Discover the 2025 World Sustainable Travel Awards winners celebrating innovation, eco-initiatives, and net positive tourism globally
Dubai Hosts Global Leaders in Sustainable Tourism
The 2nd annual World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards convened in Dubai on 29 October, spotlighting individuals and organisations shaping the future of net positive tourism. The ceremony recognised a diverse array of winners, from local community initiatives to global hospitality brands, highlighting the sector’s breadth and innovation.
Standout Winners and Key Achievements
ITC Hotels earned the coveted World’s Leading Sustainable Organisation title for its groundbreaking water and energy conservation projects. Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor won World’s Leading Sustainable Water & Waste Innovation, setting new standards in rainwater harvesting and water recycling.
Green Ramadan, a partnership with Hilton, received World’s Leading Sustainable Partnership for reducing waste by 26% during the holy month. The City of Dubrovnik was celebrated as World’s Leading Sustainable Destination.
On the individual front, Mariana Domingues of Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon won the Wolfgang Neumann Sustainability Leader of Tomorrow Award, while Siew Kim Beh of The Ascott Limited was named World’s Leading Sustainability Leader.
Mandarin Oriental enjoyed a triple win with awards for energy efficiency, cultural heritage projects, and sustainable policy initiatives. Dubai itself triumphed with World’s Leading Sustainable City and Terra, Expo City Dubai as World’s Leading Sustainable Venue.
Leadership Voices on Sustainability
Justin Cooke, Executive VP of the Awards, remarked:
“The standard of this year’s entries is exceptional, demonstrating the momentum, drive, and innovation toward a net positive travel industry.”
Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, added:
“These winners exemplify how sustainability is a foundation of lasting success. Their innovations show the power of leadership, collaboration, and positive impact.”
Carbon-Neutral Celebration
The VIP evening featured a carbon-neutral, zero-waste, farm-to-table menu, curated by Chef Sarthak and supplied by official culinary partner Fresh On Table, reinforcing the Awards’ commitment to sustainability.
The Awards programme, run in partnership with the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, engaged students, industry professionals, media, and the public in assessing and voting for the world’s most impactful sustainable tourism initiatives.
About the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards
Now in its second year, the Awards are the sister event of the World Travel Awards, which is celebrating its 32nd anniversary. Categories and criteria are set by an Advisory Board of experts from tourism, academia, and government, ensuring recognition of projects that drive measurable positive change.
At a Glance
- Event: World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2025
- Location: Dubai
- Date: 29 October 2025
- Top Winners:
- World’s Leading Sustainable Organisation: ITC Hotels
- World’s Leading Sustainable Destination: City of Dubrovnik
- World’s Leading Sustainable Venue: Terra, Expo City Dubai
- Notable Individual Winners: Mariana Domingues (Four Seasons Ritz Lisbon), Siew Kim Beh (The Ascott Limited)
- Mandarin Oriental: Triple award winner for energy, culture, and policy initiatives
- Sustainability Highlights: Carbon-neutral event, zero-waste menu, farm-to-table dining
- Partners: World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, Fresh On Table, Biosphere, Tourism Economics, FHS World, TravelUni, and others
Also read 2025 World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards opens for entry
