Published on
November 16, 2025
The trend of sustainable travel is on the rise, and rewilding tourism has come to be seen as an important technique for restoring ecosystems and giving local people a voice in the process. TOFT is the agency that has been spearheading this change and has been showing for almost twenty years that responsible tourism can not only regenerate ecosystems but also protect the wildlife and uplift the local communities in India and Nepal. The increasing prominence of TOFT is a clear indication of the transformation of the tourism industry in South Asia and globally due to the adoption of nature-friendly travel practices.
TOFT’s Evolution and Global Recognition
TOFT’s journey began with the simple idea that tourism should contribute directly to conservation. What started as a small advocacy effort has now evolved into a significant regional movement. This year, TOFT received multiple prestigious recognitions, further solidifying its position as a leader in sustainable travel. In 2025, TOFT was honoured as a Sustainable Travel Innovator at a global awards ceremony, joining 25 international leaders redefining ethical tourism. Additionally, TOFT won the Good Travel Frontrunner Award 2025 at the Sustainable Destinations Forum in Dubai.
These recognitions underscore TOFT’s commitment to promoting a form of tourism that goes beyond economic benefits to directly support wildlife conservation and ecosystem regeneration. As TOFT continues to advocate for ethical travel practices, it has proven that tourism, when executed thoughtfully, can protect natural environments and support the communities that depend on them.
Collaborations and the Impact of Sustainable Tourism Models
A key part of TOFT’s success is its emphasis on community-centred tourism. Across rural India and Nepal, TOFT has worked with local communities to establish eco-lodges and women-led homestays, which allow communities to benefit from tourism while preserving local wildlife. These initiatives help reduce pressure on forest ecosystems, promote local pride, and ensure that the economic benefits of tourism stay within the communities that have coexisted with wildlife for generations.
The partnership between TOFT and Travelife for Tour Operators has been key to scaling these efforts. This renewed collaboration, announced in October 2025, aims to strengthen sustainable tourism in India and Nepal by promoting Travelife-certified operators. By doing so, TOFT ensures that tourism operators meet global sustainability standards, helping to elevate local businesses and promote conservation through responsible tourism practices.
This collaboration also brings training opportunities for guides, naturalists, and lodge staff, ensuring that tourism providers are equipped to offer ethical wildlife experiences and support local communities.
The TOFT Wildlife and Nature Tourism Awards: Recognising Excellence
TOFT’s flagship event, the TOFT Wildlife and Nature Tourism Awards, celebrates individuals and organisations that have turned sustainability into measurable impact. Scheduled for December 2025, this year’s awards will focus on themes like regenerating ecosystems and empowering local communities. Unlike other tourism awards, TOFT recognises innovation and integrity, highlighting efforts that restore landscapes, protect biodiversity, and uplift local communities.
By celebrating those who demonstrate measurable progress in conservation, TOFT is fostering a new wave of responsible travel professionals and operators dedicated to making a difference in the natural world. These awards continue to encourage industry-wide commitment to sustainability and community empowerment.
Communities and Conservation: The Heart of TOFT’s Work
One of the most impactful aspects of TOFT’s initiatives is the way it integrates community empowerment with wildlife conservation. Through the development of village-run eco-lodges and community-managed safari experiences, TOFT has created opportunities for local people to actively participate in conservation efforts, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared equitably.
These initiatives not only support wildlife conservation but also help build dignified livelihoods in rural areas, where traditional economic opportunities may be limited. TOFT’s success in creating authentic, nature-based tourism models proves that conservation and economic development can go hand in hand.
A Roadmap for the Future of Tourism
As climate change accelerates and biodiversity continues to decline, TOFT’s message of rewilding tourism is becoming increasingly urgent. The organisation continues to highlight the power of regenerative travel, where tourism actively works to heal, restore, and rewild ecosystems. With each sustainable lodge built and every guide trained, TOFT moves closer to a future where both nature and people thrive together.
TOFT Leads the Way in Rewilding Tourism
TOFT’s impact on the tourism sector in India and Nepal illustrates the profound potential of rewilding tourism to foster environmental and community regeneration. Through its strategic collaborations, sustainable tourism certifications, and focus on empowering local communities, TOFT has shown that tourism can indeed be a powerful force for good. As the global demand for responsible travel grows, TOFT’s work offers a compelling model for the future of tourism, one where ecosystems, communities, and travellers all flourish.
