In a historic moment for Kashmir, SAGG Eco Village, an ecological enterprise based in the region, has secured two prestigious honors at the Outlook Responsible Tourism Summit and Awards (IRTA) 2025. At the ceremony held in Bhuj, Gujarat, SAGG Eco Village won the Silver Award in the Sustainable Leadership (BnBs & Guesthouses) category, while its founder, Fayaz Ahmad Dar, bagged the Gold Award in the Sustainability Champions (Grassroots Heroes) category.
This marks the first time a Kashmiri initiative has achieved such recognition at the IRTA, which is known for celebrating ethical, sustainable, and community-driven tourism models since its inception in 2016.
SAGG Eco Village, known for its focus on ecological preservation and the revival of local culture, impressed the jury with its innovative approach to responsible tourism. The guesthouse not only minimizes its environmental impact but also offers visitors an authentic experience rooted in the traditions and natural beauty of Kashmir.
Meanwhile, Fayaz Ahmad Dar was honored for his grassroots work in ecological entrepreneurship and environmental conservation. Under his leadership, SAGG Eco Village has become a model for regenerative tourism, inspiring other community-led initiatives across the region.
“These awards are not just about me or SAGG Eco Village,” Dar said while receiving the award. “They are about the collective work of everyone striving for a more sustainable and just world. Our journey shows that ecological entrepreneurship can thrive while restoring communities and nature.”
Organised by Outlook Traveller in collaboration with UN Tourism and key industry bodies, the IRTA 2025 summit brought together global tourism experts, policymakers, and innovators to discuss strategies for making travel more climate-conscious and regenerative.
With this recognition, SAGG Eco Village is now being hailed as a pioneering example of how tourism, business, and environmental stewardship can successfully come together, setting new standards for responsible tourism in Kashmir and beyond.
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