TOFT proudly hosted the 8th Annual TOFT Wildlife & Nature Tourism Awards at Bikaner House, New Delhi
TOFT proudly hosted the 8th Annual TOFT Wildlife & Nature Tourism Awards at Bikaner House, New Delhi, bringing together leaders and changemakers shaping the future of sustainable travel across the Indian subcontinent. This year’s ceremony, themed “Rewilding Tourism: Sustaining Nature, Empowering Communities,” honoured exemplary efforts in conservation-focused tourism and recognised those setting new benchmarks for regenerative, nature-positive practices.
The evening brought together state tourism officials, conservationists, industry experts, lodge owners, naturalists, community enterprises, photographers, and responsible travel advocates, united by a shared mission to ensure that tourism contributes directly to protecting wildlife, restoring habitats, and uplifting local communities.
From pioneering sustainability innovations to community-driven conservation models, the 2025 finalists and winners demonstrated how well-managed nature tourism can act as a powerful force for ecological restoration, rural livelihoods, and long-term stewardship of India’s natural heritage.
Established in 2010, the TOFT Wildlife Tourism Awards have grown steadily in prominence and industry impact, providing meaningful recognition to organisations and individuals demonstrating excellence in sustainable tourism. By honouring these leaders, TOFT aims to inspire wider adoption of responsible practices that protect wildlife, safeguard natural habitats, and build resilient ecosystems across the country.
The ceremony featured Mr. Bittu Sahgal, Editor of Sanctuary Asia and Founder of the Sanctuary Nature Foundation, as the Keynote Speaker. In his address, he underscored the critical role of responsible tourism in strengthening conservation awareness, supporting local livelihoods, and fostering long-term ecological stewardship. A part of his speech was devoted to remembering the late Mr. Valmik Thapar, one of India’s most respected wildlife conservationists, whose legacy continues to inspire the conservation community. Drawing from over four decades of experience, Mr. Sahgal reminded the audience that forests, wildlife, and the communities that protect them are life-support systems for our collective future.
Reflecting on lessons from Gir and other wilderness landscapes across India, he emphasised that climate instability poses one of the greatest threats to both wildlife and human wellbeing, urging the tourism and conservation community to champion models that restore ecosystems, reduce pressure on natural habitats, and reconnect younger generations with India’s natural heritage.
Mr. Sahgal’s keynote reinforced a shared message: that the choices we make today in tourism, conservation, and land use will shape the future of India’s forests, wildlife, and the communities intertwined with them.
The Winners for 2025
1. The John Wakefield Memorial Award for Most Inspirational Eco Lodge of the Year 2025 – PUG Outstanding Category
WINNER: Spice Village, A CGH Earth Experience – Thekkady, Kerala
2. The John Wakefield Memorial Award for Most Inspirational Eco Lodge of the Year 2025 – PUG Quality Category
WINNER: Denwa Backwater Escape Lodge – Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh
3. The John Wakefield Memorial Award for Most Inspirational Eco Lodge of the Year 2025 – FOOTPRINT Category (Non-Wildlife)
WINNER (QUALITY CATEGORY): After the Rains, Rainforest Lodge – Wayanad, Kerala
WINNER (OUTSTANDING CATEGORY): Hotel Barahi – Kathmandu, Nepal
4. Lodge Naturalist of the year 2025
JOINT WINNERS: Shubham Alave (Bori Safari Lodge – Dhapadamal, Madhya Pradesh) & Shaik Shaheen (Waghoba Eco Lodge, Pugdundee Safaris – Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra)
5. Wildlife Promotion Company of the Year 2025
WINNER: Abercrombie & Kent India Pvt. Ltd.
6. International Wildlife Tour Operator of the Year 2025
WINNER: Holidays in Rural India (UK)
7. Wildlife Harmony Homestay Award 2025
WINNER: Svanir Wilderness Ecostay – Bhubaneswar, Odisha
8. The Billy Arjan Singh Memorial Award for Wildlife Guide of the Year 2025 (SPONSORED BY: Pugdundee Safaris)
WINNER (North India): Harish Sharma – Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan
WINNER (Central India): Reeshna Pardhi – Panna National Park, Madhya Pradesh
WINNER (West India): Shahanaz Suleman Baig – Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra
WINNER (East India): Bitupan Kalita – Kaziranga National Park, Assam
9. Champion of The Forest 2025
WINNER: Rajesh Kumar Patel – Satpura Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
10. Conservationist of the Year 2025
WINNER: Doma Paudel – Chitwan, Nepal
11. Climate guardian of the year 2025
WINNER: ISN – Indian School of Nature
12. Most Inspirational “Rising Star” Eco Lodge of the Year 2025
WINNER: Kathoni – Kaziranga, Assam
13. Wildlife Tourism Community Initiative of the Year 2025
WINNER: Godwar Raika Camel Breeders (Camel Charisma) – Sadri, Rajasthan
14. Wildlife and Tourism Initiative of the Year 2025
WINNER: Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha – Village Noam Panang, Sikkim
15. Sustainable Homestay Award 2025
WINNER: SAGG Eco Village – Ganderbal, Kashmir
16. Wildlife Conservation Photography Award 2025
WINNER: Erwin Agnel D’Rose (Satpura, Madhya Pradesh)17.
17. Wildlife Conservation Documentary Award 2025
JOINT WINNERS: “Roar of The Tiger” (Tushar Bhojwani) & “A Harmless Snake Trapped in Illegal Trade and Superstitions” (Shatabdi Chakrabarti)
18. Kailash Sankhala Visitor Friendly Wildlife National Park of the Year 2025 (SPONSORED BY: Tiger Resorts Jungle Lodges)
19. Sanctuary Asia Award for “Best State for Sustainable Wildlife Tourism” 2025
WINNER: Sikkim
