TOFTigers, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024, called on India to spearhead a global movement for re-wilding and conservation, utilizing nature tourism as a key tool to protect the country’s biodiversity.

Since its inception, TOFTigers has championed the role of responsible tourism in wildlife restoration and ecosystem protection.

Global studies have revealed the alarming loss of wilderness—a tenth of the Earth’s wilderness has been lost in the past 25 years—and TOFTigers is urging the tourism industry and government to embrace sustainable tourism to protect India’s rich natural heritage. The organization highlights how well-managed nature tourism can provide vital ecosystem services, including clean air, water, flood prevention, and soil fertility, while also offering significant economic returns through tourism.

A core initiative of TOFTigers is its PUG (Practices Under Guidelines) certification, which sets high sustainability standards for eco-friendly tourism operators.

As part of its anniversary celebrations, TOFTigers recognized leaders in sustainable tourism through its  7th Wildlife Tourism Awards, honouring individuals and organizations demonstrating a strong commitment to conservation. These awards were held on February 6th at Bikaner House Delhi. Looking ahead, TOFTigers remains focused on creating a future where wildlife thrives, strongly emphasizing destination management and tourism as key roles in conservation and community development.

On the awards, Vishal Singh, co-founder & Director of TOFTiger, said that TOFTigers envisions a future where nature tourism drives a new wave of support for wildlife conservation, rural communities, and re-wilding efforts. Being on the bucket list for global tourists, it’s the perfect moment for India to lead by example, demonstrating how responsible tourism can protect our natural landscapes and benefit local economies. We unlock immense ecological and economic value by opening these areas to well-managed, sustainable tourism. With the TOFTigers Wildlife Tourism Awards, we hope to ignite a new era of collaboration between the tourism sector, NGOs, and government, creating a lasting legacy of conservation and community empowerment.”

On the TOFT initiative, Shri Mukesh Meshram, Director (Admin) Uttar Pradesh Eco-Toursim Development Board, said, “TOFTigers’ unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable nature tourism resonates deeply with our vision for Uttar Pradesh. Through initiatives like the Wildlife Tourism Awards and the TOFT Good Wildlife Travel Guide launch, they have set a remarkable precedent for responsible tourism that aligns with our goals of preserving biodiversity and empowering local communities. Uttar Pradesh, home to iconic natural landscapes and rich wildlife heritage, is proud to collaborate with TOFTigers to promote innovative and sustainable tourism practices that protect our ecosystems and enhance livelihoods. Together, we aim to position Uttar Pradesh as a leader in eco-tourism and conservation for future generations.”

Shri. Prakhar Misra, Additional Director, Uttar Pradesh Eco-Tourism Development Board, said, “TOFTigers’ vision of fostering collaboration for sustainable tourism aligns perfectly with Uttar Pradesh’s initiatives to integrate conservation with community and private sector engagement. By working with private stakeholders and empowering nature guides, we are creating pathways for responsible tourism that will benefit both people and the planet. Through curated tours to our eco-sites, sensitization programs for youth, and efforts to preserve our unique heritage—like initiating the UNESCO World Heritage site listing for the Salkhan Fossil Park at Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh is setting new benchmarks in eco-tourism. Initiatives like FAM tours and collaborative events further strengthen our resolve to showcase Uttar Pradesh as a beacon of innovation and sustainability in nature tourism.”

Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture Department & Managing Director Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla said, “Madhya Pradesh continually encourages eco-tourism and conservation initiatives. We are fostering a new era of sustainable travel that gives back to the environment by promoting eco-friendly homestays, conservation initiatives, and empowering local communities. Madhya Pradesh is truly India’s ‘Tiger State’, home to 785 tigers. Our 9 Tiger Reserves, 11 National Parks, 24 Wildlife Sanctuaries, and 3 Biosphere Reserves are a testament to our commitment to wildlife conservation. Madhya Pradesh’s outstanding contributions to wildlife habitat conservation and the celebration of rich biodiversity reflect our vision of protecting natural heritage and promoting responsible tourism practices in the heart of Incredible India, aptly renowned as Cheetah State, Gharial State & Leopard State.”

In addition to its policy and certification work, TOFTigers has empowered local communities through skill development, helping to ensure that tourism benefits both people and the environment. The organization regularly collaborates with wildlife experts and naturalists to provide training in sustainable tourism practices, strengthening its network of conservation advocates.