World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards
Recognising, celebrating and sharing the stories of individuals and organisations accelerating change and making an impactful contribution in sustainable travel and tourism
2025 entries open on 2nd May!
The 2025 Awards programme encompasses the full spectrum of the sustainable travel and tourism economy, from from social responsibility and community initiatives, to innovative decarbonisation, water reduction and waste management projects.
Entries are welcomed from individuals and organisations committed to advancing sustainability in travel and hospitality. Following the entry period, a global voting process will determine the winners, who will be unveiled at the Gala Ceremony.
Key Dates for 2025:
- Call for Entries: 2nd May – 30th June
- Voting Window: 14th July – 30th August
- Gala Ceremony: 29th October at Terra, Expo City Dubai
Recent news:
Terra, Expo City Dubai announced as official venue partner for 2025 awards ceremony
Leaders in sustainable tourism will gather for the VIP reception on 29 October for the unveiling of the 2025 winners. With LEED Platinum certification and a design that supports the UAE’s Net Zero ambitions, Terra is the ideal stage to recognise and celebrate the industry’s leading changemakers.
Belize leads Net Positive drive, as host of inaugural World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards
The global leaders of sustainable tourism convened in Belize for a ceremony to recognise the individuals and organisations that are accelerating change in net positive tourism. The inaugural World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards, held on the 27th September to coincide with World Tourism Day, proved a fitting showcase for Belize and its pioneering sustainability initiatives.
World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards ceremony set to take place in Belize
The World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (‘WSTHA’) has announced that its inaugural ceremony will take place at the historic Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve in Belize, the official host destination. Leaders in sustainable tourism will gather for the VIP reception on 27 September 2024 when the winners will be unveiled.
2024 winners:
Leading Sustainable Organisation
Acknowledges organisations dedicated to sustainable practices, community engagement, environmental stewardship, and setting a standard in global sustainable tourism efforts.
Leading Sustainable Supply Chain Programme
Honours initiatives that demonstrate exceptional commitment to ethical sourcing, environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and setting a benchmark for excellence in sustainable supply chain management.
Leading Sustainable Energy Efficiency Initiative
Celebrates outstanding efforts in advancing energy efficiency practices, promoting renewable energy adoption, and driving sustainable solutions to combat climate change within the hospitality and tourism industry.
Leading Sustainable Health & Well-being Initiative
Celebrates outstanding contributions in prioritize and promoting sustainable practices, community well-being, and environmental stewardship, and setting a standard for excellence in global tourism sustainability.
Leading Sustainable Circular Economy Partnership
Recognises exceptional collaborations dedicated to advancing circular economy principles, promoting resource efficiency, and fostering sustainable production and consumption patterns.
Leading Sustainable Water & Waste Innovation
Honours ground-breaking initiatives that revolutionise water management and waste reduction practices, driving forward sustainable solutions for a cleaner and more resilient future.
Leading Sustainable Finance Initiative
Recognises ground-breaking efforts in integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into financial decision-making, driving sustainable investment practices and fostering a more resilient economy.
Leading Sustainable Technology
Honours innovations that demonstrate exceptional advancements in sustainability, environmental responsibility, and technological ingenuity, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future for communities.
Leading Sustainable Partnership
Celebrates collaborative efforts that demonstrate exceptional commitment to sustainability, innovation, and positive social impact, setting standards for effective and transformative partnerships in addressing challenges that others can follow.
Leading Sustainable Conservation & Biodiversity Programme
Recognises outstanding initiatives that demonstrate exceptional commitment to preserving biodiversity, restoring ecosystems, promoting sustainable conservation practices, and setting a standard for environmental stewardship and biodiversity protection.
Leading Sustainable Development
Celebrates initiatives that exemplify exemplary dedication to sustainable practices, social equity, environmental stewardship, driving positive change and fostering a more sustainable future for communities worldwide.
Leading Sustainable Destination
Recognises destinations that excel in implementing sustainable tourism practices, preserving natural and cultural heritage, and promoting community engagement, and setting a standard for responsible tourism worldwide.
Leading Sustainable Female Empowerment Initiative
Recognises initiatives that champion sustainable solutions, gender equality and women’s empowerment, inspiring global progress towards inclusive and equitable societies.
Leading Sustainable Employer
Recognises organisations that prioritise environmental stewardship, social responsibility, employee well-being, and setting an example for sustainable business practices and workplace excellence worldwide.
Leading Sustainable Accessibility & Inclusion Initiative
Celebrates initiatives that champion accessibility, diversity, and inclusion, paving the way for a more equitable and accessible world for all.
Leading Sustainability Leader
Acknowledges individuals who demonstrate exemplary leadership in driving sustainable practices, fostering innovation, and inspiring positive environmental and social change.
The Wolfgang M. Neumann Sustainability Leader of Tomorrow Award
Honours emerging individuals who exhibit exceptional potential in advancing sustainable practices, driving innovation, and inspiring positive environmental and social change for all.
Leading Sustainable Education & Training Programme
Recognises initiatives that excel in providing innovative and impactful learning experiences, empowering individuals and organisations to embrace sustainable practices and drive positive change.
Leading Sustainable Cultural Heritage Project
Celebrates initiatives that safeguard and promote cultural heritage through sustainable conservation practices, fostering community engagement and preserving cultural identity for future generations. Only individuals and organisations located in Belize are eligible to enter this category.
Leading Sustainable Marine Conservation Initiative
Recognises outstanding efforts dedicated to preserving and restoring marine ecosystems, promoting sustainable fishing practices, and fostering community engagement to ensure the health and resilience of our oceans. Only individuals and organisations located in Belize are eligible to enter this category.
Leading Sustainable Community Engagement Programme
Acknowledges initiatives that excel in fostering inclusive participation, empowering communities, and promoting sustainable development practices, driving positive social change and resilience globally. Only individuals and organisations located in Belize are eligible to enter this category.
The Awards programme has been developed collaboratively by the Alliance, the World Travel Awards and Belize Tourism Board
“In our quest for a Net Positive future, every organisation making strides in sustainable practices is a beacon of hope. Be it the integration of environmental, social, and governance criteria into financial decisions, or remarkable advancements in energy efficiency, each success story is a step towards an industry that contributes more than it consumes. As we prepare for this year’s Awards programme, I urge all pioneering organisations to make their voices heard and encourage as many submissions as possible. The time to celebrate our collective efforts and inspire change is now. The anticipation for the judging process this summer is palpable.”
– Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and Vice-chair of the WSTHA Advisory Board
“On behalf of WSTHA, I am delighted to open submissions for our inaugural programme. We welcome entries from across the sustainable travel and hospitality sector, with our goal to recognise and tell the stories of those accelerating change and making a sustainable impact on our planet for the next generation.”
– Justin Cooke, Executive Vice-President, World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards
“We are excited for the next stage in The World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards, with all 21 categories open for submissions as of today. We encourage individuals, organisations and responsible travel advocates to share their stories and initiatives, highlighting how they are leading the way and making encouraging strides to a better future.”
– Hon. Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, Belize