World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards names prestigious category in honour of industry visionary Wolfgang M. Neumann

Tue 08 July 2025

The World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards is proud to announce that its highly regarded Leader of Tomorrow category will be renamed the Wolfgang M. Neumann Sustainability Leader of Tomorrow Award, paying tribute to one of the hospitality industry's most transformative leaders.

This renaming recognises the exceptional legacy and enduring influence of Wolfgang M. Neumann, whose career has spanned decades of service, sustainability leadership, and sector innovation. A former CEO of Radisson Hotel Group and a widely respected advocate for responsible business, Neumann is best known for founding the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, the industry’s foremost organisation dedicated to sustainable practices, workforce development, and climate action.

The Wolfgang Neumann Sustainability Leader of Tomorrow Award will be presented to an individual who demonstrates exceptional promise, purpose, and leadership in driving positive change across travel and hospitality. The winner will be unveiled on 29 October 2025 at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards ceremony, to be held at Expo City Dubai-a global stage for innovation and sustainability.

Justin Cooke, Executive Vice President, World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards, says: “Wolfgang’s career is defined not only by executive excellence but by his unwavering commitment to sustainability and social impact. There is no better way to honour such a legacy than through an award dedicated to the next generation of leadership-those who will carry forward the principles he has embedded into the core of our industry.”

Under Neumann’s leadership, the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance has become a unifying force across the global hospitality sector-aligning leading hotel brands, suppliers, and educational institutions to tackle the industry’s most pressing challenges. Its initiatives span climate action, youth employment, and human rights, and its impact continues to shape the long-term strategy of countless hospitality companies worldwide.

Glenn Mandziuk, CEO, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, says: “Wolfgang has been an inspiration to so many, myself included. His vision and energy helped lay the foundations for a more equitable and sustainable industry. The renaming of this award is a fitting tribute to a leader who has always looked ahead and championed those who will lead after him.”

Launched to celebrate leadership, innovation and impact, the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards spotlight the people, organisations, and destinations making bold strides in creating a more responsible travel future. The awards serve as a global platform for collaboration and recognition, convening leaders across business, policy, and civil society.

This year’s ceremony is hosted in partnership with Expo City Dubai, a world-leading hub for sustainable innovation and a legacy site of the ground-breaking Expo 2020.

For more information, media enquiries or interviews, please contact:

[email protected] or visit www.wstha.com