NotOnMap’s tourism model wins global applause

NotOnMap, a community-driven sustainable tourism initiative founded in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, has earned international recognition during the Harvard-University of Tokyo Asia Conference (ACONF) 2025. The event, held from 20-24 August at the University of Tokyo, was organised by the Harvard College Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR).

Founder and CEO Kumar Anubhav was specially invited to present the NotOnMap model, which promotes community-based tourism aimed at preserving cultural heritage, empowering rural communities, and offering authentic travel experiences. Anubhav also served as a judge during competition segments at the conference.

Co-founder Manuj Sharma said HPAIR, which collaborates annually with a leading global university, brings together students, entrepreneurs and experts to explore innovative approaches in business, social impact and sustainable tourism. This year’s conference saw participation from delegates representing around 40 countries.

In his presentation, Anubhav introduced a case study centred on the NotOnMap framework and invited young delegates to propose solutions for scaling the model across different geographies. “The best ideas will be incorporated into upcoming projects,” he said. “We will also share insights from the conference with our communities in Chamba to continue building resilient local tourism economies.”

Founded in Chamba, NotOnMap has since expanded across India, connecting travellers with rural and heritage communities. Its model focuses on conserving local cultures, promoting cultural exchange and strengthening livelihoods.

HPAIR, established in 1991, aims to provide a platform for dialogue on key economic, political and social problems in the Asia-Pacific region. Past partners have included the World Bank, UNHCR and Schwarzman Scholars. For 2025, confirmed partners include JR East, Japan’s metro operator and the International Institute for Strategy and Information Analysis (IISIA).

Sharma said the collaboration with HPAIR offers NotOnMap access to a global network of innovators and thinkers, enabling the organisation to further refine and scale its impactful tourism model.