November 11, 2025 -- Mandarin Oriental is proud to announce that it has been named the winner of World's Leading Sustainable Energy Efficiency Initiative, World's Leading Sustainable Cultural Heritage Project, and World's Leading Sustainable Policy Initiative at the 2nd annual World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards in Dubai.
(Pic:Werner Anzinger, Area Vice President Operations, Mandarin Oriental accepting the award)
These accolades highlight Mandarin Oriental's leadership in accelerating change and creating meaningful impact across ultra-luxury hospitality. The recognition highlights the Group's pioneering approach to to reduce our environmental impact, safeguard cultural heritage and inspiring more mindful travel experiences.
Launched at COP28, the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards celebrate organisations that transcend traditional hospitality by integrating sustainability and environmental stewardship at the core of their operations.
Mandarin Oriental was recognised for its holistic sustainability strategy, Mandarin Oriental was recognised for its holistic sustainability strategy, which has driven environmental innovation across its portfolio while fostering community engagement .
Kandé Camara, Chief of Staff and Group Director of Sustainability, Mandarin Oriental said:
“These awards reflect the dedication of our colleagues across the globe who continue to embed sustainability into every aspect of our operations. By protecting natural ecosystems and preserving cultural heritage, we aim to generate lasting, positive impact for the communities who are at the heart of our destinations.”
The announcement was made at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards Gala Ceremony 2025, hosted at Terra, Dubai Expo City, where global leaders in sustainable tourism gathered to celebrate transformative action across the sector.
In brief
Mandarin Oriental announced that it received recognition in the energy efficiency, cultural heritage and sustainability policy categories at the 2025 World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards in Dubai. The company says the awards acknowledge its sustainability strategy, which it describes as supporting environmental work across its properties and community engagement. The gala ceremony took place at Terra, Dubai Expo City. According to the release, entries were assessed by Sustainable Business students from Nova Business School, with the shortlist approved by the awards’ Advisory Board before public voting. Mandarin Oriental’s Chief of Staff and Group Director of Sustainability said the recognition reflects colleagues’ efforts to incorporate sustainability into operations and protect natural ecosystems and cultural heritage.
Key takeaways
- Mandarin Oriental says it received awards for energy efficiency, cultural heritage and sustainability policy initiatives.
- The awards ceremony was held at Terra, Dubai Expo City.
- The release says student assessments and public voting informed the awards process.
- The company links its sustainability strategy to environmental efforts and community engagement.
Glenn Mandziuk, Chief Executive Officer, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, remarked:
“Mandarin Oriental has achieved a remarkable distinction by being selected as the winner of 'World's Leading Sustainable Energy Efficiency Initiative', 'World's Leading Sustainable Cultural Heritage Project' and 'World's Leading Sustainable Policy Initiative'. Our awards attracted a substantial number of outstanding candidates from across the industry, and Mandarin Oriental emerged as the clear frontrunner due to its unwavering commitment to sustainability. I encourage the entire sector to take inspiration from the strategies and dedication demonstrated by Mandarin Oriental in advancing toward a Net Positive Hospitality future.”
This year's WSTHA programme featured 30 categories developed in consultation with the esteemed WSTHA Advisory Board of academic and industry leaders, reflecting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Net Positive framework of People, Planet, Place, Prosperity and Partnerships.
All entries were assessed by Sustainable Business students from Nova Business School, with the shortlist approved by the Advisory Board before being opened to a public vote. Industry professionals, the media and the general public were eligible to vote during a four-week period, with the highest-voted recipient named winner in each category.
About Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Mandarin Oriental is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world's most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences. Each outstanding property reflects the Group's dual Asian heritage, while proudly distilling the Essence of the Destination, reflected in every hotel's own fan - carefully crafted by local artisans. Driven by a passion for the exceptional, every day, everywhere, the Group's mission is to craft time-enriching experiences that transform the ordinary to the exceptional and guests to fans through its legendary service. The Group now operates 44 hotels, 12 residences and 26 exceptional homes in 27 countries and territories with many more projects under development. Mandarin Oriental continues to drive its reputation as an innovative leader in luxury hospitality, delivering sustainable growth over the long term.
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Questions around this news
How were winners selected for the 2025 World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards?
The release says entries were assessed by Sustainable Business students from Nova Business School. The Advisory Board approved a shortlist, which then went to a public vote. Industry professionals, media members and the public could vote over a four-week period, and the highest-voted entry in each category won.
What does net positive hospitality mean?
Net positive hospitality describes an approach in which a hotel or tourism business aims to create benefits for people and places that outweigh the negative effects of its activities. It can involve reducing environmental pressures while supporting communities, ecosystems and local economies. The specific meaning and measures can vary by framework and organisation.
What is sustainable hospitality?
Sustainable hospitality is the practice of operating hotels and tourism services while limiting harm to the environment and supporting local communities and economies. It can include managing energy and water use, reducing waste, protecting natural and cultural assets, and considering social impacts in business decisions.
