With growing global interest in ethical travel, the Angels of Tourism Awards by The Free Press Journal in partnership with the Directorate of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, honoured individuals and organisations making noteworthy contributions to sustainable and socially impactful tourism, at a glittering ceremony on Friday.

A team from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya collected the award on behalf of Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Director General of the CSMVS: Joyoti Roy, Assistant Director (Projects and PR); Brinda Miller, artist, chairperson of the Kala Ghoda Association and trustee, CSMVS; Ajay Kochle, Assistant Director (Administration); Bhavdatt Patel, Senior Administrative Officer and convenor for Green Initiatives; with (from extreme left) Madhav Ojha, Director Blue Star Travel, and Darayus Bhajan, Country Head, AB Ban; and (from the extreme right) Malti Dutta, Assistant Director, Ministry of Tourism; and Manish Agarwal, Director, Neem Travels

The awards recognised pioneers who have transformed travel experiences—entrepreneurs in the fields of medical tourism, heritage walks, agro-tourism, sustainable tourism and more. Nine of the 11 awardees were contributing directly to greening the tourism sector, including by safeguarding and growing fragile ecosystems.

Dr Fiona Dias Miranda, reproductive health educator with husband Luis Miranda, co-founder, Indian School of Public Policy

Jury member Neela Lad, retired deputy director-general (western and central region), Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, said, “This initiative highlights responsible tourism, community engagement and also creating awareness on various aspects of the tourism industry. Tourism is not just an economic driver but also a powerful force for sustainability, inclusivity and preservation of culture and heritage. In this light, we have selected the most impactful and promising angels of tourism from several inspiring stories.”

Satarupa Datta, Ishrat Alam and Malti Dutta, all assistant directors, western region, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India

While three winners were from the Konkan region, five were Mumbaikars, two operate in the Tadoba tiger reserve and one is based in Nashik.    

Mentalist and illusionist Vivek Singhi regaled the audience with his performance. On stage here with Maria, from the consulate of Argentina

Winning angel Nishikant Tambe, founder of Nandu’s Sanctuary near Chiplun, shared, “After receiving this award I feel like my responsibility has increased and I now have to work with more focus. This has encouraged me to work more efficiently and do more for nature." Tambe has rewilded more than 45 acres of land, contributing to growing forest cover and conservation of various species.

Mentalist Vivek Singhi with Jitendra Kejriwal, chairman, Maharashtra chapter, Indian Association of Tour Operators

“I, along with other staff members from the museum are collecting this prestigious award on behalf of Mr Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Director General, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, and we are extremely grateful that The Free Press Journal has supported such a wonderful cause (sustainability). It’s great that the museum’s efforts to be an eco-museum with good green initiatives has been recognised,” said Brinda Miller, artist, chairperson of the Kala Ghoda Association and trustee, CSMVS. 

Abhishek Karnani with Daniel N Quer Confalonieri, consul general, Argentina, and Sudeep Mehta, owner of The Bamboo Forest Safari Lodge, Tadoba

The power-packed event was conducted at The Free Press Journal’s Nariman Point office at an event attended by stalwarts from the tourism world and international dignitaries. 

Vishwajeet Patil, director of Raja Rani Travels and president of Maharashtra Tour Organisers Association, with just member Neela Lad, former regional deputy director-general, Ministry of Tourism, government of India Sanju Soni, senior vice-president, Oberoi Hotels