Angels Of Tourism Season 2024: Tourism heroes felicitated
Meet 11 winning change-makers from Maharashtra who create great tourism experiences while building a better world
All the winners of the Angels Of Tourism 2024, with the Free Press Journal team and jury members: Sudeep Mehta, Owner, The Bamboo Forest Safari Lodge; Mihir Vora, Founder & CEO, Magnus Medi; Rohit Damle, Private Wildlife Guide & Naturalist; Nishikant Tambe, Founder, Nandu’s Sanctuary; Sachin Karekar, Founder, Garva Agro Tourism; Mohan Upadhye, Co-founder, Velas Turtle Festival; Pradip Patade, Co-founder, Marine Life Of Mumbai; Prathamesh Desai, Founder, Jungle Buddies; Bharat Gothoskar, Founder-CEO, Khaki Tours; Adwait Kher, Founder, Utopia Farmstay; Bhavdatt Patel, Senior Administrative Officer, CSMVS; Ajay Kochle, Assistant Director (Administration), CSMVS; Neela Lad, retired deputy director-general (western and central region), Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Brinda Miller, artist, chairperson of the Kala Ghoda Association and trustee, CSMVS; Joyoti Roy, Assistant Director (Projects and PR); and Uttara Kher, Founder, Utopia Farmstay | Salman Ansari
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.
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.
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.”
While three winners were from the Konkan region, five were Mumbaikars, two operate in the Tadoba tiger reserve and one is based in Nashik.
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.
“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.
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.
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