Developed through six months of hands-on training and mentorship, these youth and community-led initiatives encompass sustainable community-driven tourism models – ranging from waste-free tourism and agrotourism to nature-linked travel experiences
The third edition of the Green Hub x Royal Enfield Responsible Tourism (GH-RE RT) Conclave celebrated youth-driven action and ideas for fostering sustainable travel across the northeastern Himalayan region. Powered by Royal Enfield Social Mission, the two-day conclave brings together communities, young conservationists, entrepreneurs, and tourism stakeholders for dynamic presentations, partnerships, and innovative pitch ideas. Focused on strengthening community-based responsible tourism, the program aims to build both socioeconomic well-being and ecological security through youth and community ownership at the local level.
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of Responsible Tourism action plans by the 3rd batch of the Green Hub x Royal Enfield Responsible Tourism Fellowship. Developed through six months of hands-on training and mentorship, these youth and community-led initiatives encompass sustainable community-driven tourism models – ranging from waste-free tourism and agrotourism to conservation-focused, culture and nature-linked travel experiences. Another significant aspect of the conclave was the presentations by the fellowship alumni, who shared their journey, trajectories and the impact of their initiatives.
Bidisha Dey, Executive Director, Eicher Group Foundation, the CSR arm of Royal Enfield, said, “The Green Hub x Royal Enfield Responsible Tourism Fellowship goes beyond promoting sustainable travel—it’s about empowering youth and local communities to become stewards of their own landscapes and cultures. Through this program, we are witnessing a transformative shift where conservation and livelihood opportunities go hand in hand. So far, we have onboarded over 45 fellows, fostering market linkages and building an ecosystem for collective impact. The fellowship extends beyond the mainstay of the economy, highlighting the power of community-driven change. The third edition of the conclave reaffirms our collective commitment to this vision, bringing together passionate changemakers who are shaping a future where travel nurtures the delicate balance of nature and cultural heritage in the region.”
Beyond these presentations, the conclave was enriched by an exhibition and the presence of community members from each project site, who shared their traditions, cultural expressions, and local wisdom. Through performances, storytelling, and indigenous craft displays, they shared the essence of their heritage, reinforcing the connection between responsible tourism and cultural preservation. The experience of all stakeholders and visitors was deepened by the participation and guidance of the community members and mentors. The shared enthusiasm underscored the spirit of collaboration and community-led conservation and entrepreneurship which is core to this initiative.
Dr. Nandini Velho, Mentor, GH-RE RT Fellowships said, “As a wildlife biologist studying community-based engagement models around Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary — particularly in the context of limited bird-based tourism, nature education, and community participation — the Green Hub Royal Enfield Responsible Tourism platform has been invaluable in expanding our site-engaged work. It provides a crucial space to explore conservation and livelihood models not only in Arunachal Pradesh but across the region.”
The fellowship provides intensive training, exposure visits, and expert mentorship to equip young leaders with the knowledge and skills to develop ecologically and culturally responsible tourism enterprises. Over the past six months, 14 fellows from eight states worked on four designated Responsible Tourism sites, including:
- Rangapani, Baksa, Assam
- Simong, Upper Siang, Arunachal Pradesh
- Shergaon, West Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh
- Tataya, Majuli, Assam
These sites, chosen for their ecological and cultural significance, are shaping new models of sustainable tourism that integrate local communities, promote conservation, and create viable livelihood opportunities.
Since its inception, the fellowship has engaged youth from 8 states and 23 communities, strengthening grassroots conservation efforts through responsible tourism. With each edition, the Green Hub x Royal Enfield Responsible Tourism Fellowship continues to expand its reach, creating more resilient, community-led, and conservation-driven tourism models. As the movement grows, it paves the way for a future where travel not only celebrates the Northeast’s rich natural and cultural heritage but also ensures its long-term preservation.