Thursday, July 3, 2025

The World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards recently announced the appointment of Chief Frank Antoine to its Advisory Board. Chief Frank, a respected Indigenous leader, currently holds the position of Board Chair for the World Indigenous Tourism Alliance (WINTA). Additionally, he is the Founder of the Bonaparte First Nation’s tourism and cultural initiatives in British Columbia, Canada. His leadership and extensive experience in advocating for Indigenous rights, cultural preservation, and sustainable development have made him a significant figure in the global conversations about responsible tourism.

With decades of experience in these fields, Chief Frank has been instrumental in shaping the discourse around Indigenous-led tourism, advocating for its role in fostering economic empowerment, cultural resilience, and environmental stewardship. His contributions have been crucial in elevating Indigenous-led tourism as an essential pathway for communities to achieve sustainability while preserving their culture.

In response to Chief Frank’s appointment, Glenn Mandziuk, the CEO of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and Chair of the Advisory Board for the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards, expressed his excitement. Mandziuk stated that the organization is deeply honored to have Chief Frank join the Advisory Board, emphasizing that his leadership and insights would be a valuable asset in furthering the mission of the Awards. According to Mandziuk, Chief Frank’s appointment strengthens the Awards’ efforts to highlight impactful and inclusive sustainable tourism practices worldwide. Furthermore, Mandziuk noted that the introduction of the new Indigenous Tourism category was an important step in ensuring that Indigenous voices and achievements are recognized on a global stage.

The creation of this new category is a significant milestone for the Awards. It reflects the growing recognition of the pivotal role that Indigenous peoples play in sustainable tourism. The Indigenous Tourism category aims to spotlight outstanding Indigenous-led tourism projects and organizations that exemplify sustainability, community leadership, and cultural authenticity. This move is part of a broader effort to ensure that Indigenous communities are not only included in the global tourism conversation but also celebrated for their contributions to sustainability.

Chief Frank also shared his excitement about the new role, expressing that Indigenous peoples have always been the original stewards of the land. He emphasized that Indigenous knowledge systems and cultural values are deeply rooted in sustainability, highlighting the inherent connection between Indigenous ways of life and the principles of environmental responsibility. Chief Frank further conveyed his enthusiasm to contribute to the Awards, ensuring that Indigenous-led tourism receives the global recognition it truly deserves.

In addition to announcing Chief Frank’s appointment and the introduction of the Indigenous Tourism category, the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards has opened entries for the 2025 edition. The Awards are now accepting submissions, and entries are free of charge until June 25, 2025. Interested individuals, organizations, and destinations can submit their applications through the official Awards website, which serves as the primary platform for nominations.

The World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards aim to honor and celebrate those who are leading the way in sustainability, community impact, and environmental responsibility within the global travel and hospitality industry. The Awards encompass a broad range of categories, with 30 different sectors of sustainable travel and tourism being represented. These categories were selected by an expert Advisory Board that includes professionals from diverse sectors of the sustainability field. The categories reflect the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the net-positive framework that focuses on People, Planet, Place, Prosperity, and Partnerships.

The introduction of the Indigenous Tourism category is a clear reflection of the growing importance of including Indigenous perspectives in the global tourism sector. By recognizing and celebrating Indigenous-led tourism initiatives, the Awards aim to raise awareness about the significant contributions that Indigenous communities are making to the tourism industry, particularly in terms of sustainability and cultural preservation. Chief Frank’s role on the Advisory Board will undoubtedly play a key role in ensuring that these efforts are properly acknowledged and celebrated.

Overall, the announcement of Chief Frank Antoine’s appointment to the Advisory Board of the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards, along with the introduction of the new Indigenous Tourism category, marks an exciting and important step forward in the promotion of sustainable tourism. It highlights the value of Indigenous knowledge, culture, and leadership in the development of tourism that respects both the environment and local communities. The Awards offer a unique opportunity to recognize those who are working to create a more sustainable and inclusive global tourism industry, with Indigenous peoples at the forefront of this movement.

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