WTM Latin America announces the finalists for the Responsible Tourism Award

The WTM Latin America 2025 Responsible Tourism Award is not only a recognition of the sector's best practices, but also a benchmark for the progress of sustainable tourism in the region. This year, a record number of 164 projects from 14 countries were submitted, reflecting the growing commitment of companies and organizations to building better tourism for future generations.

According to Pablo Menéndez, curator of the Prize, the finalist projects address three major trends in responsible tourism: environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and cultural appreciation. "There is a strong focus on biodiversity conservation and the fight against climate change, as well as a growing appreciation for indigenous and traditional communities in tourism. Collaboration in networks to strengthen responsible tourism is also notable, reminding us that cooperation is essential to overcoming regional barriers," he notes.

Among the most competitive categories are "Best Networking Initiatives to Promote Responsible Tourism in Destinations," with 39 projects submitted, and "Best Initiatives to Address Climate Change and Conserve Biodiversity," with 36 nominations. Colombia leads the list with seven finalist projects, followed by Mexico (5), Brazil (4), Argentina (2), and Chile (2). Costa Rica and Guatemala each have one finalist, demonstrating the geographic diversity of the award.

For Bianca Pizzolito, Events Leader at WTM Latin America, the Award reflects the sector's commitment to building tourism that has a positive impact on communities, preserves cultures, and protects the environment. "The record number of entries and the diversity of the finalists demonstrate that Latin America is making progress on this path, with innovative and inspiring projects. Our goal is to give visibility to these initiatives and connect them with the market to promote a more conscious, sustainable, and transformative tourism," she states.

The finalists were selected by a jury composed of 19 experts from nine countries, appointed by representatives of the six partner organizations in this year's Award, each with recognized work throughout Latin America. Each partner organization designated professionals to evaluate the projects based on criteria such as the originality of the solutions, the real impact on communities, and the potential for replication in the travel and tourism industry.

Additionally, aspects such as the quantification of achievements, the candidate's degree of influence among suppliers and customers, the innovative nature of the solution, sustainable management, and educational opportunities related to the destination, people, and the environment were analyzed. It's worth noting that projects that didn't make it to the finals received feedback from the jury, providing important insights into improving their initiatives and strengthening their bid to compete in future editions.

Trends and challenges

The winners of the six categories of the WTM Latin America 2025 Responsible Tourism Awards will be announced at a special ceremony on April 15, at 5:15 p.m., at the Teatro das Tendencias at Expo Center Norte in São Paulo.

For Menendez, the finalist projects represent an important step in the evolution of tourism in Latin America and highlight persistent challenges, such as the need for greater institutional support and funding to expand these initiatives. "Responsible tourism in Latin America must continue to grow, especially on three fronts: strengthening environmental conservation, the inclusion of local communities, and the development of authentic experiences based on regional culture and history," he said. "The valorization of indigenous and community-based tourism must increasingly gain ground, strengthening cultural identity and promoting more enriching travel experiences," Menendez concluded.

For Bianca, the Responsible Tourism Award reaffirms its role as a platform for recognizing and promoting initiatives that transform tourism into a tool for social, environmental, and economic transformation. "This year's finalists demonstrate that innovation and collaboration are essential to building a more sustainable and inclusive sector," concludes the Events Leader for WTM Latin America. The finalists are:

Category 1: Best initiatives to address climate change and conserve biodiversity | Support: Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA)

Costa Mágica (Mexico)
Association of agroecological prosumers - Agrosolidaria Charalá branch (Colombia)
AvesChile (Chile)
Bio Coral LTDA Factory (Brazil)

CATEGORY 02: Best initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in tourism. | Support: MUDA! Collective

Los Sueños Marriott Ocean and Golf Resort (Costa Rica)
Being a Tourist: Hand in Hand Through Nuevo León (Mexico)
Aver ô Mar Shellfish Collectors Association (Brazil)

CATEGORY 03: Best initiatives to promote socioeconomic impact and peacebuilding through tourism. | Support: La Mano del Mono

General Directorate of Territorial Approach, Padre Carlos Mugica Neighborhood (formerly Villa 31). Ministry of Human Development and Habitat of the Government of the City of Buenos Aires (Argentina).
Caguán Expeditions (Colombia).
The Magic Is in Living It (Colombia).
Rutopía (Mexico).

CATEGORY 04: Best networking initiatives to promote responsible tourism in destinations. | Support: Planeterra

Tourist Map of Colombian Artesanal - Handicrafts of Colombia (Colombia)
Sierra Gorda Ecological Group IAP. Sierra Gorda Destination. Querétaro (Mexico)
EcoNoronha – Socio-Environmental Noronha: Connections for Conservation (Brazil)
Tourism Secretariat of Santiago de Cali (Colombia)

CATEGORY 05: Best initiatives for Indigenous tourism and/or traditional communities. | Support: World Indigenous Tourism Alliance (WINTA)

Ecotours Boquilla, Community Tourism (Colombia)
Mbyá Civil Association in Tourism (Argentina)
Mayan People (Mexico)
Lofpulli Tourism (Chile)

CATEGORY 06: Best initiatives to rescue memory and enhance historical heritage. | Support: Colombian Association of Responsible Tourism (ACOTUR)

Cartagena de Indias Tourism Corporation (Colombia)
Santa Cruz Institute (Brazil)
Nuevo Horizonte Comprehensive Agricultural Cooperative (Guatemala)

Source: WTM Latin America