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 2025 and beyond.
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 travellers going forward.
AWFT organisers have designed four awards to recognize and encourage organisations and individuals that strive for excellence in sustainability within the global travel industry. These awards are: Climate Change, Environmental Impact, TravelTech Innovation Award and Societal Development.
Ultimately, the goal of these awards is to recognize 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.
The Climate Change Award is dedicated to recognizing innovative strategies
and projects that reduce emissions, adapt their services 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 focus is on innovation, scalability, and measurable climate
impact across the tourism value chain.
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. For example: 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, preservation of the biodiversity and respect for local resources. Nominees should demonstrate measurable outcomes and a long-term commitment to environmental stewardship.
The TravelTech Innovation Award acknowledges pioneering efforts to
harness technological solutions and innovation in tourism. This award seeks to
recognize the creative use of technology particularly artificial intelligence, big data,
digital platforms, and other tech-driven tools that help solve industry challenges
For example: Nominees can be considered from sustainability solutions and smart
payment systems to automated data management and personalized guest
experiences. Nominees should show how technology is being used not just to
innovate, but to add value and provide practical solutions.
The Societal Development Award acknowledges the importance of
economic sustainability in the global tourism industry. Therefore, this award
recognizes strategies and activities that foster economic vitality and promote
job creation as well as sustainable transformation, demonstrate a commitment to
enhancing the wellbeing of all members of the local community, including the
personal and professional development of employees.
For example: Projects may include skills development programs, social inclusion
strategies, circular economy solutions, empowerment of underrepresented groups,
or the development of tourism models that directly benefit local communities.
Nominees should demonstrate a clear commitment to long-term, equitable growth,
with an emphasis on both employee development and community enrichment.
Please provide a 200-word description about the company and or the project. List the vision, the outcome and the future anticipated impact. Provide as many photos as possible and who the lead contact is on the project. Companies can make multiple submissions.
Please note that the award will be handed out in person at the Forum A World for Travel on 29 October in Paris. Please ensure that you, someone from the nominated company or a representative can travel to Paris to accept the award in case your application is successful.
We will notify the winner few weeks before the event takes place.
Only submissions in English will be accepted.
A curated hybrid gathering of 200 global leaders. Turning dialogue into collective action in Paris.
