Published on
August 13, 2025
Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport was named Africa’s Leading Green Hotel at the 2025 World Travel Awards in its second consecutive year. The award recognizes the hotel’s focus on sustainability and serves as a strong role model for green tourism in Cape Town and globally.
Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth of the City, commended the hotel staff for their commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. He added, “This award is a victory for our city and an unmistakable indication that Cape Town’s tourism product is world-class, progressive, and future-fit.”
A Beacon of Sustainability in Cape Town
The recognition comes as a powerful affirmation of Hotel Verde’s commitment to green practices. The hotel has earned its place at the top of Africa’s sustainability rankings through a range of eco-friendly measures, including operating on renewable energy, using water-saving technologies, and maintaining a zero-waste-to-landfill policy. In addition, guests can generate power while cycling in the hotel’s gym, participate in Earth Hour events, and earn rewards for their own eco-friendly behavior during their stay.
“We aim to grow tourism in a way that delivers real, lasting benefits for Capetonians,” said Alderman Vos. “Hotel Verde is proof that this version is not only possible, it’s already happening.”
Achieving Net Zero Waste and LEED Platinum Certification
Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport is proud to be the first hotel in South Africa to achieve Net Zero Waste status, alongside its recognition as the first in Africa to receive LEED Platinum certification. These milestones are part of the hotel’s ongoing effort to lead in sustainability and set a benchmark for the tourism industry.
Tourism Development and Global Collaboration
In line with its growing reputation, the City of Cape Town is also preparing to launch a new Tourism Development Framework later this year. The framework aims to enhance the city’s tourism sector by attracting more visitors through specialized campaigns, expanding direct air connectivity, and forming global partnerships with other cities and tourism companies. The aim is to boost sustainable tourism and promote local businesses, creating jobs and ensuring that Cape Town’s natural and cultural heritage is preserved for future generations.
Alderman Vos added, “Hotel Verde shows that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand. They’re setting the standard and inspiring others to follow.” This philosophy will be central to the City’s tourism development efforts, ensuring that value-for-money for local businesses, job creation, and responsible tourism practices remain key priorities.
The Future of Eco-Friendly Tourism in Cape Town
With the tourism industry increasingly focused on sustainability, Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport serves as a prime example of how luxury and eco-consciousness can coexist. By leading the way in green tourism, the hotel is helping to shape Cape Town’s reputation as a sustainable tourism destination for international travelers.
The 2025 World Travel Award victory is a testament to Hotel Verde’s leadership in eco-friendly hospitality and its ongoing efforts to inspire the tourism sector to adopt sustainable practices. As Cape Town looks to the future, the hotel’s success serves as an inspiration for others in the hospitality industry to follow its example and embrace sustainability as a core business strategy.
Conclusion: Setting the Standard for Sustainable Luxury
Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport is one of the best examples of luxury hotels taking the lead in sustainability and yet providing world-class experiences for travelers. With ongoing investment in eco-friendly technologies and emphasis on responsible tourism, Cape Town is gradually emerging as a front-runner in eco-tourism, being a destination of choice for tourists who seek comfort as well as sustainability. With the city and hotels continuing to innovate, sustainable tourism will continue to lead Cape Town’s tourism strategy, which will lead to long-term growth and responsible management of the environment.
