TOFTigers are delighted to announce the winners for the TOFT Wildlife Tourism Awards held on 14th September 2012. Competition was fierce and we congratulate all nominees for their dedication to eco-tourism and conservation. The winners and runners up represent some of the finest examples of responsible wildlife tourism and conservation work in India and internationally.
Best International Tour Operator for Wildlife of the Year 2012
Winner: Cox and Kings, UK
Cox and Kings have actively supported wildlife tourism initiatives across India and have been long-standing supporters of TOFT programmes including guide training and driver training initiatives in Madhya Pradesh.
Contact: jessica.cater@coxandkings.co.uk
Runner Up: Sawadee, Netherlands
Sawadee is a leading sustainable tourism operator in the Netherlands and an active supporter of TOFT’s guide training programmes.
Contact: saskia.Griep@sawadee.nl
Best Lodge Naturalist of the Year 2012
Winner: Rajesh Bhatt – Jim’s Jungle Lodge, Corbett
Rajesh Bhatt is a self-taught naturalist and conservationist with exceptional knowledge of botany and birdlife. He actively trains forest guards and runs ecotourism education initiatives through his NGO “Rainbow”.
Contact: rajeshbhatt0@rediffmail.com
Runner Up: Shukra Kumal – Ken River Lodge, Pench
With over 28 years of experience, Shukra Kumal is an expert naturalist with deep knowledge of birds, reptiles, insects and flora. He actively contributes to wildlife training programmes and census operations in Panna.
Contact: manav@pugdundeesafaris.com
Best Tourist Related Community Initiative of the Year 2012
Winner: Prakratik Society – Ranthambhore
For over two decades, the Prakratik Society has worked with communities around Ranthambhore National Park supporting education, healthcare, afforestation and sustainable livelihoods.
Contact: info@prakratiksociety.org
Runner Up: Shakti Himalayas
Shakti promotes responsible tourism through village walks and restored village homes across Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Ladakh, generating income for remote Himalayan communities.
Contact: soumya@shaktihimalaya.com
Best Wildlife Promotion Company of the Year 2012
Winner: &Beyond India
&Beyond India is operated by naturalists and wildlife experts dedicated to promoting responsible wildlife tourism and showcasing India as a premier wildlife destination globally.
Contact: reinee.ghosh@andbeyondindia.com
Runner Up: Royal Expeditions
Royal Expeditions specialises in wildlife travel experiences and has pioneered imaginative wildlife study tours for international travellers.
Contact: vishal@royalexpeditions.com
Best Wildlife / Tourism Initiative of the Year 2012
Winner: Wildernest – Goa
Wildernest has created a 450-acre private sanctuary protecting a vital tiger corridor between Goa and Karnataka. The project has restored forest habitat and reduced poaching threats.
Contact: ophidian_nirmal@yahoo.co.in
Runner Up: Pugdundee Safaris & Ken River Lodge – Madhya Pradesh
Ken River Lodge has transformed farmland into thriving forest habitat and works closely with local communities through training programmes and conservation initiatives.
Contact: pugdundeesafaris@gmail.com
Joint Runner Up: Reni Pani Lodge – Satpura
Reni Pani Lodge combines eco-sensitive architecture with strong conservation and community commitments while delivering exceptional wildlife experiences.
Contact: info@renipanijunglelodge.com
The Billy Arjan Singh Memorial Award – Best Wildlife Guide 2012
Joint Winner: Yadvendra Singh Rajawat – Ranthambhore
A dedicated guide and long-time President of the Guide Association, Yadvendra has contributed to conservation, census operations and guide training programmes.
Contact: yadtiger@gmail.com
Joint Winner: Vipal Jain – Ranthambhore
Vipal Jain has worked in Ranthambhore since 1993 and has been actively involved in tourism-led conservation initiatives and community awareness programmes.
Contact: vipultiger2001@gmail.com
Joint Runners Up: Guru Prasad Yadav – Kanha
Joint Runners Up: Ajay Marskole – Pench
The John Wakefield Memorial Award – Inspirational Eco Lodge 2012
Joint Winner: Mahua Kothi – Bandhavgarh
Mahua Kothi supports community initiatives, wildlife conservation projects and habitat restoration programmes including the reintroduction of Gaur into Bandhavgarh.
Joint Winner: Tiger Trails Jungle Lodge – Tadoba
Tiger Trails Jungle Lodge transformed barren land into a thriving wildlife habitat and supports livelihoods for communities living around Tadoba Tiger Reserve.
Runner Up: Singinawa Jungle Lodge – Kanha
Singinawa Jungle Lodge supports local education and healthcare programmes and maintains a conservation reserve protecting wildlife habitat.
Visitor Friendly Wildlife Destination of the Year 2012
Winner: Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve – Rajasthan
Ranthambhore has successfully balanced high visitor numbers with responsible tourism management, improved wildlife viewing experiences and strong cooperation between tourism and conservation stakeholders.
Runner Up: Pench Tiger Reserve – Madhya Pradesh
Pench has been recognised as one of the best-managed tiger reserves in India, offering a well-regulated tourism experience with strong wildlife populations and conservation programmes.