Peruvian heritage eco-lodge El Albergue Ollantaytambo has been recognised with the title of World’s Leading Small Sustainable Destination 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.
El Albergue Ollantaytambo stands as a regenerative sustainability leader in Peru’s Sacred Valley. The eco-lodge seamlessly integrates agriculture, community empowerment, and conservation into a circular operational model. From its organic farm and vermiculture centre to a distillery and solar-powered infrastructure, the lodge operates as a closed-loop ecosystem.
“We are deeply honoured receive the World’s Leading Small Sustainable Destination 2025 award. This recognition validates our decades-long commitment to preserving the authentic spirit of the Sacred Valley while creating meaningful connections between travelers and local communities. At El Albergue Ollantaytambo, sustainability isn’t a program, it’s our way of life. From sourcing 70% of our ingredients from local producers to implementing zero-waste initiatives and protecting ancestral traditions, every decision reflects our respect for this magical place. This award inspires us to continue demonstrating that tourism can be a powerful force for cultural preservation and environmental stewardship,” said
Joaquín Randall, Director and Founder, El Albergue Ollantaytambo.
Notably, El Albergue Ollantaytambo runs its own composting, water filtration, and renewable energy systems, ensuring minimal environmental impact. The lodge partners with local producers and the VSV Foundation to deliver educational programmes and native reforestation. These initiatives have restored over 20,000 native trees and empowered hundreds through community projects.
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 El Albergue Ollantaytambo 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 El Albergue Ollantaytambo 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.”