Belize Shines as Host of the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards Inaugural Event

Belize recently took the global spotlight as the host of the inaugural World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards, coinciding with World Tourism Day on September 27. This event brought together the leaders and innovators in sustainable tourism to honor individuals and organizations making significant contributions toward a net positive future. The ceremony highlighted Belize’s deep commitment to sustainability, presenting an opportunity for this small but powerful nation to shine on the world stage.

Belize Leads the Charge in Sustainable Tourism

Belize, renowned for its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, was a natural choice for hosting this prestigious event. The country’s dedication to sustainable tourism was acknowledged with the coveted title of “World’s Leading Sustainable Destination,” and several of its local initiatives were recognized for their contributions to environmental conservation and cultural preservation. These included Che’il Mayan Chocolate, which won “Leading Sustainable Cultural Heritage Project,” and the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association, awarded for its “Leading Sustainable Marine Conservation Initiative.”

Belize’s achievement in the realm of sustainable tourism reflects a broader, community-driven approach to preserving natural resources while fostering economic growth through responsible tourism practices.

Global Leaders Honored for Sustainable Innovation

The awards recognized 21 winners, representing a broad spectrum of initiatives and innovations in the sustainable tourism industry. Highlights included Green Initiative**, awarded “World’s Leading Sustainable Organisation” for its impactful environmental restoration projects in Costa Rica, Peru, and Brazil. The luxury resort operator Soneva took home the award for “World’s Leading Sustainable Energy Efficiency Initiative” due to its groundbreaking energy-saving measures in the Maldives.

Major players in the global hospitality sector were also well represented. The prestigious Mandarin Oriental hotel chain garnered multiple accolades, including “World’s Leading Sustainable Development,” “World’s Leading Sustainable Employer,” and “World’s Leading Sustainable Supply Chain Programme.” These honors underscore the chain’s far-reaching commitment to sustainability across its operations and supply chains.

Individual awards celebrated the future of leadership in sustainable travel. Agnes Pierce, Global Head of Sustainability at Amadeus, was recognized as “World’s Leading Sustainability Leader,” while Andy De Silva, CEO of Hotel Emporium, was honored as “World’s Leading Sustainability Leader of Tomorrow.” These awards reflect the rising importance of leadership and innovation in creating a net positive travel and hospitality industry.

Redefining Awards with Innovative Design

This groundbreaking event wasn’t just a celebration of achievements in sustainability—it also broke new ground in how the awards themselves were presented. For the first time ever, the iconic World Travel Awards trophy was recreated using 3D printing technology, crafted from recycled ocean plastic and powered by renewable solar energy. This innovative approach exemplifies the very essence of sustainability that the event sought to champion.

A Fitting Platform for Belize’s Commitment to Sustainability

For Belize, this event was more than an awards ceremony; it was an opportunity to showcase the country’s profound respect for nature and its commitment to responsible tourism. Anthony Mahler, Belize’s Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations, expressed pride in the country’s achievements, stating, “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.”

Hosting the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards further cements Belize’s role as a global leader in sustainable tourism, a recognition that will help to enhance its reputation as a premier destination for eco-conscious travelers.

The Future of Sustainable Travel & Hospitality

The World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards were launched at COP28 in Dubai in 2023 as a way to celebrate the individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact in sustainable tourism. The awards, organized in partnership with the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, recognize excellence across a wide array of categories, including sustainable energy, biodiversity, community engagement, and innovation in circular economy partnerships.

Looking ahead, the event is expected to grow as an annual platform for recognizing sustainable tourism leadership across the globe. This year’s winners serve as a benchmark for what the future holds, providing inspiration for the hospitality industry to continue its transformation toward a greener, more sustainable future.

As Belize continues to lead the charge in sustainable tourism, its success at the inaugural World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards sets a strong example for other destinations. From grassroots conservation projects to cutting-edge energy solutions, the world of travel is clearly on the brink of a sustainable revolution. Belize’s pivotal role in this movement signals its intent to remain a key player in the global drive for responsible tourism.