Kerala Responsible Tourism Fest at Trivandrum from February 11–15, 2026

Kerala will host India’s first-ever Responsible Tourism Festival, “RT Fest 2026,” from February 11–15, 2026 at Kanakakunnu Palace Grounds, Thiruvananthapuram. The five-day event will showcase Kerala’s globally acclaimed responsible tourism model, bringing together communities, entrepreneurs, and global tourism leaders.

Event Overview
- Name: RT Fest 2026 – Kerala Responsible Tourism Festival
- Dates: February 11–15, 2026
- Venue: Kanakakunnu Palace Grounds, Thiruvananthapuram
- Organizer: Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society (KRTMS), Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala
- Significance: India’s first comprehensive Responsible Tourism Festival

Key Highlights
Community Participation:
- Agri/Farm Tourism units
- Ethnic cuisine experiences
- Souvenir and handicraft units
- Artist collectives and cultural performers

Tourism Stakeholders:
- Homestay, serviced villa, and guest house operators
- Tour operators, guides, vloggers/bloggers
- Local Self Government Institutions and elected representatives
- Women entrepreneurs under Kerala’s Women-Friendly Tourism Initiative

Knowledge Sharing:
- Panel discussions on sustainable tourism models
- Workshops on eco-friendly practices and inclusivity
- Networking sessions for global and local tourism stakeholders

Why It Matters
- Global Recognition: Kerala has won multiple International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) Awards for its pioneering community-based tourism initiatives.
- Economic Impact: Strengthens local economies by empowering artisans, farmers, and women entrepreneurs.
- Cultural Preservation: Promotes Kerala’s heritage, crafts, and cuisine through tourism.
- Sustainability: Reinforces Kerala’s commitment to eco-friendly, socially responsible tourism.

✅ In summary: RT Fest 2026 will be a landmark event in Thiruvananthapuram, showcasing Kerala’s responsible tourism success stories, empowering local communities, and positioning the state as a global leader in sustainable tourism.