By Belize Live News Staff: The first-ever World Sustainable Travel and Hospitality Awards (WSTHA) is set to make history in Belize, with the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) as the proud host of this landmark event. The list of nominees has been released, showcasing a diverse array of local and international businesses and organizations committed to sustainable tourism.
Several Belizean entities have been recognized for their outstanding contributions, including Che’il Mayan Chocolate, Eco-Museum Belize, San Antonio Women’s Cooperative, Jardin Pachamama, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association, Belize Barrier Reef Watch, Belize Tourism Industry Association, and Chan Chich Lodge.
The public is now invited to participate in the process by casting their votes online for nominees in 21 categories. Voting is open until August 2, with the final decision based on each nominee’s most significant impact on sustainable travel.
Belize itself has received multiple nominations in global categories, including World’s Leading Sustainable Destination 2024, World’s Leading Sustainable Female Empowerment Initiative 2024, Leading Sustainable Cultural Heritage Project 2024, Leading Sustainable Marine Conservation Initiative 2024, and the Leading Sustainable Community Engagement Programme 2024.
The winners will be revealed at the inaugural WSTHA Gala Ceremony in Belize on September 27. The selection process involved hundreds of entries, meticulously assessed and shortlisted by students at the Nova Business School under the guidance of the WSTHA Advisory Board. Factors considered included international standards, best practices, impact, and partnerships.
The World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards was launched in 2023 at COP 28 in Dubai on World Tourism Day, and aims to celebrate and promote sustainable practices within the travel and hospitality industries worldwide. The Belize event marks a significant step forward in recognizing and rewarding those who are leading the charge toward a more sustainable future for tourism.
