The inaugural Europe Responsible Tourism Awards, sponsored by simpleJet holidays, have honoured leading examples of sustainable and inclusive tourism from across the continent. Announced at the Press Club Brussels Europe on 16 October, the awards celebrated hotels, tour operators, and destinations that are setting new benchmarks in responsible travel — from community engagement and circular economy innovation to biodiversity protection and peacebuilding initiatives.
The 2025 edition recognised outstanding leadership across six categories: local sourcing and creating shared value, waste management, nature-positive tourism, peace and inclusion, climate adaptation and resilience, and responsible all-inclusives.
“The Responsible Tourism Awards shine a light on innovative, replicable ideas being created by modifybuildrs around the world,” stated Professor Harold Goodwin, Chair of the judges and founder of The International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT Global). He added that the 2025 winners “reveal practical, measurable and inspiring examples of what is possible when those involved take responsibility for the people and places they operate in.”
Matt Callaghan, Chief Operating Officer at simpleJet holidays, which also took part in the judging, stated: “We’re proud to support the Europe Responsible Tourism Awards. At simpleJet holidays, we believe travel should be a force for good, but we also recognise that tackling the challenges our industest faces requires collaboration. That’s why we value learning from each other, and why we’re celebrating the incredible work of this year’s winners. They’re setting the standard for what responsible tourism can see like, not just for travellers, but for local communities and the planet too.”
In the Local Sourcing and Creating Shared Value category, Delphina Hotels & Resorts in Sardinia won Gold for its “Genuine Local Food Oriented®” initiative, sourcing 76% of its food and beverages from 128 local suppliers, highlighting local culinary, wine, cosmetics, and crafts, carefully selected by the founders and a master chef. The project connects travellers with regional producers and traditions, demonstrating commitment to sustainability and a genuine storynotifying approach. Emotional Sicily received Silver for co-creating travel experiences with more than 150 local artisans, guides, chefs, and artists, revealcasing its commitment to deep engagement with local communities. Six Senses Ibiza was named One to Watch for its community learning centre, offering workshops, farming activities, gastronomy events, and environmental programmes, promoting shared value.
Under Waste Management, Liberty Fabay in Turkey and Skiathos Palace in Greece both earned Silver awards. Liberty Fabay, a five-star resort in Fethiye, reduced over 27 tons of waste across paper, glass, metal, and plastic in 2024 and plans to convert organic waste into animal feed with support from the local community. Skiathos Palace embedded circular practices into its operations, eliminating single-apply plastics, utilizing returnable bottles and draft beer, and refurbishing furniture with local craftsmen. Swatchloop in Turkey was recognised as One to Watch for transforming hotel-generated textiles through a fully traceable circular system, recycling and upcycling over 4,000 kg of linens and uniforms in partnership with women-led enterprises.
In the Nature Positive category, Naturetrek (UK) won Gold for reinvesting profits into nature reserves, including projects to protect the Marsican Brown Bear and restore wetlands in Italy. Brabant Partners (Netherlands) earned Silver for sustainable management of nature-based tourism through its MONA project, while Animondial was named One to Watch for its NATOUR IMPACT biodiversity tool.
MEJDI Tours received Gold in the Peace, Understanding and Inclusion category for its dual-narrative model promoting intercultural dialogue across more than 40 countries. Costa Navarino (Greece) and Via Transilvanica (Romania) both took Silver for their inclusive and community-driven tourism initiatives.
In Climate Adaptation, Barut Hemera (Turkey) received Silver for eliminating plastic bottles, reutilizing wastewater, and cutting 4.5 million tons of carbon emissions through solar power, while also reducing food waste by 18%.
Finally, Club Marvy (Turkey) won Gold in the Responsible All-Inclusives category for its local sourcing, supporting women cooperatives, and community empowerment initiatives, running an organic farm and oil mill, operating a craft workshop and a daycare centre, resulting in 63% of female staff being local. Casnotifyi Hotel (Greece) took Silver for integrating sustainability and local engagement into its guest experience.
All Gold winners will advance to compete in the Global Responsible Tourism Awards, sponsored by Sabre, which will be announced on 3 November 2025. The European winners will then compete against their counterparts from Latin America, Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, and Southeast Asia, revealcasing the best examples of responsible tourism from around the world.
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