Brussels Recognizes the Leaders of Sustainable Tourism with Awards for Hotels and Tour Operators Who Are Driving Positive Environmental Change and Making Travel More Responsible for Everyone

Brussels has given awards to the leaders of sustainable tourism to recognize hotels and tour operators that are making a big difference for the environment. This event shows how important these groups are in making travel more responsible by using methods that have less of a negative effect on the economy, the environment, and local communities. The winners of the award are setting a new standard for sustainable tourism. They show that it is not only possible but also necessary to put sustainability first in the travel industry. They are setting an example for others to follow and making travel that is good for the environment and good for everyone.

Brussels recently played host to a prestigious event that spotlighted the leaders of sustainable tourism across Europe and Türkiye. This event, held on the final day of the European Week of Regions and Cities, focused on celebrating those in the travel industry who are making significant strides in promoting responsible tourism. These awards, which recognize the efforts of hotels, tour operators, and other organizations, were designed to honor those who are not just maintaining the status quo, but actively working to change the tourism landscape by prioritizing environmental sustainability.

The ceremony, which took place on October 16, 2025, was organized by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT), a London-based non-profit that aims to promote sustainable travel practices across the globe. The ICRT has been a cornerstone of sustainable tourism for over two decades, founded in 2004 to highlight and reward responsible tourism practices that minimize negative environmental impacts while maximizing positive outcomes for local communities and the economy. This year’s event marked the first time that there was a dedicated award for the European region, reflecting the growing importance of sustainable tourism within the industry.

A key aspect of these awards is their emphasis on inclusivity, with special efforts made to encourage smaller businesses in the travel sector to apply. As the tourism industry faces growing pressure to become more environmentally conscious, it is essential that the smaller players in the sector are also given the opportunity to showcase their innovative sustainability efforts. This inclusivity fosters a more diverse array of solutions, all of which contribute to a greener, more sustainable travel experience.

The event not only recognized the efforts of large, established companies but also honored smaller businesses that are using their limited resources to create meaningful, sustainable change. The winners of this year’s awards were selected for their impactful work in key areas such as waste management, climate adaptation, local sourcing, and peace-building initiatives. Each award-winning organization was celebrated for the tangible difference they are making in both local communities and the broader tourism ecosystem.

One of the standout categories this year was the “Responsible All-Inclusive Hotels” award. This category celebrated those hotels that go above and beyond the typical sustainability measures, creating a positive impact on their surrounding environments. The gold winner, a hotel in Türkiye, was commended for its efforts in integrating organic farming into its operations, providing employment opportunities to local women while supporting the region’s agricultural sector. By creating a self-sustaining ecosystem within its operations, this hotel not only ensured that its practices are environmentally responsible but also fostered a positive economic impact on the local community.

The silver winner in this category, a hotel in Greece, was recognized for its innovative approach to protecting nature. The hotel reduced its room numbers to decrease its environmental footprint and invested in local projects aimed at preserving the nearby natural areas. Its homegrown olive oil is another testament to the hotel’s commitment to supporting sustainable farming practices and reducing the carbon footprint associated with food imports.

Waste management was another key area of focus, with the “Waste Management” award recognizing those who have taken bold steps to reduce waste and recycle more efficiently. The gold winner in this category, a hotel in Türkiye, was acknowledged for its remarkable efforts in reducing plastic waste and its plans to convert organic waste into animal feed, thereby contributing to a circular economy model. Similarly, a hotel in Greece was recognized for its commitment to implementing circular practices across its operations, demonstrating that sustainable practices are not only beneficial for the environment but also economically viable.

The “Local Sourcing and Creating Shared Value” category highlighted the importance of working closely with local communities to ensure that tourism benefits all involved. One of the silver winners in this category, a tourism operator in Italy, was celebrated for its commitment to ethical sourcing. The company partnered with over 150 local farmers, chefs, and artisans to offer authentic, locally sourced products that support regional agriculture and crafts. By integrating local culture into its offerings, the company has helped foster a stronger connection between tourists and the communities they visit.

Another notable winner in this category was a hotel chain in Italy that sources a significant portion of its food and beverages from local suppliers, contributing to the local economy and reducing its carbon footprint. With 76% of its food and beverage sourced from 128 local suppliers, the hotel’s approach to sustainable sourcing sets a strong example for the industry, proving that it is possible to run a profitable business while supporting local communities and the environment.

The “Peace, Understanding, and Inclusion” category recognized initiatives that encourage cultural exchange and promote peace through tourism. The gold winner in this category was an international tour operator praised for its dual-narrative model, which fosters intercultural dialogue in more than 40 countries. The company’s model allows tourists to experience both sides of a destination’s history, helping bridge divides and promote mutual understanding.

The silver winners in this category, a tourism initiative in Greece and another in Romania, were recognized for their work in promoting community-driven tourism. These organizations focus on creating inclusive travel experiences that empower local communities, ensuring that tourism benefits everyone, from the business owners to the residents.

In the “Climate Adaptation” category, a hotel in Türkiye stood out for its efforts to eliminate plastic water bottles from its operations. This hotel’s commitment to reducing single-use plastics is a major step in tackling one of the most pressing environmental issues in the tourism industry. By eliminating over 1 million plastic bottles annually, the hotel is not only helping to protect the local environment but also setting a standard for others in the industry to follow.

The “Nature Positive” category celebrated initiatives that actively work to restore and protect nature. The gold winner in this category, a wildlife conservation group in the UK, was recognized for its reinvestment of profits into nature reserves. Similarly, a Dutch organization that promotes sustainable travel behaviors was awarded silver for its efforts to encourage more sustainable travel practices among tourists.

Finally, the event also honored a “One to Watch” award for up-and-coming sustainability leaders. This year, the recipient was a hotel in Ibiza that offers community learning centers, farming activities, and environmental programs, creating a space where both locals and visitors can learn about sustainability and contribute to the local community.

The winners of the European Responsible Tourism Awards will now compete in the Global Responsible Tourism Awards, scheduled to take place in November 2025. This global event will showcase the best examples of sustainable tourism practices from around the world, offering a platform for the most innovative and impactful projects to inspire others in the industry.

The ICRT’s commitment to recognizing and promoting responsible tourism practices has never been more important, especially as the world faces increasing challenges related to climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. Through events like these, the tourism industry is being encouraged to rethink its impact on the planet and to take meaningful steps toward creating a more sustainable and responsible future for travel.

Brussels recognized the leaders of sustainable tourism with awards for hotels and tour operators driving environmental change, showcasing their efforts to make travel more responsible and eco-friendly for everyone. These winners are setting a vital example of how the tourism industry can reduce its impact while benefiting local communities and preserving the environment.

In conclusion, the 2025 European Responsible Tourism Awards in Brussels were a resounding success in showcasing the transformative power of sustainable tourism. The winners of the awards are leading the way in proving that tourism can be both profitable and responsible, and their efforts provide an inspiring model for others in the industry to follow. As tourism continues to grow, these organizations are paving the way for a future where travel is not only about exploration but also about protecting the world we love to visit.