Winners
Here you can see all the Traveling for Happiness award winners organized by year.
Winners 2025
SUSTAINABLE GASTRONOMY AWARD
Ilunion Hotels
Umániko is ILUNION Hotels' commitment to a restaurant with its own identity that is accessible, inclusive, and sustainable. This new line has been implemented in 13 Special Employment Centers, where more than 85% of the staff are people with disabilities or in vulnerable situations. Its cuisine prioritizes the use of local, plant-based, and seasonal products, reducing waste and eliminating single-use plastics. It also incorporates technology to improve efficiency and tools such as Nutriscor to inform customers about the nutritional quality of each dish. With a profitable and humane model, Umániko has been recognized with awards such as the "2024 Spanish National Hospitality Award," among other industry accolades.
RESPONSIBLE WELLNESS AWARD
Arantza Hotela
Arantza Hotela is the first 5-star hotel in Spain to obtain the Ecolabel certification, along with the Biosphere certification and the AENOR certification that measures and reduces its carbon footprint. Its "Leading Destination in Sustainability" project combines environmental protection with the promotion of the local economy, collaborating with organic producers, guides, and local artists to offer an authentic and sustainable experience. The hotel focuses on zero-mile products in its restaurant, promoting the circular economy and local employment. Its objectives include preserving the environment, generating employment, and achieving total sustainability. Arantza Hotela positions itself as a benchmark for responsible tourism, aligned with the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.
REGENERATIVE TOURISM AWARD
Ecotouristing regenerative ideas
Anaga Biofest, organized by Ecotouristing Ideas Regenerativas, is a pioneering model of regenerative tourism that celebrates the Anaga Massif Biosphere Reserve in Tenerife. Since its first edition in 2021, it has established itself as a territorial management project that promotes environmental regeneration, energizes the local economy, and strengthens social cohesion. With more than 250 stakeholders involved, the festival offers inclusive and sustainable experiences, fostering community participation and the conservation of natural and cultural heritage. Its itinerant and collaborative nature, along with its commitment to offsetting its carbon footprint, makes it a benchmark in responsible and sustainable tourism.
CONSCIOUS CULTURE AND ART AWARD
Barceló Hotel Group
Santa Catalina Classics is a classical music festival held for the past four years at the Santa Catalina Hotel, a Royal Hideaway, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, organized by the Barceló Hotel Group. This event brings together renowned international artists, such as soprano Anna Netrebko, and young talents, promoting musical culture nationally and internationally. The festival is committed to sustainable tourism through the Barceló ReGen strategy, caring for the environment and the local community. With the support of public and private institutions, it maintains the cultural legacy of the hotel, which has more than 130 years of history. In 2025, the festival will feature four series of high-level concerts. The last edition reached an audience of 13.7 million and received significant media coverage.
SUSTAINABLE LEADERSHIP AWARD
The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel
THE PALACE, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL, owned by Archer Hotel Capital, has undergone a comprehensive renovation with sustainability and quality criteria, paying special attention to the carbon footprint of its construction. This strategy includes the selection of low-impact, energy-efficient, and circular-economy materials, all adapted to a listed historic building. The hotel holds certifications such as EMAS, ISO 14001, BREEAM, and is close to obtaining Green Key. The renovation of 470 rooms minimized the hotel's carbon footprint, incorporating lighting and climate control systems that improve energy savings. The project stands out for its innovation in sustainability in a luxury hotel and ensures continuity with future energy improvements, such as the implementation of aerothermal energy and the ongoing work of the Green Committee.
DECARBONIZATION AWARD
Minor hotels Europe & Americas
The NH Collection Palacio de Aranjuez, a protected historic building, has been completely renovated to eliminate the use of fossil fuels and advance decarbonization. Traditional systems have been replaced with aerothermal heat pumps, thermal insulation has been improved, and a centralized control system has been installed to optimize energy consumption. Thanks to these improvements, the hotel has reduced its non-renewable primary energy consumption by 31.65% and improved its energy rating, lowering its CO2 emissions. The project, which was supported by the Next Generation EU fund, guarantees long-term sustainability through maintenance, training, and ongoing monitoring, becoming a benchmark for efficiency in historic buildings.
DECARBONIZATION AWARD
Satre Group
The Relais & Châteaux Orfila Hotel has undergone a comprehensive energy renovation that reduces its non-renewable primary energy consumption by 46.43%, improving its energy certification from D to B in consumption and to A in CO2 emissions. The project includes the replacement of exterior carpentry on the protected façade, the renovation of heating systems with aerothermal systems, and sustainable waste management. This pilot project by the Hotel Technology Institute combines innovation, respect for heritage, and energy efficiency, positioning the hotel as a benchmark for decarbonization in established urban environments. It can also be replicated across other SATRE Group assets and has been supported by Next Generation EU funds to ensure its long-term continuity and sustainability.
SOCIAL IMPACT AWARD
Novotel Madrid Center
Novotel Madrid Center becomes the first Autism-Friendly hotel in Madrid, marking a milestone in cognitive accessibility in one of the world's leading tourist destinations. Thanks to its Autism Friendly Club certification, the hotel has implemented measures such as visual aids, sensory refuge areas, specialized staff training, and adapted services, allowing for a more comfortable and predictable stay for autistic people and their families.
This initiative not only reinforces the chain's social commitment but also positions Madrid as an inclusive tourist destination. The project seeks to inspire other hotels to follow this path, promoting accessible and sustainable tourism for all.
FAUNA AND FLORA PRESERVATION AWARD
Eco-Bahia Foundation
The Eco-Bahia Foundation's Sea Turtle Protection Program, with more than 20 years of experience, protects endangered species such as the white and loggerhead sea turtles in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. It has managed more than 18,000 nests and protected 1.7 million hatchlings, combining scientific monitoring, nest management, environmental education, and sustainable tourism. In 2024, it achieved milestones such as the protection of hawksbill turtles and the organization of national workshops. Additionally, it promotes community and tourist participation and maintains strategic partnerships with public agencies and NGOs. Its model demonstrates that conservation and responsible tourism can coexist, ensuring a positive and sustainable environmental, social, and economic impact on the marine ecosystems where it operates.
Winners 2024
SUSTAINABLE GASTRONOMY AWARD
Six Senses Ibiza
Through its Eat with Senses initiative, Six Senses Ibiza promotes sustainable culinary experiences with fresh, local food, reducing waste and actively supporting local communities.
RESPONSIBLE WELFARE AWARD
InterContinental Barcelona
With its Dance, sing and shower project, InterContinental Barcelona invites guests to raise awareness about the responsible use of water, offering a sustainable experience certified by BIOSPHERE©.
REGENERATIVE TOURISM AWARD
Anima Hotels
With +Anima, Anima Hotels promotes sustainable practices, such as the replacement of plastics with biodegradable alternatives and the application of waste recycling procedures, contributing to a more responsible tourism.
CONSCIOUS ART AND CULTURE AWARD
Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid
Through its cultural patronage and promotion project, Mandarin Oriental Ritz supports the preservation of cultural heritage and talent by investing in the conservation of masterpieces.
SUSTAINABLE LEADERSHIP AWARD
Europamundo Vacations
Europamundo Vacaciones' sustainable management system prioritizes inclusion and diversity in its team, focusing on equality, emotional well-being and labor sustainability.
SUSTAINABLE LEADERSHIP AWARD
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises, a benchmark for sustainability in the cruise industry, has maintained since its inception a strong commitment to the preservation of the environment and the oceans.
SUSTAINABLE LEADERSHIP AWARD
Marugal Hotel Management and Deleite Wear
Re-imagine is a sustainable management model that drives the circular economy, minimizes environmental impacts and supports the regeneration of the local ecosystem.
DECARBONIZATION AWARD
MSC Cruises
MSC Euribia, the world's first cruise ship to undertake a net zero carbon voyage, has been recognized for its innovative liquefied natural biogas technology.
SOCIAL IMPACT AWARD
Artiem Hotels
Solidarity room is the project of Artiem Hotels that, since 2020, donates all the income from one of its rooms to Caritas, supporting the fight against hunger in Spain.
Winners 2023
SOCIAL IMPACT AWARD
Caixabank Hotels & Tourism
Projects with Soul' has become an outstanding example of best practices in the tourism sector thanks to the INCORPORA, REUTILÍZAME and DUALIZA programs.
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD
Barceló Hotel Group
La Bobadilla, a Royal Hideaway Hotel is the perfect example of a great company's commitment to the importance of sustainability and harmony with the environment.
BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY AWARD
Artiem Hotels
Conscious Food' aims to make every dish delicious, healthy and sustainable. A way to redefine the relationship between food and its impact on the world.
PEOPLE MANAGEMENT AWARD
Ilunion Hotels
The Campus Mijas training project reflects a tangible commitment to talent development, in line with the brand's usual commitment.
INTERNATIONAL AWARD
Europamundo Vacations S.L.U.
The Europamundo Foundation carries out social action and cooperation activities for the development of particularly vulnerable areas and sectors of the population.
REGENERATIVE TOURISM AWARD
Coolrooms Hotels
Turning luxury into sustainable innovation is possible thanks to the regeneration of high-impact tourist destinations, a national and international award-winning initiative.
EXCELLENCE AWARD
Sleep'n Atocha
Awarded to the best valued initiative or project, through the public vote, among all the participating companies in each edition.
A unique example of sustainable lodging located in the capital that stands as the most sustainable and the only carbon neutral tourist establishment in the country.
Winners 2022
SOCIAL IMPACT AWARD
Barceló Hotel Group
With its water and sanitation projects, the Barceló Foundation builds more than 30 wells each year in which water piping and supply infrastructure is built.
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD
Hotel Six Senses Ibiza
Sustainability is a fundamental pillar in both the construction and the philosophy of a unique hotel complex that prioritizes the use of renewable energies.
BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY AWARD
Urso Hotel & Spa
'The DNA of URSO' is a project that stands out for its focus on raising employee awareness, implementing measures such as a single-use plastic disposal policy.
PEOPLE MANAGEMENT AWARD
Ilunion Hotels
The ILUNION hotel chain, which is part of the ONCE Social Group, defends equality and inclusion in the workplace with 'For a positive social change'.
INTERNATIONAL AWARD
Chyulu Club
The Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust (MWCT) owned lodge, located in the Chyulu Hills of Kenya, is the first carbon neutral lodge in the area.
EXCELLENCE AWARD
Barceló Hotel Group
Awarded to the best valued initiative or project, through the public vote, among all the participating companies in each edition.
Through its water and sanitation projects, the Barceló Group has been able to reduce the needs of people living in 43 poverty-stricken countries.
Winners 2021
SUSTAINABILITY AWARD
Piñero Group
The Piñero Group's Coastal Management Plan is adapted to the new environmental reality, focusing on biodiversity, water, landscape, beaches and coral populations.
PEOPLE MANAGEMENT AWARD
Meliá Hotels International
Protecting employment is a priority for Meliá, which has implemented measures such as corporate telecommuting, talent development and stakeholder engagement.
HEALTH AWARD
Catalonia Hotels & Resorts
In the midst of the COVID-19 health crisis, the group demonstrated its commitment by ceding six facilities to function as hospital extensions, caring for more than 1,000 mild patients.
HEALTH AWARD
Meliá Hotels International
During the health crisis, Meliá supported the hospital system with more than 2,500 rooms in 17 hotels in countries such as Spain, Cuba and Malaysia.
SOCIAL IMPACT AWARD
Four Seasons Hotel Madrid
A team from the Four Seasons Hotel Madrid, together with the Dani Garcia group and with the support of Mohari Hospitality and OHL Desarrollos, prepared 1,000 meals a day for the families most affected by the impact of COVID-19.
LEADERSHIP AWARD
Gf Hotels
Through the 'Intra-Top' project, GF Hotels has trained and empowered its staff to develop a self-leadership model that fosters sustainable growth.
LEADERSHIP AWARD
Wellington Hotel
Under the leadership of its director, José Rodríguez Tarín, the Wellington Hotel carried out the transformation project from 'Hotel Wellington' to 'Wellington Hotel & Spa Madrid' in 2020.
INTERNATIONAL AWARD
Riu Hotels & Resorts
In collaboration with the local foundation Des-Bem and the Spanish NGO Africa Avanza, RIU made food donations to 2,319 vulnerable people in the Cape Verde islands, distributing more than 27,000 solidarity menus.
FRIENDS OF THE HOTEL SECTOR" AWARD
Mahou San Miguel
The 100% Spanish family-owned brewery supported SMEs and family businesses in the tourism sector, promoting quality employment and attention to vulnerable groups.
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