Belize, a captivating country renowned for its lush rainforests, crystal-clear waters, and extraordinary biodiversity, is gearing up to host the inaugural World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA) on September 27th. The event will bring together global leaders in sustainable tourism, highlighting the importance of responsible travel and celebrating those making a difference in the industry.
Delegates attending the event will be treated to specially curated experiences, allowing them to immerse themselves in Belize’s stunning landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage. Belize’s rich cultural tapestry blends traditions from the Garifuna, Maya, Creole, Mestizo, East Indian, and Mennonite communities, creating a unique national identity.
The WSTHA will recognize winners across 21 categories, honoring individuals and organizations from around the world who are leading the charge towards net-positive tourism. Nominees were selected through a rigorous process, with industry experts, media, and the general public casting votes for those they believe are at the forefront of sustainable travel.
Justin Cooke, Executive Vice-President of WSTHA, expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the inaugural awards in Belize, stating, “We cannot think of a more fitting destination to host the inaugural World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards than Belize, the embodiment of sustainable tourism, and fully aligned with our mission to spotlight those individuals and organisations that are leading the way in safeguarding our planet for future generations.” He added, “The ceremony promises to be a night to experience Belizean culture in all its splendour. When you set foot in Belize, you’re not just visiting a country, you’re stepping into a world of vibrant heritage, community-driven sustainability and profound respect for nature. The ceremony will endeavour to gives our guests a taste of this special destination where sustainability isn’t just discussed – it’s lived.”
In a groundbreaking move, the WSTHA will unveil a world-first: the iconic World Travel Awards winner trophy, traditionally cast in bronze by Royal Jewellers Asprey, has been reimagined using 3D printing technology made from recycled ocean plastic, powered by renewable solar energy.
The WSTHA is organized in partnership with the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, a vast network representing over 50,000 hotels, 7 million rooms, 270 brands, and 40+ supply chain partners globally. “We want to thank every single individual and company who submitted their entry into one of the 21 categories,” said Cooke. “Each one of them highlighted an impressive stance on changing sustainable tourism for the better. We’re looking forward to welcoming all nominees and congratulating the winners in person while sharing Belize’s sustainable tourism initiatives with a global audience.”
All entries for WSTHA 2024 were meticulously evaluated by Sustainable Business students from Nova Business School, with the final shortlist vetted and approved by the WSTHA Advisory Board, prior to the public vote.
Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, emphasized the significance of the awards, stating, “As we prepare to unveil the winners of the inaugural World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards in Belize, we are not just celebrating achievements; we are setting a new standard for our industry. These awards honour the inspiring leaders who are driving transformative change towards our vision of Net Positive Hospitality, marking a crucial step in our journey to create a sustainable future for travel and tourism.”
The 21 WSTHA categories were carefully selected by the WSTHA Advisory Board to align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and a net-positive framework focused on People, Planet, Place, Prosperity, and Partnerships. WSTHA is a sister event to the World Travel Awards, which is currently celebrating its 31st anniversary.
With its commitment to responsible tourism, Belize is the perfect host for the inaugural WSTHA. The event will undoubtedly inspire and motivate industry leaders to continue driving innovation and positive change in the travel and hospitality sector, working towards a more sustainable and responsible future for all.
