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 27 September to coincide with World Tourism Day, proved a fitting showcase for Belize and its pioneering sustainability initiatives.

The VIP reception featured the unveiling of the 21 winners of this year’s programme. Recipients of the coveted titles reflected the length and breadth of the sustainable tourism sector, ranging from community artisan initiatives to global hospitality giants.

Highlights included Green Initiative named ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Organisation’ for pioneering projects that include restoring degraded land in Costa Rica, Peru and Brazil. Meanwhile, luxury resort operator Soneva emerged as the winner of ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Energy Efficiency Initiative’ for ground-breaking initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint in the Maldives.

ibis RockCorps was named ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Partnership’ for projects that encourage volunteering in communities in France in return for access to exclusive concerts. Rainforest Expeditions claimed ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Conservation & Biodiversity Programme’ for research and conservation work in the Peruvian Amazon, resulting in the identification of 30 new species.

It proved a big night for Mandarin Oriental, which collected triple honours: ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Development’, ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Employer’ and ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Supply Chain Programme’.

Individual winners included Agnes Pierce, Global Head of Sustainability, Amadeus named ‘World’s Leading Sustainability Leader’. Andy De Silva, CEO, Hotel Emporium was voted ‘World’s Leading Sustainability Leader of Tomorrow’.

Belize’s sustainable credentials were highlighted with the coveted title for ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Destination’, plus accolades for Che’il Mayan Chocolate (‘Leading Sustainable Cultural Heritage Project’), Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (‘Leading Sustainable Marine Conservation Initiative’).

The winners received a world-first unveiling of the iconic World Travel Awards winner trophy, originally cast in bronze by royal jewellers Asprey, but recreated using 3D printing technology from recycled ocean plastic, powered by renewable solar energy.

Justin Cooke, Executive Vice-President, World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards says: “We are incredibly proud to celebrate and acknowledge the winners of the inaugural World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards, each with fascinating stories of how they are positively impacting change. The standard has proved exceptional, and serves as a healthy indicator of the momentum, drive and innovation towards creating a net positive travel industry.

He adds: “The ceremony has proved a fitting climax for our winners to experience Belize in all its splendour, as well as a springboard for this enchanting nation to continue leading the world in sustainable tourism. When you set foot here, you’re not just visiting a country, you’re stepping into a world of vibrant heritage, community-driven sustainability and profound respect for nature.”

Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations, Belize, says: “We are incredibly proud of Belize’s achievements at the World Sustainable Travel and Hospitality Awards. These wins reflect our nation’s deep commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism. Belize is setting a global example of how tourism and conservation can work hand in hand for the benefit of our people and the planet.”

The World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards categories and entry criteria were agreed by an Advisory Board of thought leaders from the travel and tourism industry, academia and government. Entries were assessed by students in Sustainable Business from Nova Business School. Industry professionals, the media, and the general public voted for the nominees they consider to be leading the world in sustainable tourism.

The programme is run in partnership with the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, whose partners and members represent over 50,000 hotels, 7 million rooms globally, 270 brands, and 40+ supply chain and strategic partners.

World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards is the sister event of World Travel Awards, currently celebrating its 31st anniversary.

Winners of 1st annual World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards

World’s Leading Sustainable Organisation: Green Initiative
World’s Leading Sustainable Supply Chain Programme: Mandarin Oriental
World’s Leading Sustainable Energy Efficiency Initiative: Soneva
World’s Leading Sustainable Health & Well-being Initiative: Emaar Hospitality
World’s Leading Sustainable Circular Economy Partnership: One Tree at a Time X Six Senses Courchevel
World’s Leading Sustainable Water & Waste Innovation: Six Senses Zighy Bay
World’s Leading Sustainable Finance Initiative: Soneva & Soneva Foundation
World’s Leading Sustainable Technology: Choice Hotels & CarbinX
World’s Leading Sustainable Partnership: ibis RockCorps
World’s Leading Sustainable Conservation & Biodiversity Programme: Rainforest Expeditions
World’s Leading Sustainable Development: Mandarin Oriental
World’s Leading Sustainable Destination: Belize
World’s Leading Sustainable Female Empowerment Initiative: SASANE Sisterhood Trekking & Travels
World’s Leading Sustainable Employer: Mandarin Oriental
World’s Leading Sustainable Accessibility & Inclusion Initiative: Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens
World’s Leading Sustainability Leader: Agnes Pierce
World’s Leading Sustainability Leader of Tomorrow: Andy De Silva
World’s Leading Sustainable Education & Training Programme: Travel4Impact
Leading Sustainable Cultural Heritage Project: Che’il Mayan Chocolate
Leading Sustainable Marine Conservation Initiative: Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association
Leading Sustainable Community Engagement Programme: Belize Tourism Industry Association