Peru Hosts the 2025 Sustainable Tourism Awards, The Organisers Now Announces The Victors

Skål International has proudly celebrated the winners of the 2025 Sustainable Tourism Awards in Cusco, Peru. This prestigious event, held during the opening of the 84th Skål International World Congress, gathered leaders and innovators in sustainable tourism. The awards recognized remarkable achievements in responsible, ethical, and sustainable travel, highlighting projects that set a global example for tourism businesses and destinations. With over 106 entries from 30 countries, this edition saw fierce competition, but the winners stood out for their impactful contributions. Cusco, a city known for its rich heritage and commitment to sustainability, provided the perfect backdrop for the celebration.

The 2025 awards not only spotlighted outstanding achievements but also emphasized the vital role that responsible tourism plays in shaping the future of the industry. This event is a step forward in promoting sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and local communities.

Skål International, the global network of professionals in the travel and tourism industry, has long been at the forefront of recognizing best practices in sustainable tourism. Since 2002, the Sustainable Tourism Awards have served as a platform to honor the most impactful initiatives that contribute to a greener and more responsible future for tourism. The award ceremony in Cusco was attended by key figures from both the global and local tourism industry, including senior officials from Peru’s tourism sector.

Denise Scrafton, President of Skål International, presided over the event alongside other key Skål leaders. The occasion also featured the presence of high-ranking Peruvian officials, underlining the importance of sustainable tourism as a key pillar of both local and global development.

The event took place at the iconic Centro de Convenciones de Cusco, a venue that blends history with modernity, reflecting the ideals of responsible tourism. The awards ceremony not only recognized achievements in sustainability but also reinforced the message that tourism, when done responsibly, can create lasting positive changes in communities, economies, and the environment.

The 2025 Sustainable Tourism Awards were made possible thanks to a collaboration between various global organizations dedicated to sustainability. The awards were supported by a distinguished panel of judges, including key partners like Ion Vilcu, Director of the Affiliate Members Department at UN Tourism, and Patricio Azcárate Díaz, Secretary General of Biosphere Tourism and the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI). Both organizations have been long-time allies of Skål International in promoting responsible tourism practices.

Paloma Zapata, CEO of Sustainable Travel International, was another vital partner in the initiative. The organization provided all award winners with a one-year subscription to the Biosphere Sustainable platform, which offers tailored sustainability planning and recognition. In addition, other participants received discounted memberships, helping them access vital resources and a global network of responsible travelers.

The importance of sustainability in Latin America was emphasized during the ceremony by Fabian Román, a board member of the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI). Román highlighted the positive impact of initiatives like Biosphere Tourism, which are driving sustainable development and supporting the achievement of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the region. These models serve as a beacon of inspiration for tourism destinations globally, demonstrating how sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into the travel and hospitality sectors.

The winners of the 2025 Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards represent the best of sustainable tourism practices from around the world. With eight categories reflecting diverse aspects of responsible tourism, the competition recognized innovative efforts across various fields. From eco-friendly tourism practices to community-driven development, each winner stood out for their commitment to transforming the tourism landscape.

The award ceremony in Cusco was also an opportunity to showcase the handcrafted trophies, made from local materials in the heart of Peru. The trophies, shaped like the Tunki (Andean Cock-of-the-Rock), Peru̢۪s national bird, symbolize the essence of conservation and transformation in tourism. These unique symbols honor those who strive to create tourism experiences that respect nature and contribute to long-term environmental and social sustainability.

José Luis Quintero, Skål International’s Director of Sustainability, presented the trophies to the winners. His remarks underscored the growing global movement towards sustainable tourism, with each winning project serving as a model for others to follow. The awards are not just about recognition but also about inspiring others in the industry to adopt similar practices.

The 2025 Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards remind us that sustainability is not just a buzzword but a critical component of the tourism industry’s future. As the world faces increasing environmental challenges, the tourism sector must adapt to meet new expectations and responsibilities. The winning initiatives demonstrate that sustainability and innovation are not only possible but essential for the continued growth of the tourism industry.

Looking ahead, the recognition of these exemplary efforts sets the stage for even more ambitious projects in the coming years. As Skål International continues to celebrate and support sustainable tourism practices, the industry can expect to see further advancements in responsible tourism, community engagement, and environmental protection.

Skål International's commitment to sustainability is unwavering, and the awards serve as a testament to the organization's dedication to fostering a more responsible tourism sector. The 2025 Sustainable Tourism Awards are a clear call to action for businesses, organizations, and destinations to invest in sustainable practices that will benefit the planet and its people for generations to come.

In conclusion, the 2025 Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards in Cusco not only highlighted the outstanding achievements of tourism professionals but also reinforced the importance of collective action towards sustainability. As the global tourism industry continues to grow, it is essential that all stakeholders work together to ensure that the sector contributes positively to society and the environment. Skål International's recognition of these trailblazers sets an example for future generations, reminding us that tourism can and should be a force for good.

The award ceremony in Cusco, Peru, will go down as a key moment in the history of sustainable tourism, marking a pivotal step in the ongoing journey towards responsible travel.