Spotlight falls on Belize ahead of inaugural World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards

Thu 26 September 2024

Belize is making final preparations as global leaders in sustainable tourism gather in the enchanting nation for the inaugural World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards.

The VIP reception on 27 September will form the climax of a series of curated experiences enabling delegates to explore Official Host Destination, Belize, and its incredible landscapes and fascinating culture.

Renowned for its breath-taking rainforests, crystal-clear waters and rich biodiversity, Belize is a living testament to what responsible travel can achieve. The nation is a melting pot of cultures, where traditions from the Garifuna, Maya, Creole, Mestizo, East Indian and Mennonite communities create a unique national identity.

Justin Cooke, Executive Vice-President, WSTHA says: “We cannot think of a more fitting destination to host the inaugural World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards than Belize, the embodiment of sustainable tourism, and fully aligned with our mission to spotlight those individuals and organisations that are leading the way in safeguarding our planet for future generations.”

He adds: “The ceremony promises to be a night to experience Belizean culture in all its splendour. When you set foot in Belize, you’re not just visiting a country, you’re stepping into a world of vibrant heritage, community-driven sustainability and profound respect for nature. The ceremony will endeavour to gives our guests a taste of this special destination where sustainability isn’t just discussed – it’s lived.”

The winners of the 21 categories of this year’s WSTHA programme will be announced during the ceremony. The nominees, drawn from across the globe, feature a fascinating range of individuals and organisations that are accelerating change and impacting net positive tourism. Industry professionals, the media, and the general public voted for the nominees they consider to be leading the world in sustainable tourism.

In a world first, the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards is proud to reveal that the iconic World Travel Awards winner trophy, originally cast in Bronze by Royal Jewellers Asprey, has been recreated using 3D printing technology from recycled ocean plastic, powered by renewable solar energy.

As the Official Host Destination of WSTHA 2024, Belize values responsible tourism and develops projects that encourage travellers to engage with its rainforests, reefs and unique culture in a sustainable manner.

Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations, Belize, says: “With only a couple of days to go until the first World Sustainable Travel and Hospitality Awards, we’re making the finishing touches to hosting the inaugural awards.”

“We want to thank every single individual and company who submitted their entry into one of the 21 categories. Each one of them highlighted an impressive stance on changing sustainable tourism for the better. We’re looking forward to welcoming all nominees and congratulating the winners in person while sharing Belize's sustainable tourism initiatives with a global audience.”

The WSTHA 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, says: “As we prepare to unveil the winners of the inaugural World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards in Belize, we are not just celebrating achievements; we are setting a new standard for our industry. These awards honour the inspiring leaders who are driving transformative change towards our vision of Net Positive Hospitality, marking a crucial step in our journey to create a sustainable future for travel and tourism.”

All entries to the WSTHA 2024 programme were assessed by Sustainable Business students from Nova Business School, with the shortlist then analysed and approved by the WSTHA Advisory Board, ahead of the public vote.

The WSTHA Advisory Board selected the 21 WSTHA categories to reflect the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and net positive framework of People, Planet, Place, Prosperity and Partnerships.

WSTHA is the sister event of World Travel Awards, currently celebrating its 31^st anniversary.

Notes to Editors

About World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards

Launched in 2023 at COP 28 in Dubai, the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards serves to recognise, celebrate, and share the stories of individuals and organisations that are accelerating change and making an impactful contribution in sustainable travel and tourism.

About World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

The World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance brings together engaged hospitality companies and the wider hospitality value chain, along with strategic partners, to address key challenges affecting the planet, people and places around the world.

About the Belize Tourism Board

The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is a statutory body within the Belize Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, and it is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation. The BTB works in conjunction with members of the private sector - including the Belize Hotel Association, Belize Tourism Industry Association, and Belize National Tour Operators Association - and is dedicated to building tourism in the most economically and environmentally sustainable manner. For more information on the BTB and its services, visit travelbelize.org.

Contact

World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards Public Relations

Email: [email protected]