TOFT announces the 8th edition of the Wildlife & Nature Tourism Awards, set to take place on December 12, 2025, in partnership with the Sanctuary Nature Foundation. This year’s awards will honor outstanding contributions in nature tourism under the theme ‘Rewilding Tourism: Harmonizing Nature and Tourism’ This year’s theme champions travel that heals ecosystems and empowers local guardians of nature. From rewilded landscapes to thriving wildlife, it honours efforts where tourism is a force for good. Together, we reimagine journeys that tread lightly and leave a legacy of flourishing wilderness.
TOFT Wildlife & Nature Tourism Awards have played a crucial role in promoting responsible tourism and environmental stewardship within the travel trade community since its inception. These awards honor those who not only enhance the tourist experience but also make significant contributions to wildlife conservation and community welfare. They celebrate pioneers who innovate in supporting wildlife conservation, engaging local communities, and restoring wildlife habitats.
The awards will honour excellence in park management, naturalist guides, travel businesses, environmental and climate advocacy, wildlife photography and filmmaking, service providers, and community enterprises across India and Nepal.
There are sixteen categories of awards:
1. The John Wakefield Memorial Award for Most Inspirational Lodge of the Year 2025.
Awards are presented in each of the below category:
a. PUG Outstanding Category
b. PUG Quality Category
c. FOOTPRINT Category
2. The Billy Arjan Singh Memorial Award for Best Wildlife Guide of the Year 2025
(Awards will be presented in four regional categories, representing the North, South, East, and West regions of India.)
3. Champion of Forest of the Year 2025
4. Conservationist of the Year 2025
5. Wildlife Promotion Company of the Year 2025
6. Most Inspirational “Rising Star” Eco Lodge of the Year 2025
7. Wildlife Tourism Community Initiative of the Year 2025
8. Wildlife and Tourism Initiative of the Year 2025
9. International Wildlife Tour Operator of the Year 2025
10. Wildlife Conservation Photography Award 2025
11. Wildlife Conservation Documentary Award 2025
12. Lodge Naturalist of the Year 2025
13. Wildlife Harmony Homestay Awards (open to non- TOFT properties as well)
14. Kailash Sankhala Visitor Friendly Wildlife National Park of the year 2025
15. Sanctuary Asia Award for “Best State for Sustainable Wildlife Tourism” 2025
16. Climate Guardian Award 2025
Online nominations are available here www.toftigers.org/awardsnomination
