On the evening of Friday, 27 September 2024, Belize will host the first-ever World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards, promising to be a landmark event in the realm of global tourism and hospitality. This inaugural event is not just a celebration of achievements but also a pivotal moment for the industry, highlighting innovative practices and sustainable initiatives that are shaping the future of travel and hospitality worldwide. Launched at COP28 in Dubai, it is the sister programme of World Travel Awards, established in 1993 to acknowledge excellence in travel.

The World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards will serve as a platform to honor organisations, businesses, and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to sustainability in their operations. From eco-friendly resorts nestled in pristine natural landscapes to community-driven tourism initiatives empowering local economies, the awards will recognise a diverse array of efforts that prioritise environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and social responsibility.

With participation from across the globe, the awards will showcase a rich tapestry of initiatives and projects that exemplify best practices in sustainable tourism. Countries, regions, and businesses will share their success stories, providing insights into how sustainability can be integrated into every facet of the travel and hospitality industry. From reducing carbon footprints through innovative technologies to promoting biodiversity conservation through responsible tourism practices, the diversity of entries reflects a global commitment to a sustainable future.

Key Themes and Categories

The awards will feature several categories that underscore key themes in sustainable travel and hospitality:

Environmental Stewardship: Recognizing efforts to minimize environmental impact, conserve natural resources, and promote biodiversity.

Community Engagement: Highlighting initiatives that empower local communities, preserve cultural heritage, and enhance socio-economic benefits.

Innovation in Sustainability: Celebrating pioneering technologies, practices, and business models that contribute to sustainable tourism development.

Education and Awareness: Acknowledging campaigns and programs that raise awareness about sustainable travel practices among travelers and industry stakeholders.

The Role of Belize

As the host country, Belize provides a fitting backdrop for this inaugural event. Known for its rich biodiversity, stunning marine ecosystems like the Belize Barrier Reef, and commitment to sustainable tourism practices, Belize exemplifies the principles that the awards aim to promote. The country’s efforts in conservation and community-based tourism serve as a model for sustainable tourism destinations worldwide.

Looking Ahead

The World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards are more than just an accolade; they represent a collective effort towards a more sustainable future for travel and hospitality. By showcasing innovations, fostering collaboration, and inspiring industry-wide change, the awards aim to set new benchmarks and encourage continuous improvement in sustainability practices globally.
World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards serves to recognise, celebrate and share the stories of individuals and organisations that are accelerating change and making an impact in sustainable travel and tourism. Launched at COP28 in Dubai, it is the sister programme of World Travel Awards, established in 1993 to acknowledge excellence in travel.

Their goal is for every organisation, in every sector of travel, to have a net positive impact and best practices to safeguard our communities and destinations. Integral to the programme is the WSTHA Advisory Board, composed of leading authorities, academics and dignitaries in sustainable tourism. The experts steer and govern the WSTHA programme to reflect the travel and hospitality ecosystem, including guiding on best practice, standards, criteria and the award category list.

Members of the Advisory Board include Hon. Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism, Belize; Chris Imbsen, Director of Sustainability, World Travel & Tourism Council; Glenn Mandziuk, CEO, Sustainable Hospitality Alliance; Patricio Azcárate Díaz de Losada, General Secretary, Responsible Tourism Institute; Fran Brasseux, CEO, International Council on Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Education; Susan Hooper, Co-Founding Director, Chapter Zero; Juha Jarvinen Chief Commercial Officer, Virgin Atlantic; Prof. Dr. Willy Legrand, Department of Hospitality, Tourism & Event Management, IU International University of Applied Sciences, Germany; Prof. Graham Miller, Chair of Sustainable Business & Academic Director, Nova School of Business and Economics, Lisbon; Isabel Novoa, President, International Social Tourism Organization; Xenia zu Hohenlohe, Chief Engagement & Strategy Officer, The Sustainable Markets Initiative.

The inaugural World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards in Belize on 27 September 2024 mark a significant milestone in the journey towards sustainable tourism. As stakeholders gather to celebrate achievements, share knowledge, and forge partnerships, the event promises to catalyse a renewed commitment to responsible tourism practices worldwide. With Belize as the host, the awards spotlight not only exemplary initiatives but also the transformative power of sustainable travel and hospitality in shaping a better future for generations to come.