World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards reveals nominees and opens voting of inaugural programme

World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (‘WSTHA’) has unveiled the nominees and opened voting of its inaugural programme. The shortlist of nominees, drawn from across the globe, features a fascinating range of individuals and organisations that are accelerating change and making an impact in net positive tourism.

WSTHA received hundreds of entries, which were assessed by Sustainable Business students from Nova Business School, with the shortlist then analysed and approved by the WSTHA Advisory Board. Selection criteria included quantitative and qualitative data; internationally-recognised standards, directives and best practice; scalability and replicability; partnership and collaboration; relative impact; and bringing the story to life.

Voting runs until 2 August, with industry professionals, the media and the general public all eligible to vote for the nominees they consider to be making the most impactful contribution to sustainable travel. After the close of voting, the nominee with the most votes will be declared the winner of their respective category.

The 21 WSTHA categories have been selected by the WSTHA Advisory Board of experts to reflect the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and net positive framework of People, Planet, Place, Prosperity and Partnerships.

The winners will be revealed at the inaugural WSTHA Gala Ceremony in Belize, the Official Host Destination, on 27 September.

Justin Cooke, Executive Vice-President, WSTHA says: “We have been overwhelmed by the interest in the inaugural WSTHA programme. The calibre of entrants is exceptional, many with fascinating stories of how they are accelerating change in sustainable tourism. This serves as a healthy indicator of the momentum, drive and innovation towards creating a net positive travel industry. I wish all our nominees the best of luck. And remember to cast your vote for your favourites.”

As Official Host Destination of WSTHA 2024, Belize holds responsible tourism at its core and develops projects that encourage travellers to engage with its rainforests, reefs and unique culture in a sustainable manner.

Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations, Belize, says: “We are incredibly excited to host the inaugural World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards here in Belize. Seeing so many trailblazing companies and individuals nominated is truly inspiring and highlights the industry’s commitment to a more sustainable future for travel. The innovation level of nominees demonstrates a shared vision, where tourism not only thrives but also helps preserve our environment and supports local communities. We look forward to welcoming all nominees and congratulating the winners in person while sharing Belize’s own sustainable tourism initiatives with a global audience.”

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

Glenn Mandziuk, CEO, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, says: “At the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, we are thrilled to witness so many deserving and inspiring entries. As we delve deeper into how these nominees are driving transformative change and making Net Positive a reality for our industry, I encourage everyone to vote and recognize these extraordinary efforts. Some of these remarkable nominees will have the honour of being named inaugural WSTHA winners. Good luck to all.”

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

The article World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards reveals nominees and opens voting of inaugural programme first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.