Dubai Celebrates Net Positive Pioneers at World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2025, Recognizing Sustainability Leaders and Groundbreaking Innovations

Dubai, the global hub of sustainability, proudly hosted the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2025 on 29th October. This prestigious ceremony honoured individuals and organisations that are accelerating change in the sustainable tourism sector. The awards night showcased leaders in sustainable tourism, from community initiatives to global hospitality giants, highlighting their innovative contributions. Terra, Expo City Dubai stood out with its pioneering sustainability initiatives. ITC Hotels received the title of ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Organisation,’ while Four Seasons Resort Mallorca was recognised for its cutting-edge water recycling and waste management solutions. The awards reinforce Dubai’s role in leading the world toward a more sustainable travel industry.

Sustainable Tourism Leadership Recognised
The World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards have become a beacon of innovation and excellence in sustainable tourism. The event is a celebration of the visionaries and changemakers who are setting new benchmarks in environmental and social responsibility. The prestigious awards recognise organisations, destinations, and individuals driving the shift toward a net-positive travel industry. This year’s ceremony included a diverse range of winners, from community-driven projects to global hotel chains, all contributing to a more sustainable future. The event underscored the momentum within the tourism sector to integrate sustainability into every aspect of their operations.

Notable Winners and Categories
Among the standout winners was ITC Hotels, which was named ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Organisation.’ Their initiatives to conserve water and energy have made a significant impact on reducing the carbon footprint of their operations. Another noteworthy achievement was Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor, which emerged as the winner of ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Water & Waste Innovation.’ Their commitment to water recycling and rainwater harvesting has set a new standard for sustainability in the hospitality industry. Furthermore, Green Ramadan, a collaboration with Hilton, was recognised as the ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Partnership,’ reducing waste by 26% during the holy month.

Dubai’s Green Triumphs and Terra’s Groundbreaking Efforts
Dubai shone brightly at the awards, securing two major accolades. The emirate was named ‘World’s Leading Sustainable City,’ a testament to its ambitious green initiatives and commitment to achieving carbon neutrality. Terra, Expo City Dubai, was also honoured as the ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Venue.’ This award recognised the venue’s efforts to integrate sustainable practices across every aspect of its operations, from waste management to energy efficiency. These recognitions highlight Dubai’s strategic vision in promoting sustainability, setting a global example for other cities to follow.

Individual Pioneers of Sustainability
The event also highlighted the contributions of individuals who have shown exceptional leadership in promoting sustainability within their organisations. Siew Kim Beh of The Ascott Limited was named ‘World’s Leading Sustainability Leader.’ Her efforts have made significant strides in integrating sustainability into the company’s operations and culture. The ‘Wolfgang Neumann Sustainability Leader of Tomorrow Award’ went to Mariana Domingues of Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon. Domingues is lauded for her forward-thinking approach to sustainable tourism, driving initiatives that will shape the future of the industry.

Mandarin Oriental’s Triple Triumph
Mandarin Oriental made a remarkable impact at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2025, winning three prestigious titles. The hotel chain was recognised for its ‘Sustainable Energy Efficiency Initiative,’ ‘Sustainable Cultural Heritage Project,’ and ‘Sustainable Policy Initiative.’ These awards acknowledge Mandarin Oriental’s commitment to reducing energy consumption, preserving cultural heritage, and implementing policies that drive long-term sustainability. The hotel’s dedication to sustainability sets an industry-leading example of how large-scale operations can balance luxury with environmental responsibility.

Celebrating Local and Global Sustainability in Tourism
The evening also celebrated smaller-scale projects that have made a significant impact on local communities. The city of Dubrovnik was named ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Destination’ for its efforts to integrate sustainable practices into its tourism offerings. This award highlights the city’s commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage while promoting eco-friendly tourism experiences. In the category of ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Small Destination,’ El Albergue Ollantaytambo in Peru stood out for its dedication to community empowerment and environmental sustainability.

Awards for Sustainable Innovations and Conservation
The World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards also recognised groundbreaking conservation initiatives. Iberostar Group’s ‘Coastal Ecosystem Restoration Strategy’ won the title of ‘World’s Leading Marine & Biodiversity Conservation Programme.’ This initiative is crucial in preserving fragile marine ecosystems and protecting biodiversity along the coasts. Meanwhile, Gamewatchers Safaris & Porini Camps received the award for ‘World’s Leading Conservation Programme’ for its successful Selenkay Conservancy project, which works to protect endangered species and promote sustainable wildlife tourism.

Recognising Sustainable Initiatives Across the Industry
Sustainability permeates every corner of the tourism sector, and the awards reflected this diversity of innovation. From reducing waste to cutting carbon emissions, the 2025 winners showcased the collective effort to create a more sustainable travel industry. The award for ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Supply Chain Programme’ went to Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, for its impressive efforts in sourcing sustainable materials. In the ‘Sustainable Food & Nutrition’ category, ITC Hotels’ innovative farm-to-table model earned them recognition for promoting local sourcing and reducing food waste.

The Role of Education and Empowerment in Sustainability
Sustainability education and empowerment were key themes at the awards. The ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Education & Training Programme’ was awarded to the Employability Program in the Hospitality Sector. This initiative aims to equip individuals with the skills needed to thrive in the sustainable tourism sector. Similarly, the ‘Sustainable Female Empowerment Initiative’ award was presented to Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, recognising its efforts to uplift women in the tourism industry through training and employment opportunities.

The Road Ahead for Sustainable Tourism
The 2025 World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards highlighted the immense progress made in sustainable tourism but also pointed to the work that remains. The awards demonstrate that the travel and hospitality sectors are increasingly aligning with global sustainability goals. As the industry continues to evolve, it is crucial that these efforts are scaled up to achieve a net-positive impact on the planet. The event served as a powerful reminder that sustainability must be integrated into the very core of tourism businesses, from global hospitality chains to local community-driven projects.

The 2025 World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards celebrated the trailblazers who are leading the way in sustainable tourism. The winners, from large corporations to small-scale community projects, all exemplify how sustainability is the foundation for lasting success in the travel and hospitality industry. As the sector moves forward, it is clear that sustainability will be at the heart of innovation and growth, ensuring a more responsible and environmentally conscious future for tourism worldwide.

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