The travel and tourism industry is undergoing a significant shift, with a growing emphasis on sustainability. Travelers are increasingly seeking eco-friendly options, and destinations are striving to implement practices that minimize environmental impact and ensure long-term viability. To recognize and celebrate those making a real difference in this critical area, the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA) has officially opened its doors for entries for its inaugural 2024 program.
A Celebration of Sustainability: What is the WSTHA?
The WSTHA is a newly launched awards program designed to shine a spotlight on individuals and organizations across the globe who are actively driving positive change in sustainable travel and tourism. By recognizing leaders and innovators, the WSTHA aims to inspire others to adopt sustainable practices and contribute to a more responsible travel landscape.
Free to Enter & Open to All: Unlike some awards programs, the WSTHA offers free entry, making it an accessible platform for all players in the travel and hospitality industry. From established hotels and tour operators to passionate individuals and innovative startups, everyone involved in advancing sustainable tourism is encouraged to submit their entries.
Award Categories: Encompassing the Spectrum of Sustainable Tourism
To ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach, the WSTHA Advisory Board, a panel of experts in the field of sustainable business, has carefully selected 21 distinct award categories. These categories encompass a wide range of initiatives and achievements related to sustainable travel, reflecting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the “net positive” framework focusing on five key pillars:
- People: Initiatives that prioritize fair labor practices, community engagement, and cultural preservation.
- Planet: Efforts aimed at reducing environmental impact, promoting responsible resource management, and protecting biodiversity.
- Place: Projects that focus on destination conservation, responsible tourism development, and safeguarding local heritage.
- Prosperity: Strategies that contribute to economic sustainability, supporting local communities, and fostering responsible tourism development.
- Partnerships: Collaborations between organizations that promote innovation and accelerate progress toward creating a more sustainable tourism industry.
A Transparent Selection Process: From Entry to Award Ceremony
The WSTHA follows a clear and transparent selection process, ensuring that all entries receive a fair evaluation. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved:
Entry Submission: The application process is open from now until May 24th, 2024. A simple set of criteria is provided to guide applicants and ensure they present the necessary information to showcase their sustainable practices and achievements.
Student Evaluation: Entries will be analyzed and vetted by students pursuing studies in sustainable business at the prestigious Nova School of Business and Economics in Lisbon. This student involvement allows for real-world application of their knowledge while contributing to a valuable initiative.
Advisory Board Approval: Following initial evaluation by the students, a shortlist of qualified entries will be presented to the WSTHA Advisory Board for final approval. This ensures a high standard of selection and recognition for truly impactful efforts.
Global Voting: From June 14th to August 2nd, 2024, a global voting phase will be open to travel and tourism professionals worldwide. This allows industry peers to have a say in recognizing the leading players and initiatives in sustainable tourism.
Gala Ceremony & Award Reveal: The culmination of the program will be the WSTHA Gala Ceremony, scheduled for September 27th, 2024, in Belize, the official host destination for the inaugural program. This prestigious event will bring together leaders in sustainable travel and hospitality, culminating in the announcement of the award winners across all categories.
A Beacon for Sustainable Tourism: Why Does the WSTHA Matter?
The WSTHA serves a critical purpose in the evolving landscape of travel and tourism. Here are some key reasons why it’s important:
Recognition and Inspiration: By recognizing and celebrating pioneers in sustainable travel, the WSTHA inspires others to follow suit. Award winners serve as role models, showcasing best practices and demonstrating the positive impact achievable through sustainable tourism initiatives.
Raising Awareness: The program raises awareness about the importance of sustainability within the travel and hospitality industry. As the WSTHA gains momentum, it can influence consumer choices and encourage travelers to seek out eco-friendly options, further promoting responsible tourism practices.
Fostering Collaboration: The WSTHA encourages collaboration within the industry. The award categories highlight the importance of partnerships, and the program itself creates a platform for leaders in sustainable travel to connect and share ideas.
FAQs
Q: Who can participate in the WSTHA program?
A: The WSTHA welcomes entries from individuals and organizations across the entire travel and hospitality spectrum. This includes established hotels and tour operators, eco-lodges and responsible travel startups, passionate individuals involved in sustainable tourism initiatives, and even students with innovative project ideas.
Q: Does it cost anything to enter the WSTHA program?
A: No, the WSTHA offers free entry for all applicants, making it an inclusive platform for recognizing and celebrating efforts towards sustainable tourism, regardless of budget.
Q: What are the key criteria for submitting a strong WSTHA application?
A: While specific details will vary depending on the chosen category, strong entries typically demonstrate a clear commitment to sustainability, showcase measurable impacts, and illustrate a strategic approach to responsible travel practices. Focus on highlighting the positive outcomes of your efforts and how they contribute to the WSTHA’s core values of “People, Planet, Place, Prosperity, and Partnerships.”
Q: How can I stay updated about the WSTHA program?
A: Visit the official WSTHA website for the latest news, updates, and resources related to the program. You can also follow the WSTHA on social media to stay informed about the awards program and engage with the growing community of sustainability leaders in travel and tourism.
