The World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA) have officially unveiled their 2026 shortlist, signaling a major milestone in the global effort to harmonize tourism with environmental and social responsibility. Following a rigorous assessment of hundreds of submissions from 60 countries, the program has opened its polls to global industry professionals, inviting them to shape the future of sustainable travel.
Now in its third year, the WSTHA has recognized over 90 nominations spanning more than 35 countries. The diverse shortlist features a mix of independent community initiatives, small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), and major international travel conglomerates. Notably, more than a third of the shortlisted organizations employ fewer than 250 people, underscoring the organizers’ commitment to highlighting impactful contributions regardless of corporate size or scale.
The 19 competitive categories cover a vast spectrum of the visitor economy, including climate action, circular economy practices, nature protection, accessibility, and community impact. From initiatives that transform discarded hotel linen into sustainable local livelihoods to efforts that expand lower-emission transport options, the shortlist illustrates the multifaceted approach now required to build a more resilient industry.
Justin Cooke, Executive Vice-President of the WSTHA, praised the diversity of the entries, noting that the awards serve to bridge the gap between niche local innovation and global systemic change. “A small business creating opportunities in its community deserves to stand alongside a global group changing how thousands of hotels operate,” Cooke said. “This year’s shortlist brings those contributions together.”
The selection process, which relies on a methodology developed in coordination with the Nova School of Business & Economics, uses a blend of quantitative and qualitative data to assess scalability, impact, and innovation.
The program is set to reach its climax on December 9, 2026, in Paris, where the winners will be announced during a gala ceremony. The event is strategically timed to follow the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance Global Summit, which takes place on December 8–9. This convergence of experts and stakeholders is designed to connect the recognition of success with the practical blueprints needed to drive real-world change.
In addition to the 19 competitive categories, the Paris gala will feature a prestigious special honor: the “Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Travel & Hospitality” award. Unlike the standard categories, this recipient will be selected at the discretion of the Advisory Board to recognize an individual or entity whose influence has transcended single-project boundaries to leave a lasting mark on the industry.
Glenn Mandziuk, President and CEO of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, believes the combination of the summit and the awards will prove transformative. “These nominees prove that true sustainability is not just about reducing our footprint, it is about expanding our positive impact,” Mandziuk stated.
Travel and tourism professionals are encouraged to cast their votes at wstha.com until October 21, 2026. The nominee securing the highest number of eligible votes in each category will be crowned the winner.
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