Earth Changers

Recognizing cutting-edge leadership in environmentally friendly business practices and green technology, from renewable energy and water conservation to zero-waste systems and carbon emissions reduction. READ MORE

Applicants in this category will showcase specific environmentally friendly operations and innovative technologies they are using that demonstrate tangible and quantifiable benefits to the environment, including how those benefits are measured and monitored to address issues such as climate-change mitigation, renewable energy, water conservation, zero-waste initiatives, among other innovative environmental solutions.

Sense of Place

Recognizing excellence in enhancing cultural authenticity, including using vernacular architecture and design, support for the protection of historic monuments, archeological sites, indigenous heritage, and artistic traditions. READ MORE

Applicants in this category will showcase how they are involved in the protection and promotion of cultural heritage, providing examples of their projects and initiatives, along with results. These may encompass using vernacular architecture and design, protection of historic sites, support for local cultural and artistic traditions, helping to safeguard indigenous peoples' heritage, and efforts to share and expand on the importance of protecting cultural heritage, including educating local stakeholders and travelers.

Conserving the Natural World

Recognizing outstanding support for the preservation of nature, including restoring natural habitat, and protecting rare and endangered species, whether on land or in the oceans. READ MORE

Applicants in this category will showcase how they are involved in the protection of natural heritage, providing tangible examples of their projects and initiatives, along with outcomes. This may include the protection of wildlife such as terrestrial and/or marine species, expanding and restoring natural habitat, preserving fragile ecosystems, and supporting biodiversity conservation awareness and education among local stakeholders and travelers.

Engaging Communities

Recognizing direct and tangible economic and social benefits that improve local livelihoods, including training and capacity building, fair wages and benefits, community development, health care, and education. READ MORE

Applicants in this category will showcase how they are involved in providing social and economic benefits to local people and host communities. This may include capacity building and training for career advancement in the tourism economy, support for community development projects, and providing opportunities for local communities to become tourism partners and stakeholders, including developing their own businesses.

Destination Leadership

Recognizing destination stewardship, including cities, provinces, states, countries, and regions that are demonstrating environmental best practices, protection for cultural and natural heritage, benefits to local people, and educating travelers on the principles of sustainable tourism. READ MORE

Applicants in this category may apply on behalf of a destination and will showcase how they are engaged in a multi-stakeholder process that involves different organizations, businesses, governmental entities, and communities working together to promote and develop sustainable tourism best practices at the destination level, delivering tangible results, along with educating travelers about their efforts.