Best Practice Toolkit
Why the Journey to Responsible Practice is Important
The world is at a crossroads. Scientists across the globe have issued stark warnings. In one direction lies climate catastrophe, mass biodiversity loss, global instability, extreme poverty, malnutrition and chronic disease. In the other lies a greener future with inclusive prosperity, healthier communities, and ecosystems rich with biodiversity.
In 2015, 193 nations adopted the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals through the United Nations — a landmark global agreement to build a more sustainable future. Tourism has a decisive role to play. According to the UN World Tourism Organisation, tourism can positively influence all seventeen global goals.
Adopting responsible and sustainable tourism practices is therefore not only about responding to an existential global challenge already affecting communities worldwide. It is also good business today — reducing risk, strengthening your offering, improving competitiveness, and often saving money.
Sustainable Tourism Practice
Sustainable tourism places local communities and the natural environment at the heart of business operations alongside economic performance — often referred to as the triple bottom line.
This toolkit is designed around the TOFTigers PUG Certification, South Asia’s highest standard for nature-friendly accommodation providers in wilderness destinations. The certification is officially recognised by the UN’s Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
The framework can also be applied to the Footprint Certification for accommodation operating in rural destinations.
Whether you are just beginning your sustainability journey or aiming for industry-leading best practice, this toolkit provides practical guidance and inspiration through real examples of responsible tourism in action.
What’s in the Toolkit
The toolkit is structured into nine overlapping themes reflecting the areas covered by responsible tourism practice and the certification process. Each theme includes a short introduction explaining why it matters and how responsible action can strengthen your business.
Every profile highlights Easy Wins — practical steps that can be implemented quickly — and Going for Gold — more ambitious actions demonstrating leading sustainability practice.
The toolkit also includes case studies, practical tips and additional resources. The guidance goes beyond certification criteria and is intended as general advice.
Complete profile PDFs are available for download within each section of the toolkit.
How Certification Works
Certification begins with an online questionnaire followed by an on-site visit by the TOFTigers Green Team — independent environmental and social experts from Sycom Projects Consultants Private Limited.
Each of the 86 certification criteria is scored from 0–3, with additional points awarded for exceptional performance.
Scores are rated as:
55% — Good
65% — Quality
80% — Outstanding
Certification is valid for two or three years depending on the program selected.
How the Toolkit Was Compiled
Examples and case studies are drawn from recent PUG certification reports, TOFTigers Wildlife Tourism Awards nominations and lodge feedback.
Most examples reflect operations prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. The toolkit will continue to evolve and expand as new resources and funding become available.
The toolkit was developed and written for TOFTigers by Positive Nature in collaboration with the TOFTigers Green Team and Sycom Projects Consultants Private Limited.