Best Practice Toolkit

Responsible tourism in action

Best Practice Toolkit

Practical guidance, proven examples and downloadable resources to help accommodation providers build more responsible, resilient and nature-positive businesses.

9 Best-practice themes
86 Certification criteria
17 Global goals influenced by tourism
Why it matters

The journey to responsible practice

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 not only about responding to a global challenge. It is also good business — reducing risk, strengthening your offering, improving competitiveness and often saving money.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
TOFTigers Footprint Eco Rated and PUG Eco Rated certification marks
A recognised framework

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 beginning your sustainability journey or aiming for industry-leading best practice, this toolkit offers practical guidance and inspiration from responsible tourism in action.

Built for practical action

What’s inside the toolkit

Nine overlapping themes reflect the areas covered by responsible tourism practice and the certification process. Each profile explains why the subject matters and how responsible action can strengthen your business.

01

Clear introductions

Understand why each theme matters and how it connects to responsible tourism.

02

Easy Wins

Start with practical improvements that can be implemented quickly.

03

Going for Gold

Explore more ambitious actions that demonstrate leading sustainability practice.

04

Resources and examples

Use case studies, practical tips and downloadable profile PDFs for deeper guidance.

Independent assessment

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.

55%Good
65%Quality
80%Outstanding

Certification is valid for two or three years depending on the programme selected.

TOFTigers Green Team conducting an on-site certification assessment
Resource library

Explore the nine toolkit themes

Open any profile to access practical guidance, case studies and ideas you can apply within your own operation.

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.

Ready to begin your certification journey?

Put the guidance into practice and take the next step towards recognised, responsible tourism standards.

Start Online Certification