The travel industry has become increasingly aware of its responsibility for sustainability. During the past decade, governments, companies, and individuals have worked tirelessly to reduce the environmental and social impacts of tourism. Sustainable travel now requires that all activities be conducted in a responsible way, taking into consideration the ecological, economic, and social effects of tourism.

An exciting look at the future of global travel, these AWFT Sustainability awards celebrate those outstanding individuals, companies, and organisations whose willingness to think ahead and act responsibly have earned them recognition and awards in the categories of climate action, environmental impact, technological prowess, economic success, and societal sustainability. Discover the qualifications for each category and what the winners of these sustainability awards have done for the global travel industry in the year 2024 and beyond.

The 2024 awards are determined by the AWFT team to align with the category shifts towards the future as laid out across the 2024 Forum content and are directly associated with or for the global travel industry. The 6th award is for resilience which is identified through the Global Travel and Tourism Resilience Council. Awards can be for destinations, businesses or individuals who have developed and or brought to market an activity that better positions the industry, suppliers and travelers going forward.

AWFT organisers have designed five awards to recognise and encourage organisations and individuals that strive for excellence in sustainability within the global travel industry. These awards are: Climate Change, Environmental Impact, Technological Prowess, Economic Advancement, and Societal Development.

• The Climate Change Award is dedicated to recognising innovative strategies and projects that reduce emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change in the tourism industry. For example, nominees may include those who develop and implement approaches to reducing energy consumption, increasing the use of renewable energy, and regenerative tourism.
• The Environmental Impact Award seeks to honour organisations and individuals that have implemented projects that reduce the environmental footprint on destinations or offer solutions that address or reverse erosion. Such projects may include the elimination of single-use plastics, the conservation of water and energy, coastline erosion, breakwaters and the adoption of circular practices.
• The Technological Prowess Award acknowledges pioneering efforts to harness technological solutions in order to foster sustainable tourism. This award will recognise the implementation of innovative digital technology and data management in order to reduce the environmental and social impacts of travel and tourism and/or maximise experiences and revenue.
• The Economic Advancement Award acknowledges the importance of economic sustainability in the global tourism industry. Therefore, this award recognises strategies and activities that foster economic vitality and promote job creation as well as improved share of wallet, sustainable transformation, resilience and crisis planning as part of the business model. Nominees should strive to promote equitable and stable economic growth in the industry and their communities.
• The Societal Development Award will be presented to those who demonstrate a commitment to enhancing the wellbeing of all members of the local community, including the personal and professional development of employees. Nominees should focus on fostering skills development, behavioral shifts, social inclusion, the advancement of cultural heritage, and the development of sustainable strategies for tourism-based communities.

Ultimately, the goal of these awards is to recognise and promote those within the global travel industry who strive with great commitment to sustainability excellence. The awards hope to inspire and encourage more organisations and businesses to promote and implement green practices in their operations.

To enter, please fill out the form below:

This year’s AWFT24 aims to showcase where the industry is in its efforts and actions both through the lens of the private and public sectors. By focusing on 5 thematic areas we will be able to have concentrated discussions on how parties have tackled climate, energy transitions, financial services engagement, community and communication. The agenda covers these areas through thought leadership brought by some of the world’s leading institutions and the industry’s foremost speakers from firms like Radisson Hotel Group, AXA, Travelzoo, Sabre, Geotourist, Companie des Alpes, Intrepid and the WTTC. Join us in Seville, alongside TIS on Oct 23-24.

For any queries about the event, please email Karen.Jensen@jacobsmediagroup.com