TOFT Wildlife and Nature Tourism Awards

in association with SANCTUARY NATURE FOUNDATION

Information for Applicants, Rules and Nomination Form

TOFT, in association with Sanctuary Nature Foundation, has partnered to bring together the 8th TOFT Wildlife Tourism Awards 2025. This year’s theme is Rewilding Tourism: Sustaining Nature, Empowering Communities. This year’s theme celebrates visionary tourism initiatives that contribute to the regeneration and protection of wild & nature while uplifting the communities that depend on it. At the heart of this category is the belief that responsible tourism can be a powerful force for Tiger conservation, environmental restoration and socio-economic empowerment. It honours projects that integrate conservation with meaningful local engagement—whether through community-led habitat restoration, indigenous stewardship, sustainable livelihoods, or nature-positive tourism models that ensure both people and planet flourish.

The Awards are designed to recognize and honour excellence in the field of nature tourism. They aim to celebrate individuals, park management teams, naturalists, businesses, environmental advocates, wildlife photographers, wildlife filmmakers, service providers, and community enterprises who are setting benchmarks in wilderness destinations across the Indian subcontinent. Each nominee, through their unique efforts, demonstrates a commitment to pioneering innovative approaches that support and inspire wildlife conservation, engage local communities, and contribute to the restoration of wildlife habitats through their vision, dedication, and actions.

Please note: Applications are open to all. You may nominate your own lodge, business, enterprise, or project, or alternatively, others may submit a nomination on your behalf.

Notes

*Nomination Apply

** Jury Award

Each Award has separate eligibility criteria as detailed below:-

TOFT Supporters Awards

1. The John Wakefield Memorial Award for Most Inspirational Lodge of the Year 2025 *.

The lodge must cater for visitors who intend to have nature-based experiences in India & Nepal. All round excellence is what PUG & FOOTPRINT stands for and an inspirational place to stay. Open to all fully paid-up TOFT PUG & Footprint rated-supporters including runners up-from previous Awards.

Awards are presented in each of the below category:

• PUG Outstanding Category
• PUG Quality Category
• FOOTPRINT Category

Note: This year, we will have only a Winner category, with no Runners-up category as in previous years.

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2. Lodge Naturalist of the Year 2025*

Open to a TOFT Lodge Naturalist (including runners up from previous Awards) who must be working in, or for, a lodge that is recognized as a tiger habitat and must have worked there for at least two years prior to the closing date for entries. (Category will receive nominations for Winners & Runners Up as well).

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3. Wildlife Promotion Company of the Year 2025*

This Award is only open to Destination Management Companies with a registered office in India and Nepal (including runners up from previous Awards). The company must be a fully registered TOFT contributor. Our judging panel will be looking at how the company promotes sustainable practices.

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4. International Wildlife Tour Operator 2025*

This Award is only open to International Tour Operators with a registered office in their respective country who are fully registered TOFT contributors. Our judging panel will be looking at how your approach supports our mission with an opportunity for your clients to nominate you. Runners up from previous Awards can apply also winners after three years.

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5. Wildlife Harmony Homestay Awards*

This prestigious accolade recognizes exceptional homestays that demonstrate a deep commitment to wildlife conservation and sustainable practices. From fostering coexistence with local flora, fauna, culture to promoting eco-friendly tourism, these homestays provide a unique and immersive experience that harmonizes with nature’s beauty. This award is for contributors to TOFT.

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TOFT Environment & Forest Awards

1. The Billy Arjan Singh Memorial Award for Wildlife Guide of the Year 2025*

Open to a Park Guide (including runners up from previous Awards) who must be working in, or for, a park that is recognized as a tiger / wildlife habitat and must have worked there for at least two years prior to the closing date for entries. Awards will be presented in four regional categories, representing the North, South, East, West regions of India or Nepal.

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2. Champion of the Forest of the Year 2025 (New Category)

This award recognises an exceptional individual from the Forest Department—at any rank—whose persistent efforts have driven meaningful change and growth within the protected areas. Through leadership, innovation, and dedication, they have enhanced park management, conservation outcomes, and community engagement. Their work exemplifies the spirit of stewardship vital to preserving our wild landscapes.

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3. Conservationist of the Year 2025 (New Category)

This award celebrates an individual whose outstanding contributions to wildlife conservation have led to measurable, lasting impact. Whether through research, advocacy, habitat restoration, or grassroots action, their work has advanced the protection of species and ecosystems. A true changemaker, they inspire others through their vision, passion, and perseverance.

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4. Climate Guardian of the Year 2025*

The Guardians of the Climate Award recognizes outstanding efforts in combating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability in India and Nepal National Parks. This award honours individuals, organizations, and communities that have made significant contributions to mitigating the impacts of climate change through innovative practices, awareness campaigns, and sustainable initiatives. The award is open to individuals, non-profits, educational institutions, businesses, and community groups from around the world.

Submission Guidelines: Nominees are required to submit a detailed write-up (200–500 words) for this category, outlining why they deserve the award. This should include a clear description of their area of work, the challenges faced, and the tangible impact of their efforts. Each entry must be accompanied by a recent passport-size photograph of the nominee. Supporting materials such as photographs, videos, published research, press coverage, and testimonials from peers or beneficiaries are highly encouraged to strengthen the nomination and provide a fuller picture of the nominee’s contribution.

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TOFT Wildlife Awards

1. Most Inspirational “Rising Star” Eco Lodge of the Year 2025

This award recognises a young, promising eco lodge—between 2 to 3 years old—located in India or Nepal, that caters to nature-based travellers seeking authentic, responsible experiences. Despite being relatively new, the lodge must demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainable tourism practices, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. From eco-friendly infrastructure to ethical operations and conservation initiatives, this rising star should embody the spirit of eco-conscious hospitality and inspire others in the industry.

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2. Wildlife Tourism Community Initiative of the Year 2025*

Nominations are open to any community-related initiative connected with tourism in parks where there are tigers or other wildlife endangered species. The definition of what constitutes a Community Initiative will be decided at the absolute discretion of the judges but for general guidance it would be expected that ownership of the initiative would reside within the local community (5kms. radius of the project).

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3. Wildlife and Tourism Initiative of the Year 2025*.

This is a very wide category intended to encourage innovative thinking around wildlife tourism in the Indian subcontinent. The projects need not be related to tigers but should be capable of application in tiger areas. Wildlife Harmony Homestay Awards*-This prestigious accolade recognizes exceptional homestays that demonstrate a deep commitment to wildlife conservation and sustainable practices. From fostering coexistence with local flora, fauna, culture to promoting eco-friendly tourism, these homestays provide a unique and immersive experience that harmonizes with nature’s beauty. These homestays are preferably owned by local people who are reaping the benefits of tourism. This award is open to non-TOFT supporters too.( There are 2 awards in this category)

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4. Wildlife Conservation Photography Award 2025*

This award aims to highlight the beauty and diversity of wildlife in these regions, while raising awareness about the urgent need to protect endangered species and fragile ecosystems. The award is open to amateur and professional photographers of all ages from around the world. We encourage entries that depict a wide range of species, from the well-known to the obscure, highlighting the rich biodiversity of these regions.

Submission Guidelines:

1. Each participant can submit five photographs.
2. Photographs must be high-resolution (minimum of 300 dpi) and in JPEG format.
3. A brief description (not more than 100 words) should accompany each photograph, explaining the context and conservation message.
4. Submissions must be original and the photographer’s own work.
5. 12 best pictures will become part of TOFT 2026 Calendar.

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5. Wildlife Conservation Documentary Award 2025*

This category emphasizes the documentary that effectively transports viewers into the heart of wildlife habitats, offering a compelling narrative that educates, inspires, and raises awareness about the importance of conservation and protection of wildlife in India and Nepal. This award aims to recognize and promote filmmakers who use their craft to inspire change and raise awareness about the urgent need to protect wildlife and their habitats.

The award is open to documentary filmmakers from around the globe. We welcome entries that explore a variety of themes, including endangered species, habitat preservation, human-wildlife conflict, and innovative conservation strategies.

Submission Guidelines:

• Enclose the documentary with title and Director name. The documentary should be minimum of 20 mins to an hour.
• Entries must be submitted in high-definition digital format.
• Each submission should include a brief synopsis (not more than 100 words) and a director’s statement outlining the conservation message.
• Submissions must be original works created by the entrant

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TOFT Jury Awards

1. Kailash Sankhala Visitor Friendly Wildlife National Park of the Year 2025**

This category recognises the outstanding contributions of National Parks who have made a prominent difference to the wildlife habitats in their region and celebrate the rich biodiversity of the state. We seek to recognise the profound commitment to conservation, protection of biodiversity, and responsible tourism practices within the wildlife destinations This category is open to any park that has tigers within its boundaries and where sightings have been documented in the six months prior to the closing date for nominations (including runners up from previous Awards). The park does not have to be currently covered by TOFT but must be able to highlight its efforts to work with and use tourism more effectively for conservation and support.

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2. Sanctuary Asia Award for “Best State for Sustainable Wildlife Tourism.” **

This category recognises the outstanding contributions of State Tourisms who have made a prominent difference to the wildlife habitats in their region and celebrate the rich biodiversity of the state. We seek to recognise the profound commitment to conservation, protection of biodiversity, and responsible tourism practices within the wildlife destinations. Nominees of this award must exhibit innovative approaches to minimize ecological impact, foster community engagement, and create immersive experiences for visitors to become stewards of the environment.

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Notes *Nomination Apply | ** Jury Award

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• Certificates to be awarded to all the shortlisted Nominees.
• Winners who received the award three years ago in any category are eligible to reapply.
• Free entry will be given to all the winners along with one of their representatives.