The World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA) has announced a strategic, long-term partnership with Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, to integrate rigorous data and economic analysis into the drive for a more sustainable future for global tourism.
This collaboration is designed to equip destinations, businesses, and governments with the definitive evidence required to accelerate their transition toward a sustainable travel and hospitality sector. By combining WSTHA’s vision for accelerating change with Tourism Economics’ world-leading expertise in economic data and insight, the partnership will deliver cutting-edge research, verifiable economic impact assessments, and actionable policy recommendations.
Justin Cooke, Executive Vice President, World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards, said: “Our vision is to recognise, celebrate, and share the stories of individuals and organisations making an impactful contribution in sustainable travel and tourism. This long-term partnership with Tourism Economics will allow us to demonstrate the economic return of that impact, further strengthening the case for accelerating change across the entire industry. This is about moving the conversation from obligation to opportunity.”
David Goodger, Managing Director, Europe & Middle East, Tourism Economics, added: “At Tourism Economics, we are committed to providing the evidence base that enables the sector to effectively plan for future growth and manage uncertainty. Partnering with the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards allows us to apply our analytical expertise to support sustainable growth in destinations and tourism businesses, ensuring the sector delivers long-term benefits for communities, economies, and the environment.”
The partnership’s initial focus will include:
- Developing comprehensive sustainability indices to benchmark global progress.
- Tracking the economic and environmental impact of leading tourism initiatives.
- Providing evidence-based tools to help stakeholders align growth with global climate and development goals.
Launched at COP28 in Dubai in 2023, the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards celebrate and share the stories of individuals and organisations leading the way in sustainable tourism. The 2nd annual Gala Ceremony will take place on 29 October 2025 at Terra, Expo City Dubai, bringing together global leaders in sustainable travel.
