World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards ('WSTHA') Reveals Nominees and Opens Voting of Inaugural Programme

World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards ('WSTHA') Reveals Nominees and Opens Voting of Inaugural Programme

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 20, 2024

The World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA) has unveiled the nominees and opened voting for its inaugural programme. The shortlist features a diverse range of individuals and organizations from around the world who are making significant contributions to net positive tourism.

WSTHA received hundreds of entries, which were evaluated by Sustainable Business students from Nova Business School. The shortlist was then reviewed and approved by the WSTHA Advisory Board. Selection criteria included quantitative and qualitative data, internationally-recognized standards, scalability, partnership and collaboration, relative impact, and compelling storytelling.

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Voting is open until August 2, allowing industry professionals, media, and the general public to vote for the nominees they believe are making the most impactful contributions to sustainable travel. The nominee with the most votes in each category will be declared the winner.

The 21 WSTHA categories were selected by the Advisory Board to align with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and a net positive framework encompassing People, Planet, Place, Prosperity, and Partnerships. The full list of 2024 nominees can be viewed online.

The winners will be announced at the inaugural WSTHA Gala Ceremony in Belize, the Official Host Destination, on September 27.

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Justin Cooke, Executive Vice-President of WSTHA, remarked, "We have been overwhelmed by the interest in the inaugural WSTHA programme. The calibre of entrants is exceptional, with many fascinating stories of how they are driving change in sustainable tourism. This serves as a healthy indicator of the momentum towards creating a net positive travel industry. I wish all our nominees the best of luck. And remember to cast your vote for your favourites."

Belize, the Official Host Destination, places a strong emphasis on responsible tourism and has developed projects that encourage sustainable engagement with its rainforests, reefs, and unique culture.

Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations, Belize, stated, "We are incredibly excited to host the inaugural World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards here in Belize. The innovative level of nominees demonstrates a shared vision for a more sustainable future in travel. We look forward to welcoming all nominees and congratulating the winners while showcasing Belize's own sustainable tourism initiatives."

The WSTHA programme is run in partnership with the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, whose members represent over 50,000 hotels, 7 million rooms globally, 270 brands, and 40+ supply chain and strategic partners.

Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, said, "At the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, we are thrilled to witness so many deserving and inspiring entries. I encourage everyone to vote and recognize these extraordinary efforts. Some of these remarkable nominees will have the honour of being named inaugural WSTHA winners. Good luck to all."

WSTHA is the sister event of the World Travel Awards, currently celebrating its 31st anniversary.


India’s Top Luxury Wedding Photographers Turning Celebrations into Fine Art Stories

India’s Top Luxury Wedding Photographers Turning Celebrations into Fine Art Stories

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 12, 2025

In the ultra-luxury wedding space, photography has transformed dramatically. It’s no longer just about documenting the day—it’s about legacy, artistry, and emotion. Across India, some of the country’s top wedding photographers are not only preserving these grand celebrations but elevating them into globally relevant, editorial-quality narratives.

Whether it’s an opulent palace wedding or a private international elopement, ultra-high-net-worth families, celebrities, and legacy households trust these artists to capture the very soul of their special moments. Each brings a distinctive vision to the evolving language of Indian wedding photography, merging tradition, fashion, emotion, and fine art into timeless keepsakes.

Here are five standout names leading this movement:

  • Karan Sidhu: Renowned for his soulful, cinematic storytelling, Karan’s emotive style is rooted deeply in authenticity, capturing honest, unscripted moments.

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  • Joseph Radhik: A global name synonymous with iconic celebrity weddings—like Anushka-Virat and Priyanka-Nick—Joseph weaves poetic visual narratives that transcend cultures.

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  • Ombre by Harsheen Jammu: This luxury boutique studio is redefining fine art wedding photography with profound emotional depth and aspirations that extend far beyond India.

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  • Ramit Batra: A seasoned storyteller with more than 500 weddings shot worldwide, Ramit beautifully blends grandeur with genuine sentiment.

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  • Reels and Frames (Anand Rathi): Based in Mumbai, this studio is behind several high-profile weddings, known for its modern, cinematic flair and a collaborative approach that resonates with clients.

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Together, these photographers illustrate how Indian wedding photography today is an immersive art form—one that turns moments into masterpieces, memories into legacies, and emotions into stories cherished for generations.


Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts Appoints Priyanka Kumari as Corporate Training Manager

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts Appoints Priyanka Kumari as Corporate Training Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 12, 2025

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Priyanka Kumari as the group’s new Corporate Training Manager, a strategic addition aimed at enhancing team capabilities and maintaining consistent service standards across all properties.

Priyanka brings with her over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, having worked with leading global hotel brands such as Marriott, Wyndham, Carlson Rezidor, and Le Méridien Bangalore. Her expertise lies in designing and executing training programs that drive performance, uplift service delivery, and cultivate a culture of continuous learning.

In her new role, Priyanka will lead training and development initiatives across all Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, ensuring staff are equipped to deliver superior guest experiences. She will oversee the development of standardized training frameworks, implement best practices across operations, and support team engagement and career progression.

Known for her approachable leadership and tailored training strategies, Priyanka has consistently empowered frontline staff and management teams alike. Her programs have contributed to tangible improvements in both guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Commenting on the appointment, Shikhar Kumar, Managing Director, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, said,

“We are pleased to welcome Priyanka Kumari to our leadership team as we continue to focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences across all our properties. Her extensive experience with leading hospitality brands and proven expertise in training and team development make her the ideal candidate to elevate our service standards.”

Outside of work, Priyanka enjoys exploring new destinations and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds—an interest that further enriches her understanding of guest service and hospitality excellence.

With this appointment, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts reaffirms its commitment to professional development, consistency in service, and excellence in hospitality.


The Fern Brentwood Resort, Mussoorie Appoints Eshant Rajput as Senior HR Executive

The Fern Brentwood Resort, Mussoorie Appoints Eshant Rajput as Senior HR Executive

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 11, 2025

The Fern Brentwood Resort, Mussoorie, a leading sustainable hospitality destination in the hills, has appointed Eshant Rajput as its new Senior HR Executive. With more than six years of experience in HR operations, payroll, compliance, and administration, Eshant steps into the role with a strong operational foundation and people-centric approach.

Eshant has previously handled HR responsibilities for over 150 employees across sectors like hospitality, healthcare, and waste management, giving him a diverse and agile perspective. He is well-versed in HRMS tools, ISO audits, labor relations, and employee engagement, making him a valuable addition to the resort’s evolving people strategy.

Mr. Arindam Bahel, General Manager, The Fern Brentwood Resort Mussoorie, expressed his optimism about the new appointment, saying, “We are delighted to welcome Eshant to the team. His extensive operational know-how and people-first mindset align well with our mission of building a motivated and service-oriented workforce.”

In his new role, Eshant will be responsible for recruitment, statutory compliance, employee engagement, and other core HR functions, with the goal of ensuring smooth operations and a positive work environment. He will also play a key role in strengthening staff retention efforts and aligning HR practices with the resort’s broader service goals.

Sharing his thoughts on the appointment, Eshant Rajput said, “I’m excited to be part of a brand like The Fern Brentwood, which is as committed to its people as it is to sustainability. My focus will be on driving operational efficiency and enhancing employee engagement to support the resort’s vision of exceptional hospitality.”

With Eshant’s appointment, The Fern Brentwood Resort reinforces its commitment to both employee well-being and guest satisfaction, setting the tone for a culture rooted in excellence, care, and collaboration.

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