Travel & Tour World: World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards and Alliance Unveil New Multi-Year Collaboration for Sustainable Tourism Across the UK, US and Beyond

Sun 08 March 2026

The World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards and the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance have announced the next phase of their long-standing collaboration, unveiling an ambitious multi-year programme that merges the prestigious Awards with the Alliance’s annual Summit. This integrated global platform will foster greater collaboration, recognition, and innovation within the sustainable travel and tourism sector, amplifying the industry’s progress towards a greener future.

A Powerful Global Platform for Sustainable Travel

The merging of the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards and the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance Summit will bring together industry leaders, destinations, brands, and innovators in a single event aimed at driving sustainable practices. By combining thought leadership, best practices, and awards recognition, this event will become a key highlight in the global tourism calendar. This collaboration will not only enhance the quality of the discussions during the Summit but will also ensure that sustainability is recognized and celebrated in tangible ways through the Awards Gala in the evening.

This combined approach is designed to provide an unmatched platform for both learning and recognition. The Summit, to be held during the day, will focus on delivering valuable seminars, workshops, and in-depth discussions on best practices, sustainable frameworks, and emerging trends within the industry. Meanwhile, the evening will shift to a glamorous Awards Gala, spotlighting the achievements of the most innovative and sustainable organisations in travel and hospitality worldwide.

Sustainable Tourism’s Impact on Destinations and Tourists

The collaboration between the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards and the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance holds immense promise for the travel industry. By spotlighting those who have made significant strides in sustainability, the event encourages destinations and businesses worldwide to embrace eco-friendly practices, ultimately benefiting both tourists and the environment. For tourists, the event fosters a greater understanding of sustainable destinations, products, and services, guiding them toward more responsible travel choices.

Countries and destinations worldwide are already feeling the effects of this commitment to sustainability. For example, Dubrovnik in Croatia was recently named the ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Destination,’ a title that reflects the city’s efforts to preserve its natural beauty while promoting eco-conscious travel. Similarly, global hospitality brands such as Iberostar, Accor, and Hilton are setting new benchmarks with their sustainability frameworks, from responsible supply chains to ocean-positive initiatives, showcasing the tangible benefits of sustainable travel for both tourists and the hospitality industry.

A Platform to Drive Innovation and Collaboration

The integration of the Awards and the Summit will accelerate the pace of innovation in sustainable tourism. The shared platform will allow for dynamic exchanges of ideas, technologies, and best practices among leaders in the field. From EcoFry’s kitchen technology, which reduces food waste, to Ecoventura’s low-impact expedition tourism, the combined event will highlight groundbreaking initiatives that make tourism more sustainable.

Moreover, the Summit will facilitate deeper collaborations between governments, tourism boards, and private organisations. These collaborations will help form stronger global networks of sustainable tourism practices, enabling cross-border initiatives that address key environmental challenges. As destinations around the world continue to confront issues like over-tourism and environmental degradation, collective efforts like these are essential to ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same natural and cultural treasures that draw tourists today.

Building a Long-Term Home for Sustainable Tourism

A key aspect of this partnership is the long-term vision for the combined Summit and Awards. The organisations behind this collaboration are seeking a host destination for the event for the next ten years, ensuring a permanent home for the world’s leading platform for sustainable travel. This long-term approach will allow the event to grow and evolve, creating a lasting impact on the global tourism industry.

By providing a stable platform for collaboration and celebration of sustainability, the partnership aims to ensure that the conversation around sustainable travel continues to gain momentum. This stability will not only attract more industry players but also engage tourists who are increasingly seeking eco-conscious travel options.

Highlighting the Winners: A Commitment to Sustainability Across the Sector

World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards recently celebrated several winners who have made a significant impact on sustainable tourism. These winners demonstrate the diversity of sustainable practices taking place across the travel and hospitality industries. For example, Iberostar’s ocean-positive leadership has positioned the company as a front-runner in marine conservation, while Ascott’s global sustainability framework is reshaping the way the hotel industry approaches sustainability.

These award-winning initiatives serve as models for other organisations in the sector. By featuring them in a dedicated podcast and showcasing their work at the combined event, the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards and the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance are helping to disseminate these innovations across the industry. This not only raises the profile of the winners but also provides a roadmap for other destinations and businesses to follow.

An Invitation for Future Hosts

The call for expressions of interest from destinations and organisations wishing to host the Summit and Awards for the next decade underscores the global nature of this initiative. By establishing a long-term global home for sustainable tourism, the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards and the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance are solidifying their commitment to advancing sustainability in travel.