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Braztoa Sustainability Award 2025: Green Initiative Among the Finalists

Belém, Brazil — November 2025. Green Initiative is honored to be among the finalists of the Braztoa Sustainability Award 2025, one of the most prestigious recognitions for responsible tourism in Brazil. The award celebrates organizations, destinations, and projects that are transforming Brazilian tourism through innovation, inclusion, and sustainable development. The award ceremony will take place on December 8th at the Teatro Estação Gasômetro, in Belém, Pará — a symbolic setting where the Amazon rainforest meets the future of sustainable tourism. The event will bring together visionary leaders, entrepreneurs, and institutions that are driving systemic change across the tourism sector. A Celebration of Innovation and Purpose As a finalist, Green Initiative joins an inspiring network of organizations that demonstrate how tourism can be a force for positive impact — empowering communities, protecting ecosystems, and advancing climate and nature-positive practices. Beyond the ceremony, participants will experience two days of activities designed to foster collaboration and exchange: Strengthening Brazil’s Leadership in Sustainable Tourism For Green Initiative, being recognized among the finalists reaffirms its commitment to supporting destinations, communities, and businesses in achieving climate and nature-positive tourism, through measurable certifications, circular economy practices, and ecosystem restoration programs across Latin America. This recognition reflects our shared mission to make sustainability not just a commitment, but a daily practice — from the Andes to the Amazon, from local communities to World Heritage sites,” said Karla de Melo, Global Head of Reputation at Green Initiative. The Braztoa Sustainability Award continues to play a key role in amplifying the voices and actions that are shaping the future of tourism in Brazil and beyond — rooted in responsibility, creativity, and genuine care for the planet. Toward a Climate-Positive Future for Tourism As the tourism sector accelerates its transition toward sustainability, Green Initiative invites destinations, companies, and travelers to take the next step. Download the Global Climate Action Guide for Tourism Businesses and Destinations, available in English and Portuguese, to explore practical pathways for achieving climate- and nature-positive impact — from carbon measurement and certification to ecosystem restoration and circular economy solutions. Together, we can build tourism back better — for people, for nature, and for the planet. Discover more about Braztoa here. This article was written by Yves Hemelryck from the Green Initiative Team. Related Reading

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The New Face of Luxury: How Inkaterra and the Koechlin Legacy Are Redefining Travel in South America

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When Condé Nast Traveller unveiled its list of the Best Hotels in South America 2025, one truth became undeniable: the future of travel is already taking shape in Peru. Of the twenty hotels featured, two are part of the Koechlin family’s collection — Inkaterra La Casona and Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel — among eight from Peru. This is more than recognition; it’s a revelation. It confirms what discerning travelers and sustainability experts have been saying for years: authenticity, purpose, and humility are the new pillars of luxury. A Legacy Rooted in Simplicity and Soul For nearly five decades, José Koechlin and his family have built not just hotels, but sanctuaries of meaning. The philosophy has always been deceptively simple — celebrate nature, empower local communities, and preserve cultural heritage. Yet within that simplicity lies a mastery that no marketing campaign can manufacture: genuine care, quiet excellence, and an unwavering vocation to serve both people and planet. Each property tells a story: The World Is Listening — and Learning In an era when travelers are turning away from excess, these hotels remind us that true hospitality begins with humility. The Koechlin family’s approach reflects a quiet revolution: sustainability not as an obligation, but as a natural extension of respect — for place, for people, for the passage of time. This recognition by Condé Nast Traveller is not only a triumph for the family, but for Latin America. It signals that our region’s authenticity is no longer a niche attraction — it’s the global benchmark. A Call to Conscious Travelers To those seeking experiences that heal rather than consume, Peru stands as an open invitation. Visit not just to see, but to learn — how tourism can restore, how communities can thrive, and how simplicity can once again feel extraordinary. Because in a world that celebrates noise, these places whisper what truly matters: Love for nature. Respect for culture. A sense of belonging. At Green Initiative, we celebrate the Koechlin family and the entire Inkaterra team for reminding us that sustainability and elegance are not opposites — they are, in fact, inseparable. Their success redefines what it means to be climate and nature positive: not through promises, but through practice — in every smile, every garden, every carefully restored stone. Read the full list of winners at Condé Nast Traveller, and discover how Inkaterra continues to inspire the world’s transition toward a more conscious, regenerative way of travel. This article was written by Yves Hemelryck from the Green Initiative Team. Related Reading

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Mato Grosso do Sul Recognized Among Top 3 in Brazil’s Best ESG Practices for Sustainable Tourism

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Green Initiative congratulates Mato Grosso do Sul for earning a Top 3 position in Embratur’s “Best ESG Practices in Brazilian Destinations” contest, showcasing their sustainable tourism and climate action leadership. The Agência Brasileira de Promoção Internacional do Turismo (Embratur) recently announced the winners of its prestigious “Melhores Práticas ESG nos Destinos Brasileiros” (Best ESG Practices in Brazilian Destinations) contest. This initiative highlights the best environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts driving sustainable tourism in Brazil. Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), through its Secretaria de Turismo, Esporte e Cultura and Fundação de Turismo de Mato Grosso do Sul (FUNDTUR), was recognized as one of the Top 3 destinations for their exceptional progress and leadership. The Top 3 Winners: With participation from nearly 50 organizations and over 200 sustainable initiatives, Mato Grosso do Sul’s recognition is a testament to the state’s growing impact in the ESG tourism space. Sustainable Leadership and Innovation in Mato Grosso do Sul Mato Grosso do Sul has demonstrated consistent progress since launching its sustainability strategy in 2022. Key milestones include: Bruno Wendling, Director-President of FUNDTUR, emphasized the importance of collaboration: “This award reinforces the work initiated in 2022 and demonstrates that our state is on the right path to becoming a more responsible and climate-focused tourism destination. We aim to transform MS into Brazil’s first carbon-neutral state by 2030.” Why ESG Practices Matter in Tourism The adoption of ESG principles (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is essential for ensuring tourism contributes positively to both communities and the planet: Additionally, Mato Grosso do Sul’s efforts align with the principles of regenerative tourism, a concept that goes beyond sustainability to actively restore ecosystems, regenerate communities, and create long-term positive impacts on nature and climate. By integrating climate and nature positive actions, MS ensures that tourism becomes a vehicle for healing the environment, reversing biodiversity loss, and empowering local stakeholders to lead the change. The success of Mato Grosso do Sul underscores the critical role destinations play in advancing these principles to foster a more resilient, inclusive, and regenerative tourism industry. Green Initiative and Mato Grosso do Sul: A Shared Vision At Green Initiative, we champion partners and destinations like Mato Grosso do Sul that demonstrate measurable progress toward sustainability. By implementing innovative carbon management solutions, biodiversity conservation, and inclusive tourism programs, MS is paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future. This recognition by Embratur highlights the state’s dedication and serves as a powerful example for other destinations aiming to integrate ESG practices, regenerative tourism, and climate and nature positive strategies. Looking Ahead As part of their award, Mato Grosso do Sul will receive ESG consulting support from Embratur, highlighted participation in international marketing campaigns, and professional project documentation, including videos, to amplify global visibility. These benefits will further strengthen Mato Grosso do Sul’s position as a leader in sustainable and regenerative tourism, attracting investments and fostering partnerships to achieve their 2030 carbon-neutral goal. Join Us in Celebrating Sustainable Tourism Excellence Green Initiative congratulates Mato Grosso do Sul and FUNDTUR for their achievements. Together, we can inspire more destinations to embrace sustainability, climate action, regenerative tourism, and inclusive practices as central pillars for development. Let’s work towards a future where tourism drives positive change for people, nature, and the planet. Contact us to learn more about sustainable tourism and Green Initiative’s global efforts.

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