Recognizing Excellence in Sustainable Tourism
Skål Europe is proud to announce the launch of the 2025 Skål Europe Sustainability Awards, an initiative designed to celebrate and recognize the outstanding contributions of Skålleagues across Europe in promoting sustainable tourism. These awards aim to highlight innovative, impactful, and ethical tourism projects that align with the core values of Skål International and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The tourism industry plays a crucial role in shaping a sustainable future, and these awards serve as a platform to honour those who go above and beyond in integrating environmental, social, and economic sustainability into their operations. The winners will be announced during the Skål Europe Annual General Assembly (AGA) in December 2025, where they will receive well-deserved recognition for their dedication to responsible tourism.
Why Do We Believe in These Awards?
To understand the significance of these awards, we spoke with Paolo Bartolozzi, Vice President of Skål Europe and member of the Skål International Sustainability Commission.
Q: Paolo, why has Skål Europe made sustainability a core focus of its activities?
Paolo Bartolozzi: “Tourism has immense power—not just as an economic force but also as a tool for positive environmental and social change. Through our vast network of tourism professionals, Skål Europe is uniquely positioned to promote sustainable practices that protect cultural heritage, support local communities, and minimize environmental footprints. These awards are not just about recognition; they inspire more tourism businesses to adopt responsible models and make sustainability a standard practice, not an exception.”
Q: What impact do you hope these awards will have?
Paolo Bartolozzi: “We hope to create a ripple effect. When a company or destination wins a Skål Europe Sustainability Award, it sets a precedent and encourages others to follow suit. We want these awards to be a beacon for best practices in sustainable tourism and to demonstrate that being environmentally and socially responsible can also be profitable and beneficial for business longevity.”
Award Categories
For the 2025 edition, Skål Europe will accept entries in the following categories:
- Cultural Heritage Conservation – Projects that preserve and promote local traditions, historical sites, and intangible cultural heritage through responsible tourism.
- Environmental Preservation – Initiatives that focus on reducing tourism’s ecological footprint, including conservation programs, carbon-neutral travel solutions, and innovative eco-tourism models.
- Community Engagement & Social Responsibility – Tourism projects that directly involve and benefit local communities, create employment opportunities, and promote ethical business practices.
- Innovative Sustainable Practices – Cutting-edge solutions that redefine sustainability in tourism, such as waste reduction strategies, energy-efficient hospitality models, or technological innovations in green travel.
- Technology applied to sustainability – new solutions for more sustainable tourism activities, management, and operations.
Who Can Participate?
The awards are open to all Skål Europe members, including individual professionals, businesses, and destination management organizations. Whether you run an eco-friendly hotel, a responsible travel company, a heritage conservation project, or a community-led tourism initiative, this is an opportunity to gain international recognition for your work.
Submission Process and Key Dates
- Deadline for Submission: November 30, 2025
- Announcement of Winners: December 2025, during the Skål Europe AGA
- How to Apply: Members can submit their projects via the official Skål Europe website, where they will find detailed submission guidelines and evaluation criteria.
Entries will be reviewed by an expert panel of sustainability advocates, Skål International leaders, and tourism professionals, who will assess projects based on innovation, sustainability impact, community involvement, and replicability.
Why Apply?
Participating in a Skål Europe Sustainability Award offers numerous benefits, including:
- Recognition and Visibility: Gain international exposure for your sustainable tourism initiative.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals and potential partners who value responsible tourism.
- Enhanced Credibility: Showcasing a sustainability award can help businesses attract eco-conscious travelers and investors.
- Inspiration for the Industry: Be a role model for other tourism professionals and encourage widespread adoption of sustainable practices.
Join Us in Shaping the Future of Sustainable Tourism
The Skål Europe Sustainability Awards 2025 are more than just a recognition program; they are part of a collective movement towards a more ethical, responsible, and future-oriented tourism industry. Skål Europe invites all members to step forward, share their achievements, and inspire change.
For more details and submission guidelines, visit the Skål Europe website or contact Paolo Bartolozzi at paolo.bartolozzi@skalroma.org.
Together, let’s build a sustainable future for tourism!
