In a quest to promote sustainable tourism amongst stakeholders , TOFTigers recently organized a FAM trip to Bori Wildlife Sanctuary and Satpura Tiger Reserve, held from June 8th to 12th, 2024.

The trip aimed to bring stakeholders together on a common platform to exchange ideas and catalyze new sustainable  initiatives  in the tourism sector. Travel agents from Bharatiyam Tours, Nivalink, The Indian Bucket List, India & Beyond, Mileage Holidays, India someday Travels, Royal Expeditions and Shanti Travel participated- it was a good mix with good synergies . For many  participants, it was  first visit to the region – and they got to experience all -the Lodge tours, walk with the naturalists, candlelight dinners, wildlife documentaries,safaris ,local food and the famous Mahua drink  while enjoying engaging  conversations. It was indeed a warm hospitality by the hosts and the naturalists’ interactions made it a unique and memorable trip. As per Niraj Vashi from Nivalink, “It was an enriching few days and which will help a long way in sending more travelers to destinations having sustainability driven stays. The interactions with the FAM participants were enjoyable and the itinerary was well designed to offer enough time for networking with partner hotels, fellow FAM participants and getting an insight into TOFT initiatives.” 

The group also had an interaction with  Mr. L Krishnamoorthy,IFS,  Chief Conservator of Forest and Field Director, Satpura Tiger Reserve at Forest Guest house at Madai. The group was very impressed with the work of the forest Deptt ,especially how Satpura has had more than  30 successful relocation of the villages. With the region’s  strong conservation management,it has increased its numbers for tigers  from 13 in 2010 to  50  as per the Status of Tigers, -2022-Final Report.

Group could also visit the Forsyth Lodge and Reni Pani at Satpura getting to know of the unique experiences being offered at each lodge for different targeted audiences. 

This  new TOFT initiative created meaningful interactions , encouraged the team to deliver more enriching trips and experiences, heralding the dawn of an empowered tourism industry.