World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards:
Building net positive travel
Green revolution: How Belize is shaping the future of travel
Eco-excellence: Hotels and resorts championing sustainability
World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards:
Building net positive travel
Green revolution: How Belize is shaping the future of travel
Eco-excellence: Hotels and resorts championing sustainability
The global leaders of sustainable tourism convened in Belize for a ceremony to recognise the individuals and organisations that are accelerating change in net positive tourism. The inaugural World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards, held on 27 September to coincide with World Tourism Day, proved a fitting showcase for Belize and its pioneering sustainability initiatives.
The VIP reception featured the unveiling of the 21 winners of this year’s programme. Recipients of the coveted titles reflected the length and breadth of the sustainable tourism sector, ranging from community artisan initiatives to global hospitality giants.
Highlights included Green Initiative named ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Organisation’ for pioneering projects that include restoring degraded land in Costa Rica, Peru and Brazil. Meanwhile, luxury resort operator Soneva emerged as the winner of ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Energy Efficiency Initiative’ for ground-breaking initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint in the Maldives.
ibis RockCorps was named ‘World's Leading Sustainable Partnership’ for projects that encourage volunteering in communities in France in return for access to exclusive concerts. Rainforest Expeditions claimed ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Conservation & Biodiversity Programme’ for research and conservation work in the Peruvian Amazon, resulting in the identification of 30 new species.
It proved a big night for Mandarin Oriental, which collected triple honours: ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Development’, ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Employer’ and ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Supply Chain Programme’.
Individual winners included Agnes Pierce, Global Head of Sustainability, Amadeus named ‘World's Leading Sustainability Leader’. Andy De Silva, CEO, Hotel Emporium was voted ‘World's Leading Sustainability Leader of Tomorrow’.
Belize’s sustainable credentials were highlighted with the coveted title for ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Destination’, plus accolades for Che’il Mayan Chocolate (‘Leading Sustainable Cultural Heritage Project’), Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (‘Leading Sustainable Marine Conservation Initiative’).
The winners received a world-first unveiling of the iconic World Travel Awards winner trophy, originally cast in bronze by royal jewellers Asprey, but recreated using 3D printing technology from recycled ocean plastic, powered by renewable solar energy.
Justin Cooke, Executive VicePresident, World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards says: “We are incredibly proud to celebrate and acknowledge the winners of the inaugural World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards, each with fascinating stories of how they are positively impacting change. The standard has proved exceptional, and serves as a healthy indicator of the momentum, drive and innovation towards creating a net positive travel industry.
He adds: “The ceremony has proved a fitting climax for our winners to experience Belize in all its splendour, as well as a springboard for this enchanting nation to continue leading the world in sustainable tourism. When you set foot here, you’re not just visiting a country, you’re stepping into a world of vibrant heritage, communitydriven sustainability and profound respect for nature.”
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations, Belize, says: “We are incredibly proud of Belize’s achievements at the World Sustainable Travel and Hospitality Awards. 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.”
The World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards categories and entry criteria were agreed by an Advisory Board of thought leaders from the travel and tourism industry, academia and government. Entries were assessed by students in Sustainable Business from Nova Business School. Industry professionals, the media, and the general public voted for the nominees they consider to be leading the world in sustainable tourism.
The programme is run in partnership with the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, whose partners 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, expressed his excitement, saying: "I am delighted to celebrate the many deserving winners of our inaugural awards. The overwhelming number of inspiring entries from across the industry showcases the remarkable progress being made to accelerate change and lead the sector towards Net Positive Hospitality. In the months ahead, we will proudly champion these trailblazers, encouraging other businesses in our industry to intensify their sustainability efforts, paving the way for a greener future in tourism and hospitality."
World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards is the sister event of World Travel Awards, currently celebrating its 31st anniversary.
World’s Leading Sustainable Organisation: Green Initiative
World’s Leading Sustainable Supply Chain Programme: Mandarin Oriental
World’s Leading Sustainable Energy Efficiency Initiative: Soneva
World’s Leading Sustainable Health & Well-being Initiative: Emaar Hospitality
World’s Leading Sustainable Circular Economy Partnership: One Tree at a Time X Six Senses Courchevel
World’s Leading Sustainable Water & Waste Innovation: Six Senses Zighy Bay
World’s Leading Sustainable Finance Initiative: Soneva & Soneva Foundation
World’s Leading Sustainable Technology: Choice Hotels & CarbinX
World’s Leading Sustainable Partnership: ibis RockCorps
World’s Leading Sustainable Conservation & Biodiversity Programme: Rainforest Expeditions
World’s Leading Sustainable Development: Mandarin Oriental
World’s Leading Sustainable Destination: Belize
World’s Leading Sustainable Female Empowerment Initiative: SASANE Sisterhood Trekking & Travels
World’s Leading Sustainable Employer: Mandarin Oriental
World’s Leading Sustainable Accessibility & Inclusion Initiative: Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens
World's Leading Sustainability Leader: Agnes Pierce
World's Leading Sustainability Leader of Tomorrow: Andy De Silva
World's Leading Sustainable Education & Training Programme: Travel4Impact
Leading Sustainable Cultural Heritage Project: Che'il Mayan Chocolate
Leading Sustainable Marine Conservation Initiative: Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association
Leading Sustainable Community Engagement Programme: Belize Tourism Industry Association
As Global Head of Sustainability for Hospitality at Amadeus, Agnes Pierce has leveraged her passion for environmental stewardship to play a pivotal role in driving the company’s sustainability initiatives.
She also collaborates with industry stakeholders, including hotels, destination management companies, and other travel sector leaders, to help customers address their sustainability challenges through innovative technology.
With global scope, Amadeus is committed to building a more sustainable and responsible travel ecosystem.
Justin Cooke of World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards met up with Agnes to find out more about her approaches to sustainability, and how collaboration is the key to building a net positive future for tourism.
Justin Cooke: Tell us about the role of Amadeus within the travel and tourism sphere.
Agnes Pierce: “As a world-leading technology company, Amadeus focuses on providing solutions for the travel, tourism and hospitality industry, as well as travel agencies, airlines and airports.
Within the hospitality sector, we offer two main types of solutions. First, we provide distribution solutions, connecting over one million properties to a network of travel sellers and travel agents. Second, we offer IT solutions, such as central reservation systems for hotels, guest management solutions as well as business intelligence, data analytics and media solutions.
Our hospitality customers include hotels, as well as mobility providers like car rental companies, insurance providers, and destination management organizations (DMOs).
We are global, acting in all the markets around the world. We are a Spanish company listed on the Spanish Stock Exchange, with headquarters in Madrid.
Justin Cooke: How did you first become involved in sustainability?
Agnes Pierce: “At Amadeus, sustainability is a core commitment, and we strive to integrate it into everything we do. Through our people and technology, we aim to drive innovation and create a positive impact.
Amadeus has been a part of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the past 12 years, and we are actively collaborating with industry players to make a meaningful difference in the sector.
On a personal level, I’ve been passionate about sustainability for many years, thinking about how I can contribute to creating a better future for the environment. The COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point for me, as it prompted deep reflection. Over the past few years,
I’ve witnessed numerous environmental disasters, such as fires and floods in the south of France where I live, as well as around the world. These events motivated me to get involved and take action.
I’ve been with Amadeus for almost 20 years, so I know the company well and have a deep passion for the industry we operate in. I want to see us succeed and do well. When I realized I could combine my passion for sustainability with my work at Amadeus, I saw an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. I got involved in sustainability to help our customers address their sustainability challenges. Environmental issues affect their bottom line, and they need technology solutions to navigate these challenges. That’s how I became involved in sustainability at Amadeus, and it’s now a key part of my dayto-day role.”
Justin Cooke: And how have you embedded sustainability into the Amadeus strategy?
Agnes Pierce: “Beyond hospitality, sustainability is a core focus for our company, and we are guided by four key commitments. First, we have an environmental commitment, where we aim to promote environmental sustainability. Second, we focus on driving social impact, particularly through the external influence we can have. Third, we are committed to empowering the talent journey, which focuses on what we can do for our employees internally. Fourth, we strive to be a reference for trust and integrity. These four commitments help us set specific objectives and guide our efforts to improve sustainability at both the company and corporate levels.
We prioritize supporting both our customers and their businesses, as well as the travellers themselves. Additionally, we collaborate on a broader scale with the entire travel industry to ensure that our sustainability efforts have the greatest possible impact. Ultimately, we are driven by these four key commitments across these different areas.”
Justin Cooke: How have you turned the strategy into reality? And how have you rolled this out across the hospitality sector?
Agnes Pierce: “These four commitments are at the company level, but within the hospitality sector in particular, we have integrated sustainability into our overall business strategy, aligning it with Amadeus’ corporate purpose and values. Our ambition within hospitality is to become the trusted sustainability partner for both the hospitality industry and our customers. To achieve this, we’ve organized ourselves into the Hospitality Business Unit and taken proactive steps to realize this vision.
One of the key initiatives we’ve implemented is the creation of a network dedicated to sustainability, which we call the Sunshine Network, consisting of individuals from various areas of our hospitality business who are passionate about sustainability.
These champions represent different departments, including product management, sales, strategy, marketing, and communications. The Sunshine Network works collaboratively to influence all aspects of our business, ensuring that our sustainability targets and mission are embedded in everything we do.”
Justin Cooke: What are some of the main challenges faced by the hospitality sector?
Agnes Pierce: “Our industry faces many challenges, especially in the area of sustainability. To better understand these challenges and what our customers are going through, we collaborate closely with key industry organizations like the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.
These partnerships provide us with valuable insights into the obstacles our customers, particularly hotels and DMOs, face in their efforts to create more sustainable travel experiences.
We are committed to helping our customers address these challenges. One key finding from our recent research, the Travel Technology Investment Trends report for 2024, is that 87% of hoteliers consider sustainability objectives to be either important or very important for their businesses.
This is a significant finding and highlights that our customers are truly prioritizing sustainability. The main challenges they face are twofold. First, many hotels struggle with gaining visibility into their own ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) or sustainability measures and metrics, which are crucial for informed decision-making. Second, there is a need to effectively communicate sustainable travel options to travellers and raise awareness about the environmental impact of their choices.
The Travel Technology Investment Trends report reveals that booking behaviours are
shifting, with travellers increasingly seeking more sustainable travel options. Hoteliers who actively showcase their sustainability efforts are seeing positive recognition, as these actions are increasingly valued by consumers.
The research also revealed that 43% of travellers are willing to pay a premium for sustainable travel options. This is a crucial insight that our customers need to consider when shaping their offerings.
Another important challenge, which affects not only our customers but the industry as a whole, is the need to foster more inclusive travel. We are focused on finding ways to make travel more accessible for underserved demographics by addressing their specific needs. This is an ongoing challenge within the industry that we are committed to helping solve.”
Justin Cooke: What is Amadeus doing to address these challenges?
Agnes Pierce: “The challenges are broad so it’s essential to determine where to focus our efforts. Right now, our priority is to understand the critical needs of our customers and what matters most to them.
Our current approach to collaborating with customers involves first exploring the solutions they need. We aim to identify their specific requirements and how we can align our product offerings to help them achieve their sustainability goals. This process allows us to determine how we can enhance our existing portfolio to better meet their needs. Additionally, we’re exploring opportunities to support our customers through joint initiatives, which can help address these challenges more effectively.
For example, we partner on impactful projects, such as community programmes and training initiatives. These are key areas we are exploring together.
This is a crucial time for us to reflect and collaborate on innovation projects that will shape the future. It’s an opportunity to identify where we can innovate, particularly in the areas we’ve prioritized. These priorities include increasing visibility, ensuring that guests are informed and sustainability information is clearly displayed. We are also focused on how to provide better visibility for travellers, how to measure and manage ESG and sustainability data, and how to operate more efficiently.
These are the key areas we are actively working on with our customers, aligning our efforts with their sustainability goals.
I’d also like to share more about the priorities that industry organizations are focusing on. For example, in our collaboration with the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, we’re
working on several key areas. One of the main priorities is the unification of data and the standardization of data reporting practices across the entire industry. Currently, the data is fragmented and lacks consistency, so this is a crucial issue we’re addressing together.
Another important area is how to educate and empower the next generation of hospitality professionals to adopt sustainable practices. There is an ongoing programme dedicated to exploring how we can achieve this goal.
Lastly, we're working with industry organizations to improve accessible travel. Our focus is on finding ways to make travel more inclusive and accessible for all, ensuring that underserved demographics can fully participate in the travel experience.
This work is primarily with the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, but we also have significant involvement with the Travalyscoalition. Alongside other members of the alliance, including online travel agencies and technology players, we focus on bringing sustainability data into the spotlight and making it more visible to consumers and travellers.
Specifically, I am part of the Travalyst Accommodation Working Group, where we tackle the challenges related to sustainability in the accommodation sector. Our goal is to ensure that sustainability data is clearly communicated and accessible to travellers, helping them make more informed, sustainable choices.”
Justin Cooke: At the recent World Sustainable Travel Hospitality Awards, Travel4Impact won ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Education & Training Programme’ and you were named ‘World’s Leading Sustainability Leader’. Tell us about the process and why is recognition so important?
Agnes Pierce: “First, I just want to say that I feel incredibly honoured to have been recognized for the efforts we’ve made in my company to promote sustainability within the hospitality sector.
This year, we’ve taken significant steps, including mobilizing our internal teams through initiatives like the Sunshine Network within Amadeus Hospitality to drive sustainability forward. We’ve also joined forces with the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, taking an active role, as well as participating in the Accommodation Working Group of Travalyst.
In addition to these efforts, we’ve conducted research to better understand the industry’s priorities and align our strategies with the broader goals for sustainability.
This recognition has motivated us to focus even more on sustainability within our company, and it’s gratifying to see how far we’ve come. Personally, I am incredibly proud and honoured to have received this award, especially for the inaugural edition of this programme.
I hope it continues to be successful in the future, but there’s something particularly special about winning the very first one.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in the process, from those who made the award possible to those who sponsored it. It has been a fantastic opportunity. Congratulations to all the other nominees and winners in their respective categories as well – this has truly been a tremendous experience.”
Justin Cooke: In your view, how far has the travel and hospitality sector progressed on its sustainability goals?
Agnes Pierce: “Currently, Amadeus’ sustainability goals are corporate-driven, and this extends into our hospitality unit. Our primary focus is understanding the priorities of our customers and the broader industry and working towards addressing them. We are closely monitoring developments within the industry, staying informed about the outcomes and decisions made at key events such as the NYC Climate Week and the COP conferences.
We are committed to collaborating with other industry bodies to address these challenges. Collaboration is essential, and we believe that working together with key stakeholders is crucial to driving meaningful progress.
Our sustainability goals are driven collaboratively with the World Sustainability Hospitality Alliance and other stakeholders. We are committed to closely monitoring our progress and working together with other industry partners to achieve these objectives.”
Justin Cooke: What is the one piece of advice that you would give to someone who is perhaps embarking upon their first step on the journey to working in sustainability?
Agnes Pierce: “Sustainability is a fascinating but broad topic, and it can sometimes feel overwhelming with all the tasks that need to be addressed. It might be unclear where to begin or what to prioritise. For anyone looking to get involved in sustainability, I would offer two pieces of advice. First, focus on identifying a specific area of the business where you can make a real impact. It's important to understand what the key issues are – this is known as materiality – a concept that is frequently used in sustainability.
The second is to remember that sustainability is a journey, and you can’t do it alone. It's essential to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders and industry players. Whether within your business or across the broader industry, you need to find allies to join you in this journey. Only through collaboration can we make sustainable travel a reality.
We often say it, and I truly believe it: collaboration is essential. We won't achieve anything if everyone focuses solely on their own agenda and objectives. Working together is absolutely key to making progress.”
Community-based tourism in Belize supports the preservation of the country's unique indigenous communities. Several projects are in place in Belize to introduce tourists to the communities, offering cultural immersion experiences such as Garifuna cooking lessons, drumming experiences or visits to organisations listed in the Garifuna Trail, which provide incredible opportunities to learn about the Garifuna’s history and vibrant culture. The San Antonio Women's Cooperative, created by nine Maya women originally, was established to support local women to earn an income, learn new skills, and pass down their traditional Maya wisdom to both the next generation and visiting tourists.
Belize is a biodiversity and wildlife haven, with over 70% of the country covered by dense rainforest, which is heavily protected by the government. Belize's rainforest, home to jaguar, tapir, and crocodiles, is a realm unlike any other. Over 500 bird species have been identified within the landscape, residing in the treetops, making it a must-visit destination for birdwatchers. Thousands of plants and tropical flowers grow wild in Belize, including an astonishing 250 orchid varieties and 700 tree species. There are countless fascinating animals to observe in numerous sanctuaries, including the elusive jaguar, howler monkey, tapir, and colourful birds
Belize’s primary distinction lies in its extraordinary natural environment, rich biodiversity, and marine ecosystems, making sustainability imperative to preserve these invaluable assets.
The dedication to sustainability and ecotourism countrywide is evident, with several programmes to attract travellers while protecting the environment. Belize supports its wildlife, providing sanctuaries for endangered and protected species, including jaguars, howler monkeys, and scarlet macaws. The marine life is extensively preserved by a network of Marine Protected Areas covering 12% of Belize’s waters. In addition, Belize’s flora and fauna cover over 70% of the country, with numerous projects in place to maintain the landscape, such as the Maya Forest Corridor, and many protected forest areas serving as wildlife sanctuaries.
Belize’s local businesses are deeply involved in and committed to sustainable development and ecotourism practices within the country, and several organisations have been nominated in various categories at the first World Sustainable Travel and Hospitality Awards.
Belizing.com has been nominated in the category for ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Female Empowerment Initiative’. The nomination recognises outstanding initiatives supporting women-owned SMEs through digital transformation and digital skills training. The initiative strives to promote leadership, economic independence, and social equality across the country through education, skill development, and support networks.
There are four nominations for the ‘Leading Sustainable Cultural Heritage Project’, including Che’il Mayan Chocolate, Eco Museum Belize, Jardin Pachamama and the San Antonio Women’s Cooperative.
The Che’il Mayan Chocolate Factory is owned and managed by a local Maya couple in the Stann Creek District of Belize. The factory works alongside local farmers to source cacao beans and produce authentic chocolate bars, cocoa powder, cocoa tea, and Maya Che’il coffee. The factory offers tours of its cacao farms and demonstrations of the chocolate-making process to provide guests with an immersive cultural experience.
The Belize Eco- Museum, in contrast to traditional museums, features symbolic pieces in original surroundings versus collecting and showcasing objects within a single structure. The museum consists of a central hub and several satellite locations, producing a network combining architecture, landscapes, and community interaction.
The primary museum presents Belize City’s narrative through unique exhibitions, while the satellite locations, representing their own assets, exhibit themed displays, cultural artefacts, and tell personal stories. The satellites are linked to the core through a network, taking visitors on a diverse journey of discovery.
The Ts’unu’un Pok-ta-Pok Ball Court, located at Jardín Pachamama in the Orange Walk District, was launched as part of the Belize Tourism Board’s efforts to protect Maya history and encourage tourism in Northern Belize. The sacred sport was a significant aspect of the ancient Maya civilisation, and remains of the ball courts can be found at several archaeological sites, including Lamanai and Cahal Pech. The Belize Maya Ancestral Maya Sport Pok-ta-Pok (BMAMSP) and the Belize Tourism Board collaborated to build the ball court, a public-private collaboration with a total investment of $75,000.
A group of nine local Maya women founded the San Antonio Women’s Co-operative to “empower women and inspire children”. The women established the cooperative to generate income, develop new skills, and pass down cultural wisdom to both the next generation and visiting tourists. In the town of San Antonio, the success of the initiative, and interest from visitors, has resulted in the initiative being able to employ nine more women and supporting 11 local artisans.
Two organisations located in Belize have been nominated in the ‘Leading Sustainable Marine Conservation Initiative’: the ClearWater Marine Aquarium and the Turneffe Island Sustainability Association. The ClearWater Marine Aquarium is a non-profit organisation dedicated to conservation and inspiring leadership through the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine species, alongside research and education. The Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA) is a non-profit organisation and co-manager of the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve with the Belizean government. TASA supervises the atoll’s day-to-day management and is critical to the long-term maintenance and preservation of the vast marine ecosystem.
The nominees for the ‘Leading Sustainable Community Engagement Programme’ include the Belize Barrier Reef Watch, Belize Tourism Industry Association, Belizing.com, Chan Chich Lodge, and Sea of Life.
The Belize Barrier Reef Watch programme was founded in collaboration between ECOMAR and the World Wildlife Fund. The project was developed with a principal goal of launching the Coral Bleaching Early Warning Alert System. The objective was to monitor and discuss issue prevention strategies, and the project continues to provide significant data to assist in coral reef preservation goals in Belize.
The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) is Belize's largest private-sector tourism organisation. The association focuses on marketing to its members, including hotels, tour operators, restaurants, tour guides, and connecting tourism-related bodies nationwide. BTIA plays a pivotal role in linking the private and public sectors, and as a result of successful BTIA initiatives, tourism has become one of Belize’s largest industries, contributing to an estimated 40% of the nation’s GDP.
Belizing.com operates as an online marketplace website, offering tours, accommodation and transfers within Belize. The business works alongside licensed tourism service providers, listing and promoting their services online. Belizing. com boasts the largest selection of tourism services offered directly by local providers in Belize throughout the Central American destination.
Chan Chich Lodge is a renowned resort in Belize and a private conservation pioneer. Located within 30,000 acres of untouched wilderness and half a million acres of protected conservation land, the unique setting allows for one of the best locations for wildlife viewing in the Americas. Visitors to the resort contribute significantly to the preservation of the country's natural environment and cultural heritage, demonstrating the lodge’s dedication to maintaining and protecting Belize's natural and cultural heritage.
Sea of Life is a women-led organisation that empowers local community action to solve prevalent ocean issues. The organisation operates through collaborative entrepreneurial solutions and extensive education/ training. The team also provides expert guidance for ocean policy, research, and planning, with a view to promoting communitybased conservation and protecting the ocean.
For more information about Belize visit travelbelize.org
Belize, with its pristine Barrier Reef teeming with coral, marine life and the Great Blue Hole, offers unparalleled underwater adventures for divers and snorkellers alike. Beyond the coast, its lush rainforests are home to ancient Maya heritage sites and diverse wildlife, making it a dream destination for nature enthusiasts and cultural travellers. Belize is an outstanding bucket-list destination with adventure activities including tubing through archaeological underwater cave systems, zip-lining through rainforest canopy, and kayaking down the Macal River, all whilst being surrounded by the unique and lush landscape that Belize has to offer.
Over 500 different species of marine life can be observed in the waters of Belize, from nurse sharks, turtles, and manta rays to whale sharks and dolphins. Diving and snorkelling off the hundreds of cayes is the perfect setting to experience marine wonders in their natural habitat. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Belize Barrier Reef, stretching over 180 miles across the Caribbean coastline, home to the mesmerising Great Blue Hole. 12% of Belize’s waters are designated Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), resulting in a rich and diverse array of marine life which is second-to-none.
Audrey Mourguiart is Head of Social Innovation at Amadeus and Project Lead of Travel4Impact, an initiative run by Amadeus and IE University, dedicated to supporting small and medium-sized sustainable enterprises (SMEs) in the travel and tourism industry. With a global scope, the programme reinforces its commitment to building a more sustainable, inclusive, and responsible travel ecosystem.
Launched in 2021, Travel4Impact has already assisted over 100 SMEs in amplifying their positive impact and accelerating their digital transformation.
Travel4Impact provides small business leaders with a fully funded, six-month online training and mentorship programme led by IE University professors. Throughout the programme, SMEs engage in work sessions focused on enhancing their digital strategies and integrating sustainable practices into their business models.
Participants are invited to join a network of alumni, creating a vibrant community of like-minded professionals to collaboration, mutual support, and the exchange of best practices.
Justin Cooke of World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards sat down with Audrey to find out more about her role with Travel4Impact.
Justin Cooke: What role does social impact play at Amadeus?
Audrey Mourguiart: “We have six members in our social impact team, and we are part of the Amadeus sustainability office. We also collaborate with other business partners, including the People and Culture team and various other departments.
On a global level, our aim at Amadeus is to use travel as a catalyst for positive change by promoting inclusion and ensuring social impact. Our teams are currently working on a range of projects, each tailored to
different audiences. At the employee level, our People and Culture team ensures we provide a welcoming and supportive environment for all.
Amadeus also runs a robust community impact programme wherever we operate around the world. We offer numerous volunteering opportunities and initiatives designed to make a positive difference using our unique strengths, enabling our employees to give back and build meaningful connections within the wider community.
Additionally, we have a team dedicated to travellers, ensuring that our solutions are both socially responsible and accessible. This team focuses on sustainability, particularly from social and accessibility perspectives.
The Social Innovation team, which I lead, focuses on supporting travel and tourismbased SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) and professionals. Our goal is to equip them with the tools and resources they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving market. We also offer specialised programmes centred on small businesses that prioritise sustainability as part of their core value proposition.”
Justin Cooke: What is the size and scale of Amadeus itself?
Audrey Mourguiart: “Amadeus has around 19,000 employees, though that number is constantly growing as we expand. We provide IT services to the travel industry, supporting airlines, airports, hospitality companies, and more. As a B2B company, our goal is to make the travel experience better for everyone, everywhere.
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We strive to inspire innovation, foster partnerships and uphold our responsibility to people, places, and the planet. Every member of our team contributes to this mission.
While our social impact team is small, with only six people, social responsibility is embedded throughout the company. We all play a part through initiatives like our community impact program, and we continue to deliver sustainable solutions through industry collaborations and the services we provide.”
Justin Cooke: How did Travel4Impact come about?
Audrey Mourguiart: Travel4Impact was launched in 2021 as a direct response to the Covid-19 pandemic. With our industry severely impacted, particularly SMEs, we saw this as an opportunity to not only help rebuild the industry but to do so in a more responsible, inclusive and sustainable way.
From the start, we partnered with IE University, a fantastic collaborator, and launched a pilot programme in Spain with 22 SMEs to ensure our offering was of value to the industry. The positive feedback we received and the impact we saw motivated us to continue the programme even after the pandemic.
In September 2024, we launched our first global cohort, expanding the program to include participants from the Americas – our final region to be included. Since 2021, more than 100 SMEs have been supported, and we continue to grow and evolve the program to provide ongoing value.
Justin Cooke: How have you embedded sustainability into the heart of the programme?
Audrey Mourguiart: “This programme is designed with sustainability at its core and targets SMEs that have sustainability embedded in their value proposition. Everything we do is connected to sustainability, but we focus on three key pillars: sustainability, digitalization, and collaboration.
Under sustainability, we offer training sessions on topics like regenerative tourism,
the circular economy and resource reuse. We also help SMEs build stories that resonate with conscious travellers, which is a key aspect of sustainable tourism.
In addition to sustainability, the programme emphasises digitalization and collaboration. For example, we offer artificial intelligence courses, but a focus on using AI for positive impact. We also provide training on highimpact leadership and how to form alliances for lasting change.”
Justin Cooke: Which outcomes of the project are you most proud of?
Audrey Mourguiart: “We’re most proud of the network we’ve built. At Amadeus, collaboration is a core value, and we've worked hard to foster that sense of community. Today, if we count the participants of the 4th edition, currently in the launchpad phase, we have over 100
leaders within this network. They tell us it adds real value, and some have started collaborating with each other, even without our involvement.
This self-sustaining network is what we’re most proud of. We’ve created a community where we’re no longer leading the way –we’re supporting them to achieve more together. Seeing the sharing of knowledge, the co-innovation, and the co-creation happening within this network is incredibly fulfilling. We all share the same goal: to build a better travel industry.”
Justin Cooke: You must also be very proud of your recent World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards victory. Tell us about the process.
Audrey Mourguiart: “Yes, it’s truly an honour to receive this recognition. When we first launched the program in 2021, it was a small
pilot. We wanted to ensure it added real value, and over the years, we’ve received positive feedback from participants. This year, we took the program global for the first time.
While we knew the programme was valuable, we also wanted external recognition to affirm our efforts. This award is particularly meaningful because it validates the hard work we've put in since 2021. We’ve consistently invested in the programme because we strongly believe in its potential to create a lasting impact. This recognition helps amplify our reach and demonstrates our commitment to continuing it for years to come.”
Justin Cooke: How do you measure the impact of Travel4Impact?
Audrey Mourguiart: “Applicants submit a form, and if selected, they fill out a baseline survey to help us understand their business, KPIs they track and the markets they target.
After the programme, we conduct a followup survey with similar questions to compare how participants have progressed and improvements made in key areas.
In addition to these annual surveys, we collect feedback after each of the 14 sessions in the curriculum. This is a quick feedback process
to help us assess how the sessions worked and identify areas for improvement.
We continue to gather feedback throughout the year, even after the training phase. We send surveys annually to assess how the network and its activities have added value to participants. We also seek ideas for future improvements.
While we use KPIs to monitor impact, we place great importance on qualitative feedback. In addition to survey responses, we send personalized emails to select participants to gather more in-depth insights. As the community grows, we focus on a few
profiles to have one-on-one conversations about their experiences and how we can improve.
We also leverage industry events like WTM, ITB, and Fitur to meet face-to-face and gather informal feedback.”
Justin Cooke: What’s the strategy behind your focus on SMEs?
Audrey Mourguiart: “As Julia Simpson, President of the WTTC, has said, SMEs form the backbone of the travel sector. They drive growth and innovation, and at Amadeus we align fully with this statement. My team
is focused on supporting SMEs and travel professionals, and SMEs represent 80% of travel and tourism companies worldwide.
SMEs often face challenges, such as limited access to funding, training and resources. This makes it especially important for us to focus on their inclusion. While they make up the majority of the industry, they don’t always have the same resources as larger companies. However, on the positive side, SMEs play a critical role in connecting with local communities and improving travel experiences globally.
Our programme has a global footprint, with participants from countries like Peru, Spain, and Australia. This network ensures that the value we provide is spread worldwide. The key to making this work is collaboration – we connect SMEs with start-ups, public institutions, and large corporations. By working together, we can enhance travel through better social and environmental practices.
Justin Cooke: And how have you been using technology to help generate that impact?
Audrey Mourguiart: “Technology has been essential in expanding our global reach. By offering a fully remote and controlled programme, we can target SMEs worldwide.
This year, we introduced a new initiative where we provide expert support to SMEs in the network. If an SME has a tech-related issue, we invite Amadeus volunteers to offer tailored sessions to provide advice and guidance.
Additionally, technology is a key pillar of our program alongside sustainability and
collaboration. We offer sessions focused on how technology can support sustainability, such as using AI for impact, machine learning to improve business competitiveness, and other ways tech can drive positive change. These three areas – technology, sustainability, and collaboration – are at the heart of our programme.”
Justin Cooke: How are you using tactics to get senior stakeholders on board? It’s so important, isn’t it, to have top-down support?
Audrey Mourguiart (Amadeus): “Absolutely. The key to gaining senior leadership support started with aligning the programme with our core business values. From the outset, the programme was designed to support SMEs in the travel industry.
Next, it’s all about demonstrating the value, gathering data through surveys, track KPIs, and share both quantitative results and qualitative feedback from participants. Sharing this progress and the positive impact with senior leadership is essential.
Involving senior leaders is also critical. For instance, Jackson Pek, SVP Group General Counsel and Sustainability executive sponsor of Amadeus is part of the jury, helping us evaluate and select the most relevant SMEs for each edition. He also participates in our kick-off event and speaks about why Amadeus invests in these SMEs. We also invite senior leaders to face-to-face events, such as having our CEO attend one of the sessions. Additionally, our SVP of Hospitality volunteered to support an SME, which gives them a hands-on connection to the program.
The personal connection is key – when senior leaders meet SME founders, they see their passion firsthand. For example, one SME
is focused on revitalizing small villages in Spain as new workation destinations. When senior leaders interact with these passionate entrepreneurs, it reinforces the value of the program, making them want to continue supporting it year after year.”
Justin Cooke: What’s one piece of advice you would give someone looking to begin their sustainability journey?
Audrey Mourguiart: “My advice is to start with 1 to 3 clear priorities that align with your business goals and company culture. Focus your energy on those areas that make the most sense for your organization.
But it doesn’t stop there. To make this work, you need to set simple, measurable KPIs –something easy to track so you can monitor progress over time. Sustainability is about gradual improvement, not perfection. It's not about doing everything at once; it's about doing one thing well and refining it as you go.
Start small, learn from your actions, and improve over time. Eventually, these small steps will build into a comprehensive sustainable strategy. The most important part is taking that first, strategic step – if it’s the right one, it will keep you motivated to continue.”
Green Initiative’s Regenerative Tourism has created lasting benefits for the environment, society, and economy. Over 100 hectares of degraded land in biodiversity hotspots across Costa Rica, Peru, and Brazil have been restored, increasing local biomass and biodiversity.
Participating businesses have reduced their carbon footprints by 25% through energy efficiency and local sourcing. Socially, the initiative has empowered communities with
new income sources and strengthened capacity for ecosystem restoration. Economically, it has opened new revenue streams for tourism businesses, attracting international tourists and boosting local economies, while demonstrating the commercial viability of regenerative tourism.
The organisation’s scalable model has attracted global tourism firms, demonstrating commercial viability and setting a precedent for industry-wide adoption.
World’s Leading Sustainable Supply Chain Programme
World’s Leading Sustainable Development
World’s Leading Sustainable Employer
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group emerged victorious at the first World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards in Belize, where it was named the winner in three categories: ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Supply Chain Programme’, ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Development’ and ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Employer’.
The accolades recognise Mandarin Oriental’s commitment to shaping the future of sustainable luxury travel
through pioneering eco-conscious initiatives, cultural preservation, and the promotion of responsible travel experiences. The awards, launched at COP28, honour organisations that transcend traditional hospitality by prioritising sustainability and environmental stewardship at every level of their operations.
Mandarin Oriental was particularly commended for its innovative approach
to engaging stakeholders along the group’s sustainability journey from deepening responsible sourcing commitments, driving environmental intensity reduction targets, and contributing to local communities globally through sponsoring one-paid day leave for all colleagues, reinforcing its role as a leader in sustainable practices.
Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, said: “It is an honour to be recognised on such a global stage. Sustainability is embedded in everything we do at Mandarin Oriental, from crafting exceptional experiences for our guests to our dedication to protecting the planet. This recognition serves as further motivation for us to continue advancing our sustainability journey and shaping a responsible future for luxury hospitality.”
Justin Cooke, Executive VicePresident, World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards, commented: “Congratulations to Mandarin Oriental for setting the benchmark in sustainable practices. Being named winner of ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Supply Chain Programme’, ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Development’, and ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Employer’ is a testament to the group’s visionary approach and its influence on shaping a more responsible and net-positive
future for the travel industry.”
Glenn Mandziuk, Chief Executive Officer of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, said: “Mandarin Oriental’s outstanding achievement across three key categories showcases its leadership in sustainable hospitality. The Group’s vision and dedication offer an inspiring example for the entire industry, guiding us towards a more sustainable and inclusive future.”
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group assesses decarbonization opportunities by setting 2030 environmental targets based on a 2012 baseline. Each of the group’s properties manages targets through an inventory management plan that accounts for location, utilities, and renewables.
Energy audits, performed every three years since 2022, follow ASHRAE procedures and inform efficiency strategies. Supplier partnerships focus on eco-alternatives, including ISO-certified Palatino for sustainable guest amenities. A five-tier sustainability governance structure, with external support from Greenview, ensures coordinated efforts. In 2023, the company modelled its decarbonization pathway against science-based targets to evaluate emissions and plan energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
Established in 1995, Soneva is built on the foundation that a business must exist for a greater purpose than just shareholder returns. The sustainable luxury resort operator is committed to leading the fight against climate change within the hospitality sector and regenerate nature.
It became carbon neutral in 2012 for both direct and indirect resort operations including guest flights, which account for 80% of our CO2 emissions. While 20% of its emissions are direct, mainly from producing electricity, it focuses strongly on eliminating them. For example, Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani have installed 5.2MWp solar PV and 4.7MWh of battery storage ensuring that 50% of electricity comes from renewable energy. Villas are designed for natural ventilation instead of air conditioning.
Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani are located on a remote island setting in the Maldives with no municipal power, water or waste facilities. They must therefore must create their own power and water utilities that are reliable 24/7, 365 days a year. Traditionally, diesel generators power Maldivian islands. Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani have installed a combined 5.2MWp solar PV and 4.7MWh battery capacity in January 2024, which covers 50% of electricity needs. This substantial 2 million litre reduction in diesel consumption per year cuts direct carbon emissions in half, marking a significant step toward sustainability.
World’s Leading
Sustainable Health &
Well-being Initiative
Emaar Hospitality Group emphasises the importance of having happy, healthy colleagues to assist them in delivering an exceptional service to guests and results to the business. This is rolled out through a diversified health and wellness programme where it has incorporated various health, sports, leisure, team building and CSR related initiatives to ensure that there will be something suitable for everyone.
Accordingly high emphasis is placed on ensuring that teams perform while enjoying a high level of physical, mental and spiritual state. Activities are organised on regular basis, including monthly health camps to provide free screenings by various specialists, enabling
staff to monitor their health and receive necessary care. The breast cancer awareness campaign has led to early diagnosis for four individuals. Monthly sports tournaments for participating teams across 31 hotels & leisure clubs, offering outdoor & indoor sports facilities to meet all interests of group’s athletes.
Activities are following an annual engagement calendar, performed in centralized on-premises venues which are accessible to over 3000 colleagues leading to minimizing cost, efficiency in energy consumption through reduction of individual transport to alternate venues and providing group transport when required.
Leading Sustainable Circular Economy Partnership
Six Senses Residences Courchevel (SSCVL) is a luxury property operating in the alpine resort of Courchevel, France. It focusing on sustainability and wellness for guests, the environment, and local communities through Six Senses GSTC recognized Sustainable Operations Guidelines, and partnerships with local organizations utilizing its Sustainability Fund (0.5% total revenue).
SSCVL recognizes the ever-growing outdoor sports tourism that makes Courchevel an increasingly exclusive destination, leading to low diversity of income for the resident community, and increased pressure on municipal systems, and waste generated from discarded seasonal outdoors equipment.
SSCVL partners with One Tree at a Time (OTAAT), a not-for-profit organization established with the goal of helping the local community and operators make sustainable choices focusing on the repair and reuse of outdoor gear. OTAAT provides training workshops and a community space for gear repair and redistribution, in addition to creative innovation in up-cycling gear, and provides alternative livelihood opportunities within their repair workshop.
Since June 2023, OTAAT has inspired 11 companies to reuse their working uniforms, provides employment for 7 individuals, and has provided over 150 hours of training workshops attended by 177 people. From January to March 2024, 457 kgs of waste clothing has been diverted from landfill.
In 2020, Six Senses was the first hotel brand to commit to the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI), and its Sustainable Operating Guidelines are recognized by GSTC.
OTAAT initiative sets the perfect example of circular economy within alpine sports and tourist industry, a model which can be replicated in 1000’s of locations across the Alps. OTAAT is part of the Re-Action Collective, a membership group working with communities to introduce circular models to reduce waste and carbon emissions and to save resources.
OTAAT is presently working with a homeless charity in France to repurpose used outdoors gear into durable weatherproof sleeping bags for individuals living on the street and has previously collaborated with the London Marathon to encourage re-branding of used sportswear, rather than single-use events wear. Both activities serve as examples to the sports industry for the application of circular models that save money, save resources, and fill social needs.
This winner has one target when it comes to waste: Zero! Onsite sewage treatment has enabled Six Senses Zighy Bay to reach this target, with grey water used for irrigating the 5,200 trees on property, and sludge digested organically into compost in reed beds. Compost is later donated to local farmers.
The waste management program received a significant upgrade in 2022 with the creation of two new facilities to segregate waste onsite, and the full renovation of the wet waste area. The resort now segregates 11 categories of waste onsite. In 2023 it
produced 12,226 kilograms of compost from food waste, donated to local farmers. It also recycles glass, soap, candles, paper and cardboard onsite, and sends other categories to be recycled offsite like cooking oil used to make biodiesel. 33% of total waste was diverted from landfill and the team is working on doubling this number by investing into an industrial wood chip machine that will enable recycling of 100% of landscaping waste onsite. It also reduced 40% of total water consumption in 2023 compared to 2019, thanks to a strong leak prevention system and energy conservation committee.
Since 2012, Soneva has been a carbon-neutral company, including indirect Scope 3 emissions such as freight and guest flights. Its carbon neutrality is achieved through efforts to reduce energy and resource consumption, and by developing a self-sustaining carbon offsetting programme to mitigate emissions it cannot yet eliminate from its activities or supply chains.
This carbon offsetting programme, part of the Soneva Foundation, was initially funded by a 2% room revenue guest carbon levy. The programme employs impact investing techniques to create revenue mechanisms and recycle capital, enabling it to achieve scale and become financially self-sustaining.
In 2014, the Soneva Foundation launched the Myanmar Stoves Campaign, distributing 55,000 fuelefficient cookstoves and benefiting 270,000 people. It is the first Gold Standard- certified carbon project in Myanmar. The sale of surplus Gold Standard carbon credits has generated funds for other environmental initiatives, including planting 3 million trees, 2.5 million mangroves, and establishing the Soneva Foundation Coral Restoration programme in the Maldives.
The Myanmar Stoves Campaign has directly mitigated more than 350,000 tonnes of CO2 and generated over $2.4 million in surplus cash. This surplus has been invested in secondary projects like the Myanmar Mangroves Restoration project, which will generate significant volumes of carbon credits. Many of these credits can be sold to further expand the projects. The overflow capital is channelled into tree planting in Mozambique, the Philippines and Nepal, which locks in carbon and contributes to biodiversity.
The projects aim to fund the planting of more than 25 million trees, with a total absorption of 10 million tonnes of CO2. Additionally, $700,000 of the surplus funding from carbon credit sales has been allocated to coral restoration efforts in the Maldives, including ‘assisted evolution’ programmes. These initiatives aim to develop more resilient corals capable of thriving in a climatechanged world.
In 2023, Choice Hotels became the first hotel company in the world to use the CarbinX technology at the Radisson Blu Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota.
CarbinX is the world’s first small-scale carbon capture device that reduces the hotel gas consumption and CO2e emissions. It is a ground-breaking technology developed by CleanO2, an innovative Canadian cleantech company. The CarbinX unit connects directly to the hotel’s water boilers to capture and store permanently the carbon dioxide emitted. Through a chemical reaction, the gas is then converted into pearl ash (potassium carbonate) and can be used to produce soaps and detergents.
CarbinX also works as an economizer, reducing energy consumption and recapturing waste heat for use in the building. The system enabled the hotel to reduce by up to 20% its natural gas usage for water heating as well as the
associated CO2e emissions. This innovative initiative was completed with the support of CenterPoint Energy, Minnesota's largest natural gas utility.
The CarbinX technology addresses climate change in a direct, quantifiable and meaningful way. It offers up to a 20 percent reduction in carbon emissions. Knowing that water heating is the primary source of CO2e emissions on average for a hotel, this technology has a clear and immediate positive effect on the environment. In other words, each CarbinX unit can reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by 6 to 8 tonnes each year. It also addresses circularity: the pearl ash produced by the system can then be used to produce soaps and detergents. The intent is to eventually use these at the hotel by the staff and guests. The CarbinX unit has a direct economic and societal impact: creating new jobs (R&D, production, maintenance) as well as enabling significant gas savings (up to 20%) for the hotel.
The ibis Rockcorps partnership is based on a simple and powerful concept: ‘Give, Get Given’. This programme makes volunteering attractive and accessible by linking it with music. The principle is by giving 4 hours of your time to a community project, you receive a ticket to an exceptional concert in return.
The ibis RockCorps concert took place in May with artists Macklemore, Franglish and Ronisia. Between 6 March and 29 May, more than 13,000 participants (primarily young people) engaged in various volunteer activities. In total, 215 community projects were carried out across France. These initiatives covered important themes such as diversity and inclusion, as well as ecology. ibis RockCorps demonstrates that it is possible to combine social engagement with a passion for music, encouraging active and supportive participation from both young and old in projects that have a positive impact on society.
ibis RockCorps co-constructed all community projects with local associations whose needs were clearly identified, ensuring that the 4 hours of volunteering had a positive, visible, and transformative impact. Volunteers participated in concrete actions for associations such as the Red Cross, Emmaüs Solidarité, Banlieues Climat, Les Restos du Coeur, and APF France Handicap, as well as with local municipalities.
Missions varied from waste collection (8 tonnes of waste collected across France) in the Bois de Vincennes in partnership with the city of Paris, which gathered more than 245 people, to beautifying facilities with activities like sanding or painting at IEM La Buissonnière in La Chapelle-Sur-Erdre near Nantes. These different projects enabled 124 associations to benefit from the volunteers' help, contributing to the development and expansion of their activities or improving the conditions for their beneficiaries.
Wired Amazon is a pioneering programme developed by Rainforest Expeditions to promote scientific research and conservation in the Tambopata National Reserve and BahuajaSonene National Park through ecotourism and citizen science.
Since 2016, Wired Amazon has made significant strides in biodiversity research by discovering new species and identifying individual jaguars. Its flagship project, Discovering New Species, has engaged over 12,000 global participants, resulting in 30 new arthropod species by 2022.
Meanhwhile its AmazonCam initiative, with 650,000 images uploaded to Zooniverse, has identified 25 individual jaguars, aiding effective wildlife conservation strategies in the Tambopata National Reserve.
Another key project, 8 Primates, focuses on the behavioural study and conservation of eight primate species in the Tambopata region. Using advanced bioacoustic monitoring and GPS tracking, it collects crucial data on primate communication and behaviour. This is the first project of its kind in the Amazon.
and illegal logging have reduced the availability of natural nests for their reproduction, and this project offers a sustainable alternative
Wired Amazon has generated lasting benefits for the environment, society, and economy. Environmentally, the discovery of 30 new species of arthropods and identification of 25 individual jaguars has enhanced biodiversity conservation.
This engagement has increased awareness and appreciation for biodiversity. Posada Amazonas, one of its three ecolodges, co-managed with the native community of Infierno, with the support and technology transfer carried out by Rainforest Expeditions through the Amazon Business Alliance has adopted the Discovering New Species project, recognising its value and success for guests.
The Tambopata Macaw Project tests improved nest designs to address the threat faced by three species of macaws. Deforestation
Additionally, the Aerobotany project monitors Brazil nut harvests, a vital economic activity generating between $3 and $8 million annually and providing over 30,000 jobs in Madre de Dios. These projects ensure that local communities benefit directly from conservation efforts, creating a sustainable economic model that reinforces environmental and societal gains.
Responsible tourism is central to everything in Belize. From leading the way for the conservation of Jaguars in Central America with the Maya Forest Corridor, to the development of community-based tourism clusters that promote the preservation of indigenous communities, Belize is committed to sustainable tourism development.
The government is rolling out its Sustainable Tourism Certification Programme for Protected Areas and tourism-based businesses,
Belize is home to an extraordinary natural environment, rich biodiversity, and marine ecosystems, making sustainability imperative to preserve these invaluable assets.
The dedication to sustainability and ecotourism throughout the nation is unrivalled, with several programmes to attract travellers while protecting the environment. Belize supports its wildlife, providing sanctuaries for endangered and protected species, including jaguars, howler monkeys, and scarlet macaws. The marine life is extensively preserved by a network of Marine Protected Areas covering 12% of Belize’s waters. In addition, Belize’s flora and fauna cover over 70% of the country, with numerous projects in place to maintain the landscape, such as the Maya Forest Corridor, and many protected forest areas serving as wildlife sanctuaries.
Belize’s local businesses are deeply involved in and committed to sustainable development and eco-
tourism practices within the country.
A destination like no other, Belize offers visitors every opportunity to make their trip a truly spectacular and responsibly focused travel experience. Discover the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Site – The Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest reef in the world, home to hundreds of species of coral and fish. Explore the Garifuna, which is part of Belize’s Community Based Tourism clusters, promoting the preservation of indigenous communities, and introducing guests to traditional gastronomy, agricultural practices, music, dance, and way of life. Delve deep into the jungle, where Belize is working with Re: wild and local partners to lead the way for the conservation of Jaguars in Central America with the Maya Forest Corridor.
World’s Leading Sustainable Female Empowerment Initiative
Nepal-based Sasane trains female survivors of human trafficking to become trekking guides in the Himalayas.
By enhancing infrastructure, creating alternative sources of income, and boosting tourism in vulnerable regions, Sasane aims to combat and ultimately eradicate trafficking, gender-based violence, and child marriage in the communities it serves and visits.
Its tours include a two-day trek around the pilgrimage sites near Nagarkot and a seven-day hike through the Ghorepani Poonhill mountains and rural villages.
Sasane Sisterhood is committed to women empowerment through tourism – specially by providing employment opportunities to
survivors of human trafficking. At Sasane, women are leading the organisation in day to day activities. The organisation prides itself in being called a women-led travel operator, and leading the way by setting an example by putting women at the helm of its impactful business model.
Tourism plays a significant role the global economy, but its rapid growth has also posed challenges to our planet’s sustainability. To address this, the concept of off the beaten path travel has gained traction, promoting sustainable practices and preserving local culture and environment.
Sustane see off the beaten path travel emerges as a promising solution. By diverting tourism to lesser-known destinations, it can protect our environment, preserve local cultures, and foster economic development.
World's Leading Sustainable Accessibility & Inclusion Initiative
In the context of social and workplace inclusion for people with disability and neurodiversity, Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel
Athens collaborated with Nevronas, an NGO embracing people with disability, emphasizing their skills, giving them a voice, and integrating them as active members of society.
Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel
Athens, with the continuous advisory support and training from Nevronas’ experts, included two new employees with neurodiversity in its workforce, both diagnosed with mild intellectual disability.
As stated by Greece’s Prime Minister at The Upfront Initiative (a conference promoting equality, inclusion, diversity) only 35% of
disabled individuals and 15% of people with intellectual disability are employed. These alarmingly low rates highlight the urgent need for inclusive employment actions.
The Employment Inclusion Programme, created by Nevronas and adopted by Four Seasons Astir Palace, aims to bridge this gap by providing equal job market opportunities and ensuring fair benefits. The initiative enhances the welfare of employees and promotes a diverse and inclusive work culture. The two new employees who joined the team have become ambassadors for the hotel’s commitment to inclusion and diversity. It aims this initiative will inspire other companies to embrace similar inclusive practices.
In a bid to tackle the challenges within the hospitality industry, Agnes Pierce has championed the creation of a groundbreaking new role at Amadeus. This position is designed with a customer-centric focus, aimed at leveraging innovative projects and solutions to address the needs of hospitality clients. Unlike traditional roles, this initiative prioritises industry demands and customer experiences over the company's own ESG metrics.
Amadeus provides IT solutions to over 50K hotels and distributes content from over +1 million accommodation properties through the network of travel sellers and travel agencies. With this unique position, Agnes, along with customers and other industry players, assess how the company could put its assets and strengths to the service of sustainability.
Initiatives include facilitating accessible travel, particularly by simplifying access to information for travellers with physical disabilities, drawing on best practices from the airline industry. Additionally, Amadeus is exploring new innovations and developing new products and solutions, such as an incubation project through an innovation programme to promote cycling during hotel stays. Agnes also contributed to a comprehensive industry-wide global research initiative to understand sustainability needs, with responses from 896 senior decision-makers responsible for sustainability across airlines, airports, corporations, DMOs, hotels, mobility companies, and travel sellers.
It’s no secret that the hospitality industry is riddled with environmental issues. In fact, it has been found to contribute 1% to global carbon emissions and that in the hotel world, emissions must be cut down by 90% per room by 2050.
Recognising these issues, Andy De Silva, Cofounder and CEO of Hotel Emporium, a leading manufacturer of premier hotel amenities, has made it his professional mission to bring a new level of sustainability to today’s hotels while also elevating both the modern guest and hotel staff experiences.
Key products that came about through Andy’s ideation include: Eco Pod: a zero-plastic bath amenity collection that features paper packaging and powder formulation, which significantly reduces freight costs and carbon emissions. Eco Pod won silver in the WILD Design Awards 2023 and in the New York Design Awards 2023 and first place at Dieline Awards in 2021.
K. Eco Accessories: a FSC-certified collection that employs bamboo, soy-based ink and kraft paper that seamlessly integrates with existing hotel amenities, marrying functionality, style, and environmental responsibility.
Floating Dispenser: A dispenser that features a modern style, refillable capabilities, and an ecoconscious construction from recycled plastic. Its unique design provides operational efficiencies for hotels of all sizes, reducing costs, saving time and money, and streamlining processes overall.
Under Andy's leadership, these innovations have impacted over 20,000 hotels and resorts, demonstrating a firm commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices in the hospitality industry.
Travel4Impact, an initiative run by Amadeus and IE University, is dedicated to supporting small and sustainable enterprises (SMEs) in the travel and tourism industry. With a global scope, the programme reinforces its commitment to building a more sustainable, inclusive, and responsible travel ecosystem.
Launched in 2021 in collaboration with IE University, Travel4Impact has already assisted over 60 SMEs in amplifying their positive impact and accelerating their digital transformation. According to the results of the satisfaction surveys from the first two editions, 72% of participants reported that the programme helped them improve their outlook on the future of their business.
During the launchpad phase, Travel4Impact provides small business leaders—such as C-level executives and founders—with a fully funded, six-month online training and mentorship programme led by IE University professors. Throughout the programme, SMEs engage in work sessions focused on enhancing their digital strategies and integrating sustainable practices into their business models.
More than 87% of participants indicated that the educational support and training
sessions significantly helped them better understand how to incorporate sustainability into their business strategy.
After completing the launchpad, participants are invited to join a network of alumni from previous editions. This vibrant community of like-minded professionals fosters collaboration, mutual support, and the exchange of best practices, ensuring that participants can continue to learn and grow within a supportive environment.
In order to stay relevant and responsive to the needs of its members, the programme reassesses its content and offerings every year. In line with this, Travel4Impact has introduced an innovative new format called Co-Lab Sprints, designed to collaboratively produce publications on a variety of sustainable travel topics. Additionally, the programme is launching a new consulting initiative to help participants address their most pressing business challenges, with the expert guidance of an Amadeus consultant.
Travel4Impact continues to empower SMEs, driving positive change in the travel and tourism industry by promoting sustainability and digital innovation.
The Che’il Mayan Chocolate Factory is owned and managed by Julio and Heliadora Saqui, a local Maya couple, in the Stann Creek District of Belize. The factory works alongside local farmers to source cacao beans and produce authentic chocolate bars, cocoa powder, cocoa tea, and Maya Che’il coffee. The factory offers tours of its cacao farms and demonstrations of the chocolate-making process to provide guests with an immersive cultural experience.
Leading Sustainable Marine Conservation Initiative
The Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA) is a non-profit organisation and co-manager of the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve with the Belizean government. TASA supervises the atoll’s day-to-day management and is critical to the long-term maintenance and preservation of the vast marine ecosystem.
On 26 April 1985, in a packed Civic Center in Belize City, representatives from the private sector came together to create a unified voice for tourism. After extensive discussions, they unanimously adopted the name Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA).
Over the past 39 years, the BTIA has navigated uncharted waters, exerting significant influence and fostering social, environmental, and economic benefits at
local, national, regional, and international levels. In 2017, tourism became a major economic driver, contributing 41.3% to Belize’s GDP.
From its inception, the BTIA made it clear that it would be a beacon of inclusivity. The organisation has proudly seen women serve as its first three presidents, with 50% of all elected presidents being women. Open to every sub-sector of the tourism industry, the BTIA offers affordable
membership with one equal vote for every member. This commitment has fostered a culture of equal opportunity and collaboration, ensuring that no enclave tourism emerges, as seen in other countries at the time.
The BTIA has been a strong advocate for empowering Belizeans, urging them to become owners, stewards, and workers in the tourism sector. In its inaugural year, the founding president and volunteers embarked on outreach initiatives across all districts, establishing BTIA Destination Chapters, ten of which continue to thrive today. This longstanding engagement has enabled meaningful dialogue and collaboration with citizens throughout Belize.
Before the establishment of the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and subsequent ministries, the BTIA – supported by dedicated volunteers – ensured that the private sector engaged meaningfully in tourism development. Whether at board meetings, policy discussions, or during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the passion of BTIA volunteers has remained unwavering. Since 1985, the BTIA has played a crucial role in the tourism industry's growth, always mindful of sustainable practices and the precautionary principle.
The BTIA has been at the forefront of innovation in Belizean tourism. Notably, the BTIA organized a maritime blockade flotilla to protect the Belize Barrier Reef, showcasing its commitment to environmental advocacy. The organization also collaborated with Alan Rabinowitz to establish the world’s first Jaguar Preserve at Cockscomb Basin and called for the excavation of the Caracol Archaeological Site to ensure its educational and cultural values were documented before opening to tourism.
In every endeavour, the BTIA has championed the collective conscience of Belize, advocating for social and environmental issues and promoting responsible development. As it celebrates its 39-year legacy, the BTIA remains dedicated to shaping a sustainable future for Belize’s vibrant tourism industry.
It’s how travel works more sustainably.
Agnes Pierce Director, Global Head of Sustainability - Hospitality at AMADEUS
WORLD'S LEADING SUSTAINABLE ORGANISATION 2024
Green Initiative
Borana Lodge
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Aruba
Feel IQM Ltd.
LUX Travel DMC
Quark Expeditions
Sircle Collection
The Datai Langkawi
VALO Hotel & Work
Waterbom Bali
WORLD'S LEADING SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY
CHAIN PROGRAMME 2024
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Accor Group
Circular Unity
Go2Africa
Melia Chiang Mai’s
360-Degree Cuisine Program and Organic Farming Initiative
WORLD'S LEADING SUSTAINABLE ENERGY EFFICIENCY INITIATIVE
2024
Soneva
Dusit Princess Hotel
Residences Nairobi
Frasers Hospitality
Glen Mhor Hotel and UileBheist Distillery & Brewery
Grimaldi Forum Monaco
Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich
Ikos Resorts / Ikos Dassia
WORLD'S LEADING
SUSTAINABLE HEALTH & WELL-BEING INITIATIVE
2024
Emaar Hospitality Group
LLC
Austral Bikes
Be G.R.E.E.N. and the TK
Nature Interpretation
Chiva-Som Hua Hin
Hotels for Trees
JOALI BEING
Soulful Journeys at Hospedería de la Corte
WORLD'S LEADING SUSTAINABLE CIRCULAR ECONOMY PARTNERSHIP
2024
One Tree at a Time X Six
Senses Courchevel
Arabella Hospitality España Evergreen Labs & EXO Foundation
Garden Hotels
The Datai Langkawi
WORLD'S LEADING SUSTAINABLE WATER & WASTE INNOVATION 2024
Six Senses Zighy Bay
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi
Glen Mhor Hotel and UileBheist Distillery & Brewery
Heritage Resorts & Golf
Hotel Verde Cape Town
Airport
LUX Travel DMC
Parador Nature Resort & Spa
WORLD'S LEADING
SUSTAINABLE FINANCE
INITIATIVE 2024
Soneva and the Soneva Foundation
Courtyard by Marriott
Tampere City
The Pavilions, Himalayas
WORLD'S LEADING SUSTAINABLE
TECHNOLOGY 2024
Choice Hotels & CarbinX
Aquagen
BeCause
Circular Unity
Orbisk
Park Inn by Radisson
Amsterdam City West
Scope 3 Calculation
Methodology - ACCOR
WORLD'S LEADING SUSTAINABLE
PARTNERSHIP 2024
ibis RockCorps
Conrad Dubai
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CONSERVATION & BIODIVERSITY
PROGRAMME 2024
Rainforest Expeditions
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Belize
Bel Ombre Territory, Mauritius
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Andy De Silva
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One Tree at a Time X Six
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ibis RockCorps
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Nestled in Oman’s dramatic Musandam Peninsula, where rugged mountains dive into vibrant emerald waters, Six Senses Zighy Bay provides a sanctuary to relax in an authentic Omani atmosphere.
A two-hour drive from Dubai, the resort, which is built upon the idea of sustainability and recycles 85% of its waste, offers 82 indigenous style pool villas, memorable dining experiences, and a plethora of unique experiences –including a paraglide arrival.
For a change of pace, the Six Senses Spa is a refuge for mind and body, combining peace and tranquility with ancient and modern holistic treatments from in-house experts and visiting wellness practitioners.
Six Senses Zighy Bay P.O. Box 212
Dibba-Musandam PC 800, 00800 Oman
E. reservations-zighy@sixsenses.com | P. +968 2673 5555 sixsenses.com
WORLD'S LEADING SUSTAINABLE CONSERVATION & BIODIVERSITY
PROGRAMME 2024
Rainforest Expeditions
Fairways & Bluewater Resort
Golf and Country Club
Hotels for Trees
Jamaica Inn
KumbukRiver/Geo Explore
Foundation
Maldives Underwater Initiative by Six Senses Laamu
Soneva
WORLD'S LEADING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 2024
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Mövenpick Resort Phan Thiet
Pandox Operated Hotels
Six Senses
The Red Sea Destination, Saudi Arabia
VALO Hotel & Work
WORLD'S LEADING SUSTAINABLE
DESTINATION 2024
Belize
Bel Ombre Territory, Mauritius
Dark Sky® Alqueva, Portugal
Guyana
Madeira, Portugal
Palawan, Philippines
The Pavilions, Himalayas
The Red Sea Destination, Saudi Arabia
WORLD'S LEADING SUSTAINABLE FEMALE
EMPOWERMENT
INITIATIVE 2024
SASANE Sisterhood
Trekking & Travels
Belizing.com
Delfin Amazon Cruises
Hertels by Choice Hotels
International Jetwing Hotels Ltd
JOALI
Sircle Collection
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2024
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
AllinBlusive Ltd
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Aruba
Flux Full Circle
Glen Mhor Hotel and UileBheist Distillery & Brewery
Grupo Sublime HomeExchange
Metropolitan Touring
Radisson Blu Hotel, Kuwait
WORLD'S LEADING SUSTAINABLE
ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION INITIATIVE 2024
Four Seasons Astir Palace
Hotel Athens
Beaches Resorts Autism and Inclusivity Programming
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Aruba
Hilton İstanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center
Radisson Blu Hotel, Beirut Verdun in collaboration with SOS
WORLD'S LEADING SUSTAINABILITY LEADER 2024
Agnes Pierce
Beatriz Barreal Danel
Ewald Biemans
Marteyne van Well
Pham Ha
Philip Halanen
WORLD'S LEADING SUSTAINABILITY LEADER OF TOMORROW 2024
Andy De Silva Bianka Benko
Faith Quijano
Fernanda Ravault
Shelby Luzzi
WORLD'S LEADING SUSTAINABLE EDUCATION & TRAINING PROGRAMME 2024
Travel4Impact
IECD & EXO Foundation
Nguuni Nature Sanctuary School for Change by ACCOR
The Datai Langkawi
LEADING SUSTAINABLE CULTURAL HERITAGE PROJECT 2024
Che'il Mayan Chocolate EcoMuseumBelize
Jardin Pachamama
San Antonio Women’s Cooperative
LEADING SUSTAINABLE MARINE CONSERVATION INITIATIVE 2024
Turneffe Atoll Sustainability
Association
AllinBlusive Ltd
Belizean Pride: Safeguarding the Country's Marine Life
LEADING SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMME 2024
Belize Tourism Industry
Association
Belize Barrier Reef Watch Belizing.com
Chan Chich Lodge Sea of Life
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GLOBAL PARTNER EVENT PARTNER
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