Sustainable Travel Honored In New Delhi As The 8th Annual TOFT Wildlife And Nature Tourism Awards 2025 Celebrates Regenerative Tourism Practices

Published on December 17, 2025

The 8th Annual TOFT Wildlife and Nature Tourism Awards 2025 was successfully convened by Travel Operators for Tigers India at the historic Bikaner House in New Delhi. This prestigious event was organized to honor the visionaries and organizations that are actively transforming the landscape of sustainable tourism across the Indian subcontinent. Under the evocative theme of Rewilding Tourism: Sustaining Nature, Empowering Communities, the ceremony served as a significant platform for recognizing those who have established new paradigms for nature-positive practices and regenerative travel.

The gathering was attended by a diverse assembly of stakeholders, including state tourism officials, renowned conservationists, dedicated lodge owners, and naturalists. Furthermore, the audience was enriched by the presence of wildlife photographers, community enterprises, and advocates for responsible travel. A shared objective was observed among all participants: the promotion of tourism as a proactive tool for wildlife protection, habitat restoration, and the enhancement of community livelihoods. Through these collective efforts, it is intended that long-term ecological stewardship will be secured for future generations.

Historical Significance and the Evolution of TOFT

The legacy of the TOFT Wildlife Tourism Awards traces back to their inception in 2010. Over the past decade and a half, these accolades have ascended in prominence, becoming a benchmark for excellence within the travel industry. Recognition is provided to those who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to protecting the environment while fostering economic resilience in rural areas. By highlighting successful models of conservation-focused tourism, the initiative continues to inspire a broader adoption of ethical standards that safeguard biodiversity throughout India and neighboring regions.

Distinguished Keynote Insights and Reflections

The proceedings were graced by Mr. Bittu Sahgal, the esteemed Editor of Sanctuary Asia and Founder of the Sanctuary Nature Foundation, who delivered the keynote address. With a career spanning over forty years in the field of conservation, perspectives were shared regarding the indispensable link between responsible tourism and environmental awareness. It was emphasized by Mr. Sahgal that ecological restoration must be prioritized, particularly in light of current climate instabilities.

A poignant tribute was also paid to the late Mr. Valmik Thapar, a towering figure in the realm of Indian wildlife conservation. The enduring influence of his work was acknowledged as a primary source of inspiration for contemporary naturalists. Furthermore, reflections were offered on the lessons learned from the wilderness of Gir and other critical landscapes. It was noted that forests and the communities residing within them constitute the essential life-support systems of the planet. A call was made to the sector to ensure that younger generations are reconnected with the rich natural heritage of the nation.

Recognition of Excellence in Eco-Lodging and Hospitality

The John Wakefield Memorial Award for the Most Inspirational Eco Lodge of the Year 2025 was presented in several categories to reflect the diversity of sustainable accommodations. Within the PUG – Outstanding Category, the winner was identified as Spice Village, A CGH Earth Experience located in Thekkady, Kerala, while Svasara Jungle Lodge at Tadoba in Maharashtra was recognized as the runner-up. In the PUG – Quality Category, the top honor was bestowed upon Denwa Backwater Escape Lodge in the Satpura National Park of Madhya Pradesh, followed by Brij Pola Jawai in Rajasthan.

For properties categorized under FOOTPRINT (Non-Wildlife), After the Rains, Rainforest Lodge in Wayanad, Kerala, secured the win in the Quality division. The Outstanding award in this category was presented to Hotel Barahi in Kathmandu, Nepal. These establishments were lauded for their ability to integrate luxury with environmental sensitivity, proving that tourism can thrive without compromising the integrity of local ecosystems.

Individual Contributions to Fieldwork and Naturalism

The vital role played by naturalists in bridging the gap between tourists and the wild was acknowledged through the Lodge Naturalist of the Year 2025 award. This category, sponsored by Jungle Camps India, saw joint winners in Shubham Alave from Bori Safari Lodge and Shaik Shaheen from Waghoba Eco Lodge. They were closely followed by runners-up Tek Mahato and Namrata Bhandari, representing Barahi Jungle Lodge and Baghvan, A Taj Safari, respectively.

In the sphere of professional guiding, the Billy Arjan Singh Memorial Award – Wildlife Guide of the Year 2025, sponsored by Pugdundee Safaris, was distributed across four geographic regions. Harish Sharma was recognized for North India, Reeshna Pardhi for Central India, Shahanaz Suleman Baig for West India, and Bitupan Kalita for East India. Each individual was commended for their profound knowledge and dedication to ethical wildlife viewing.

Corporate and International Leadership in Wildlife Promotion

The efforts of organizations that facilitate international and domestic interest in India’s wilderness were also highlighted. Abercrombie & Kent India Pvt. Ltd. was declared the Wildlife Promotion Company of the Year 2025. On the international front, the award for International Wildlife Tour Operator of the Year 2025 was presented to Holidays in Rural India, a firm based in the United Kingdom.

Community-centric hospitality was celebrated with the Wildlife Harmony Homestay Award 2025, which was won by Svanir Wilderness Ecostay in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Additionally, the Sustainable Homestay Award 2025, sponsored by Limban Resort, recognized SAGG Eco Village in Ganderbal, Kashmir, as the winner, with Kurambik Eco Homestay in Leh serving as the runner-up.

Advocacy for Conservation and Climate Action

Special emphasis was placed on those who labor on the frontlines of environmental protection. The Champion of the Forest 2025 award was given to Rajesh Kumar Patel from the Satpura Tiger Reserve, while Dr. Akhilesh Mishra from Pench National Park was named the runner-up. The title of Conservationist of the Year 2025 was earned by Doma Paudel from Chitwan, Nepal, for exceptional field contributions.

Climate advocacy was a key focus of the evening, with the Indian School of Nature (ISN) receiving the Climate Guardian of the Year 2025 award. Furthermore, community initiatives were recognized through the Wildlife Tourism Community Initiative of the Year 2025, won by the Godwar Raika Camel Breeders (Camel Charisma) in Rajasthan. In the category of Wildlife & Tourism Initiative of the Year, Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha from Sikkim was honored as the winner.

The Role of Visual Media and Regional Excellence

The power of storytelling through imagery was acknowledged with the Wildlife Conservation Photography Award 2025, won by Erwin Agnel D’Rose. Documentary filmmaking was also celebrated, with joint winners Tushar Bhojwani for Roar of the Tiger and Shatabdi Chakrabarti for her work on the illegal snake trade.

The evening concluded with the recognition of regional excellence. The Kailash Sankhala Visitor-Friendly Wildlife National Park of the Year 2025 was awarded to the Satpura Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh. Finally, the Sanctuary Asia Award for the Best State for Sustainable Wildlife Tourism 2025 was proudly claimed by Sikkim, marking it as a premier destination for travelers seeking a balance between adventure and ecological integrity.