were facilitated through a specially designed app-based platform developed by Cvent, while a partnership with NettZero ensured the entire event was carbon neutral. The conference was designed not only as a networking platform but also as a space for meaningful conversations, partnerships, and knowledge exchange.

Regarding the conference, Shoba Rudra, Partner & Founder, RARE India said, “With its colour, art & craft traditions, culture and diversity, BRIDGES for Conscious Travel 2025 aims to be a stellar Experiential Tourism conference to entice international audiences as well as inspire the fraternity often caught in the hum drum of operations. This conference is my obeisance to the industry which has opened this university of learning and personal growth for me.”

The event was inaugurated with an insightful keynote by Amita Baig, Former Executive Director of the World Monuments Fund India, who spoke on the theme of ‘Conserving India’s Heritage’. Throughout the conference, engaging discussions were held on crucial topics such as “Can Sustainability Drive Business Growth?”, “The Changing Dynamics of Experiential Travel,” and “The Next Gen in Travel”.

One of the highlights of BRIDGES 2025 was the announcement of the third edition of the RARE Conscious Travel Awards, celebrating innovation and leadership in sustainable tourism. The Indian School of Nature launched a pioneering carbon-neutral itinerary for tour operators, reinforcing the event’s commitment to responsible travel. Gujarat Tourism, the gold sponsor, supported two curated study tours for international travel agents, offering them an immersive experience in the princely estates, wilderness, and craft centers of Gujarat.

Cultural experiences played a key role in the event’s programming. A special three-day festival titled The Chhau at The Belgadia Palace celebrated the vibrant Chhau dance traditions from Bengal, Odisha, and Mayurbhanj, continuing through Bhitarkanika and Ganjam. The event also featured a rich showcase of Indian arts, crafts, and performing traditions. Highlights included a Phad painting demonstration by Vijay Joshi (courtesy Shahpura Bagh), a Koodiyattam performance by Kalamandalam Sangeetha and her ensemble (courtesy Livescapes by The Blue Yonder), an art walk curated by MeMeraki, a Zardozi embroidery demo by Trocals – Travel With Locals, a Pichwai workshop by Shan Bhatnagar of Laalee Jaipur, and soulful morning raagas performed under a Ficus tree.

BRIDGES for Conscious Travel 2025 stood as a vibrant celebration of India’s cultural richness and a testament to the power of sustainable tourism.