Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards 2021

Skål International is proud to announce that the 2021 Sustainable Tourism Awards are now open!

For 20 years, Skål International has recognized best practices in Sustainable and Responsible Tourism around the world. 


As Affiliated Member of the UNWTO, whose mission is to promote reliable, sustainable, and universally accessible Tourism, Skål International created the Sustainable Tourism Awards following the United Nations declaration of 2002 as the Year of EcoTourism and the Mountains.

Since then, over 850 participants from all over the world have entered the competition. In its 20th edition, we expect to experience another resounding success. 

Who can participate

  • Tourism companies from the public and private sector, NGOs, government agencies, and educational institutions related to Tourism worldwide.

  • All sustainable operations and activities must be implemented by the entity applying for the award.

  • Projects or initiatives not yet in operation are not eligible.


Available categories

  1. Community and Government Projects.

  2. Countryside and Biodiversity.

  3. Educational programs and Media.

  4. Major Tourist Attractions.

  5. Marine and Coastal.

  6. Rural Accommodation.

  7. Tour Operators-Travel Agents.

  8. Tourist Transport.

  9. Urban Accommodation.

Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards 2021

How to Enter

It is effortless. Just fill in the Application Form before 30 June at 23:59 CET (it is highly recommended that full content is in English).

A letter of endorsement supporting and confirming the sustainable initiatives reflected on the application form will be required. This can be provided by the Skål International local Club, another recognized Tourism organization, or a Tourism governmental body.  

Incomplete applications will not be considered.


Special Award 2021

Skål International has established a partnership with Biosphere© and the Responsible Tourism Institute to give the 'Skål Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Special Award' presented to one of the winners of the Sustainable Tourism Awards. The winner will be selected based on the Responsible Tourism Institute's pillars of sustainability. Biosphere© will present the winner with a one-year free subscription to the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle platform, where the winner will be able to create a personalized Sustainability Plan for continuous improvement and recognition of the efforts of his/her organisation.

Why should you enter these Awards?

  • To enhance visibility and get recognition of your outstanding performance in terms of sustainable and responsible Tourism.

  • To increase your contacts and introduce your products and services to professionals from the Tourism industry worldwide.

  • To obtain media coverage among the entire Skål membership worldwide and our international press contacts.

  • To personally collect the award during the Skål International World Congress in attendance of an excellent opportunity to network with Tourism professionals from all over the world.

  • To have a chance of winning a complimentary subscription to the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle platform. 


Announcement of the winners

The Sustainable Tourism Awards ceremony usually takes place during the Opening Ceremony of our annual Skål International World Congress. This year, the city of Quebec, Canada, is scheduled to host the 2021 Skål International World Congress from 9 to 13 December. Further updates will be provided at a later stage.