World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards and World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance unveil next chapter of partnership

Thu 05 March 2026

World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards and World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (the Alliance) have announced the next chapter of their partnership, launching a multi-year programme that brings together the Awards and the Alliance’s Summit into one landmark global platform for sustainable travel and tourism.

The expanded collaboration will see the Alliance’s Summit take place during the day, delivering a programme focused on best practice, seminars, workshops and thought leadership, before transitioning into the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards Gala Ceremony in the evening, celebrating and recognising excellence across the global industry.

Together, the Awards and the Summit will create a single, powerful moment in the calendar for industry leaders, destinations, brands and innovators committed to driving sustainable progress across travel and hospitality.

The combined event will be held annually in November, with the two organisations currently shortlisting a host destination from more than four bids received to date.

Recent winners of the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2025 featured in a dedicated podcast episode highlighting the breadth of sustainability action taking place across the sector – from Iberostar’s ocean-positive hospitality leadership, and Dubrovnik’s recognition as 'World’s Leading Sustainable Destination', to Ascott’s global sustainability framework, Accor’s responsible supply chain initiatives, EcoFry’s impact-driven kitchen technology, Ecoventura’s low-impact expedition tourism, and Hilton and Winnow’s award-winning Green Ramadan partnership tackling food waste. Together, these organisations demonstrate how innovation, collaboration and measurable action are shaping the future of sustainable travel and hospitality.

As part of this next phase, the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards and the Alliance welcome expressions of interest from destinations and organisations interested in hosting the Summit and Awards for the next ten years, establishing a long-term global home for the industry’s leading sustainability platform.

Justin Cooke, Vice President, World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards, said: “This partnership creates the ultimate annual date for sustainable travel and tourism. The Summit delivers the thinking, frameworks and practical action, while the Awards shine a spotlight on excellence and leadership. Together, they form a compelling global platform that informs, inspires and celebrates progress across the sector.”

Glenn Mandziuk, President and Chief Executive Officer, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, said: “By bringing our Annual Summit together with the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards, we are creating a platform that combines insight with inspiration. This next chapter is about accelerating impact at scale, sharing what works, and strengthening collaboration across the industry, while recognising those who are setting new benchmarks for sustainable leadership.”

Further announcements, including confirmation of the November host destination, programme details and future podcast features with award winners, will be made in due course.

—ENDS—

Notes to Editors

About World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards

The World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards recognise, celebrate, and share the stories of individuals and organisations accelerating change and making a lasting contribution to sustainable travel and tourism. For further information visit wstha.com or contact [email protected].

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. For media inquiries for the Alliance, contact:

[email protected].