Celebrating 20 Years of TOFTigers: The 7th Wildlife Tourism Awards and Sustainable Tourism B2B Travel Trade Show

The 7th TOFTigers Wildlife Tourism Awards, in collaboration with the Sanctuary Nature Foundation and Outlook Traveller, was hosted at Bikaner House, New Delhi, under the theme “Celebrating Harmony: Fostering Sustainable Wildlife Tourism through Innovation and Collaboration.” This milestone event marked 20 years of TOFTigers’ dedication to conservation and wildlife tourism.

The awards celebrated individuals and organizations championing ethical practices, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. By recognizing these leaders, TOFTigers aims to inspire  a broader audience to use tourism as a force for good, fostering a harmonious ecosystem that supports both wildlife and communities.

Marking this significant occasion, TOFTigers launched its new logo, reflecting its renewed vision of “Driving Sustainable Destinations” in the coming years.The newly designed logo embodies TOFTigers’ vision with sleek, modern lines and a striking depiction of a globe covered in greenery, symbolizing the organization’s global conservation efforts. The fresh tagline, “Driving Sustainable Destinations”, underscores TOFTigers’ mission to lead the transformation of tourism into a force for preserving natural ecosystems and supporting local communities.

This new visual identity signifies TOFTigers’ forward-thinking approach and strengthens its position as a key player in promoting eco-friendly tourism practices.

Additionally, the 5th edition of the Great Wildlife Travel Guide to India and Nepal—TOFTigers’ flagship publication—was unveiled. This guide offers comprehensive information on national parks, travel agents, wildlife tour operators, and accommodation providers that support TOFTigers’ campaign across India and Nepal. A valuable resource for travelers seeking responsible tourism experiences; is indeed a compilation of the very best.

The prestigious event was graced by the presence of Shri P.A. Mohammed Riyas, Honorable Minister for Tourism and Public Works, Government of Kerala; Mr. Lalit Kumar Verma, Field Director of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve; and Mr. Devendra Rai, Resident Manager of the Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation.

A compelling keynote address by Mr. Jose Louise, CEO of the Wildlife Trust of India, captivated the audience. He emphasized the crucial link between wildlife conservation and the future of tourism, illustrating his point with a powerful anecdote. Recalling a local woman’s remark, “What is Kanha without tigers?” he left the audience reflecting deeply on the intrinsic value of conservation.

The event also featured two thought-provoking panel discussions. The first explored how wildlife tourism can serve as a powerful tool for conservation, while the second delved into the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of nature-based tourism. Both sessions sparked meaningful dialogue and provided actionable insights for the industry.

With approximately 200 stakeholders from the wildlife tourism and conservation sectors in attendance, the gathering underscored the collective commitment to fostering sustainable practices. This synergy made the event a remarkable success.

Looking ahead, TOFTigers remains unwavering in its mission to promote wildlife habitats, sustainable destinations, and community-driven conservation initiatives, charting a course toward a brighter, more sustainable future for both nature and the travel industry.