Chamba, Himachal Pradesh – NotOnMap, a unique initiative rooted in the hills of Himachal Pradesh, has recently brought pride to India by receiving international recognition at the Harvard-University of Tokyo Asia Conference (ACONF) 2025, held from 20–24 August 2025 in Tokyo.

The event was organized by the Harvard College Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR), a platform known for fostering dialogue on critical economic, political, and social issues in the Asia-Pacific region. Notably, HPAIR has collaborated with institutions such as the World Bank, UNHCR, and Schwarzman Scholars in the past. For 2025, confirmed partners included JR East (Japan’s metro operator) and the International Institute for Strategy and Information Analysis (IISIA).

At this prestigious event, Kumar Anubhav, Founder and CEO of NotOnMap, was specially invited to present the innovative tourism model to global leaders and participants. Anubhav also served as a judge during competition segments, further strengthening India’s representation on this international platform.

The NotOnMap Model: Travel with Impact

Founded in Chamba, NotOnMap began with a simple but powerful thought—“Travel With Impact.” It is a socially-driven initiative designed to generate alternative livelihoods, reduce unskilled migration from rural areas, and create a bridge between travelers seeking authentic cultural exploration and villagers eager to share their heritage but lacking access and exposure.

Key highlights of the NotOnMap model:

• Community Empowerment: Enables villagers to set up homestays and engage in cultural tourism, providing direct income opportunities.
• Preservation of Heritage: Protects indigenous traditions, art forms, folklore, and local biodiversity that are at risk of being forgotten.
• Authentic Experiences for Travelers: Offers visitors a chance to live in remote villages, enjoy local cuisine, and learn about heritage from the community itself.
• Sustainable Development: Focuses on community-based responsible tourism, ensuring that economic benefits reach marginalized groups.

Tackling Migration and Unemployment in Rural India

Millions of villages across India are rich in culture, biodiversity, and preserved traditions, yet face economic distress due to lack of opportunities. This often results in distressed migration, where rural youth move to cities in search of unskilled jobs, leaving behind their culture and weakening community bonds.

By identifying new destinations and setting up community-run homestays, NotOnMap creates livelihood opportunities within villages themselves, helping families sustain themselves without abandoning their roots.

A Bridge Between Two Worlds

NotOnMap has successfully expanded across different parts of India, connecting travelers with untapped cultural and heritage assets hidden in rural and heritage communities. Through its efforts, travelers get an unforgettable cultural exchange, while rural communities feel empowered and valued for their heritage.

This initiative has proven that sustainable tourism is not just about travel—it is about building stronger, self-reliant communities while preserving the nation’s rich heritage for future generations.

Why It Matters

The recognition of NotOnMap at the ACONF 2025 in Tokyo underlines the growing global importance of community-based tourism. It also positions India as a leader in sustainable and responsible travel practices.

In essence, NotOnMap is more than just a tourism initiative—it is a movement that combines culture, sustainability, and community empowerment, putting India’s villages back on the map of global tourism.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on NotOnMap

Q1. What is NotOnMap?
NotOnMap is a community-driven sustainable tourism initiative founded in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. It connects travelers with rural and heritage communities, ensuring tourism benefits local people while preserving culture and traditions.

Q2. What is the vision behind NotOnMap?
The vision is “Travel With Impact” – to create alternative livelihoods, reduce unskilled migration from villages, preserve cultural heritage, and provide authentic travel experiences.

Q3. How does NotOnMap benefit rural communities?

• Provides income opportunities through homestays and cultural tourism
• Helps preserve indigenous traditions, art, and folklore
• Prevents distressed migration by creating local livelihood options
• Empowers marginalized groups and strengthens community bonds

Q4. How does it benefit travelers?

• Offers authentic experiences of rural life, food, and culture
• Promotes cultural exchange with local communities
• Provides unique travel opportunities to offbeat destinations

Q5. Who organized ACONF 2025?
It was organized by the Harvard College Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR), a platform established in 1991 to discuss key issues in the Asia-Pacific region.

Q6. Why is NotOnMap significant for India?
It highlights India’s rich cultural and heritage assets, promotes sustainable and responsible tourism, and shows how social entrepreneurship can solve issues like unemployment, migration, and cultural erosion in rural India.