In a landmark recognition of rural innovation and eco-tourism, Kaimoi Village in eastern Arunachal Pradesh has been awarded the Best Tourism Village Award 2025 by the state’s Tourism Department. The accolade, announced on World Tourism Day (September 27), honours the village’s pioneering blend of community-led development, cultural stewardship and environmental protection.
A Vision for Responsibility
Kaimoi’s journey to this accolade began with a shared village vision for responsible tourism. The residents convened a Gram Sabha to chart how to welcome visitors without compromising their environment or traditions. That meeting yielded a tourism roadmap centered on eco-friendly guest stays, cultural exchange programs and outdoor experiences such as bird-watching, all supervised by the village community.
Broad Based Local Participation
The strength of Kaimoi’s model lies in its inclusiveness. Local entities—the Kaimoi Tourism Society, the Women’s Society, the Student Union and the Youth Committee—all play active roles in tourism planning and operation. This broad base ensures that tourism benefits reach all age groups and social segments, generating shared ownership rather than external dominance.
Environmental Protection at the Core
Kaimoi’s tourism strategy places conservation front and centre. The village passed a formal resolution to safeguard its drinking-water catchment area under the Arunachal Pradesh Protection of Drinking Water Catchment Areas Act, 2023. Simultaneously the community initiated afforestation efforts, waste-management projects and adopted low-impact infrastructure to keep the landscape unspoiled even as it welcomes guests.
Women-Led Cleanliness and Empowerment
Five women’s groups formed in Kaimoi now lead the village’s cleanliness campaigns and sustainability efforts. These groups oversee upkeep of public spaces and manage visitor interactions. By awarding prizes to the top-performing groups, the village underscores how tourism can become a tool for women’s empowerment and community uplift.
A Live Example of Eco-Tourism Success
By opting for slow tourism—inviting travellers to linger and connect with local daily life—Kaimoi offers an authentic rural experience. Here, guest stays sit amid nature, with traditional craft-making and bird-watching routes woven into the itinerary. The model proves that rural environments need not sacrifice cultural integrity or ecological health in the name of tourism.
Looking Ahead: Inspiring Rural India
The Best Tourism Village Award is not just a celebration of Kaimoi’s achievements but a signal of what lies ahead. The village now stands as a model for other rural communities across India seeking sustainable tourism pathways. Kaimoi shows that when development is community-driven, rooted in environmental respect and cultural pride, tourism becomes a positive force.
Why Kaimoi Shines
- Community ownership: Every resident has a voice in shaping tourism strategy.
- Eco-first mindset: Water catchment protection, minimal-impact infrastructure and conservation-oriented experiences dominate planning.
- Inclusive economy: Tourism flows directly into local incomes via homestays, craft sales and guided outdoor experiences.
- Cultural respect: Tourism activities align with the traditions of the Wancho tribe and other local communities, maintaining authenticity.
- Replicable model: This framework offers other villages a blueprint for balancing tourism, ecology and livelihoods.
Kaimoi Village has raised the bar for rural tourism in India. As travel trends evolve toward meaningful experiences, landscapes like Kaimoi that offer authenticity, eco-conscious design and local involvement will increasingly attract visitors seeking more than the ordinary. For the villagers of Kaimoi, this award recognises years of collective effort — and opens a promising new chapter in sustainable, community-driven tourism development.
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