The Himalayan state of Sikkim has been honoured with the Sanctuary Asia Award 2025 as the Best State for Sustainable Wildlife Tourism, recognising its strong focus on conservation‑led and ethical tourism practices. The award was presented by Travel Operators for Tigers (TOFT), a prominent organisation that champions responsible wildlife and nature tourism across India and South Asia in partnership with the Sanctuary Nature Foundation.
The accolade was conferred during a ceremony held in New Delhi on December 12, highlighting Sikkim’s sustained commitment to protecting its rich biodiversity while promoting tourism models that benefit local communities and safeguard natural habitats.
According to officials from the Sikkim tourism and civil aviation department, the 2025 TOFT Wildlife & Nature Tourism Awards—held under the theme “Rewilding Tourism” celebrate initiatives that regenerate ecosystems, empower local communities and uphold high standards of eco‑tourism through efforts such as trained nature guides and eco‑friendly lodges.
Sikkim has emerged as a national example of conservation‑driven tourism through flagship programmes like Mero Rukh Mero Santati, Mero Bato Mero Bot, My Child from the Wild, the State Green Mission, Smritivan, A Day for Mother Earth, and the Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project. The department has additionally expanded niche offerings, such as birding and butterfly tourism, underpinned by specialised nature‑based guide training.
At the same event, Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha, president of the Butterfly Society of Sikkim, received the Wildlife and Tourism Initiative Award 2025, while Prem Kumar Chhetri of the Sikkim forest department won third place as Champion of the Forest 2025 for notable conservation work in the Himalayan region.
Officials said the recognition not only boosts Sikkim’s profile on India’s eco‑tourism map but also motivates continued community participation in nature protection and sustainable tourism development.
