Hospitality provider Aitken Spence Hotels has been recognised with the title of World’s Leading Sustainable Female Empowerment Initiative 2025 by voters at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA).
The prize was revealed in front of hundreds of global leaders of sustainable tourism gathered in Dubai for the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2025. The VIP ceremony was held at Terra, Expo City Dubai and recognised the individuals and organisations that are accelerating change in net positive tourism.
Aitken Spence Hotels has embedded sustainability education at the heart of its operations through the Aitken Spence Institute of Hotel Management. Training over 9,000 students to date, the institute integrates responsible tourism practices into hospitality curricula.
Praveen George, General Manager Hotel Operations & Sales, Aitken Spence Hotels, said: “It means a lot for us to win – one of the major initiatives our company follows is to empower women in all our fields. Aitken Spence Hotels is one of the largest conglomerates in Sri Lanka, with 20,000 employees, so it is a great honour to receive this award on their behalf.”
The Aitken Spence Hotels Green Graduates initiative ensures all trainees are proficient in energy management, waste reduction, and community impact. These graduates power a network of eco-certified hotels across Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and India—hotels that actively reduce water use, emissions, and food waste. The initiative uplifts youth from rural communities while building a skilled, sustainability-focused workforce.
WSTHA is run in partnership with the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, whose partners and members represent over 66,000 hotels, eight million rooms globally, 300 brands, and over 100 supply chain and strategic partners.
Glenn Mandziuk, President & Chief Executive Officer, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, said: “We extend our congratulations to Aitken Spence Hotels on being honoured. This achievement reflects an outstanding commitment to innovation, collaboration, and leadership in sustainable hospitality. At the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, we are proud to recognise organisations that are not only redefining excellence in guest experience but also demonstrating that responsible business practices and sustainability are essential to the future of our industry – a Net Positive Hospitality future.”
Justin Cooke, Executive Vice-President of the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards, said: “Our organisation is dedicated to celebrating the individuals and companies setting new standards in protecting our planet for future generations – and Aitken Spence Hotels is a truly deserving winner. It’s a privilege to recognise the organisation’s achievements at our second annual Gala Ceremony, and I wish the team continued success in the years ahead.”
