The Global Youth Travel Awards (GYTAs), held annually by WYSE Travel Confederation, formally recognise outstanding performers across several fields of international youth travel and reward stakeholders in the youth, student and educational travel industry that make a noteworthy contribution to the industry.

Now in their fourteenth year, the Global Youth Travel Awards are open to all organisations that work with youth travellers, regardless of their size or location. The Awards allow organisations to put forward a project, programme, product/service, campaign or collaboration that has had measurable impact on the industry over the last year. Organisations may also nominate on behalf of another organisation.

Applications for the awards are now closed. A panel of industry judges will assess applications for each award category and score each based on the established judging criteria. The winners will be announced at the gala dinner on the final evening of WYSTC in Lisbon on 27 September 2024.

Best Responsible Tourism Initiative

In today’s world, responsible tourism is more important than ever before. As tourism grows, it is essential that we find ways to minimise our impact on the environment and the local communities that we visit. The Best Responsible Tourism Initiative Award recognises organisations that are leading the way in responsible tourism.

The award is given to an organisation that has developed and implemented a sustainable tourism initiative that has had a positive impact on the environment, the local community or the tourism industry as a whole.

Examples of responsible tourism initiatives that could be eligible for this award are:

• An organisation that has developed a carbon-neutral travel programme
• An organisation that has partnered with a local community to develop a sustainable tourism product
• An organisation that has implemented a waste-management programme in a tourist destination
• An organisation that has trained local tour guides in responsible tourism practices

Best DEI Initiative

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are essential to creating a more just and equitable world. The Best DEI Initiative Award recognises organisations that have launched a new initiative that has made a significant contribution to DEI. The award is given to a travel or tourism organisation that has successfully implemented a new programme to measure and improve diversity and inclusion in its operations.

Some examples of organisations that could be eligible for this award are:

• An organisation that has launched a new employee resource group (ERG) for underrepresented groups.
• An organisation that has implemented a new training programme on unconscious bias.
• An organisation that has revised its hiring and promotion practices to be more inclusive.

Best Work Experience Provider

The Best Work Experience Provider Award recognises organisations that provide innovative work experience programmes that benefit both the host community and participants.

Some examples of work experience programmes that could be eligible for this award are:

• A programme that matches young people with businesses in developing countries, giving them the opportunity to learn new skills and make a positive impact on the local community.
• A programme that provides young people with the opportunity to work in a variety of different industries, giving them a taste of different career paths.
• A programme that helps young people to develop their entrepreneurial skills, giving them the opportunity to start their own businesses.

Outstanding contribution to the SDGs

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals that were adopted by the United Nations in 2015. The goals are designed to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.

The Outstanding Contribution to the SDGs Award recognises organisations that have made a significant contribution to the achievement of the SDGs. The award is given to an organisation that has demonstrated innovation, creativity and impact in its work.

Some examples of organisations that could be eligible for this award are:

•  An organisation that has developed a new product or service that helps to achieve two or more of the SDGs.
•  An organsiation that has led a campaign or initiative that has made a significant impact on the achievement of the SDGs.
• A community that has developed a sustainable way of life that is aligned with the SDGs.

Best Travel Tech

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the travel industry. The Best Travel Tech Award recognises organisations that have developed a travel technology product or service that has had a significant impact on the industry.

Some examples of travel technology providers that could be eligible for this award are:

• A company that has developed a new booking engine that makes it easier for travellers to book flights and hotels.
• A company that has developed a new way to track and manage travel expenses.
• A company that has developed a new way to provide customer service to travellers.

Extraordinary Experience

In today’s world, it is more important than ever for young people to have extraordinary experiences that will help them to grow and develop. The Extraordinary Experience Award recognises an organisation that has facilitated, through innovative and inclusive programmes, an extraordinary experience for a young person abroad.

An extraordinary experience is one that challenges and transforms the young person involved. It is an experience that will stay with them for the rest of their lives, that has helped them to develop new skills, knowledge and understanding and become more open-minded, tolerant and compassionate.

The WYSTC Partnership

The WYSTC Partnership Award recognises an outstanding partnership or collaboration between two organisations that has come about as a result of attending the World Youth and Student Travel Conference (WYSTC). The award is given to the partnership that has had the most significant impact on the travel and tourism industry, as evidenced by increased engagement and/or loyalty among target audience(s), reaching new audiences, the launch of a new product or service or increased awareness surrounding a current topic.

Criteria
The following criteria will be used to evaluate submissions for the WYSTC Partnership Award:

• The impact of the partnership on the travel and tourism industry.
• The creativity and innovation of the partnership.
• The sustainability of the partnership.

Best Sustainable Tour Operator

The Best Sustainable Tour Operator Award recognises a tour operator that provides outstanding travel experiences for young people. The operator should offer a wide range of tours and activities, as well as excellent customer service.

To be considered for the Award, a tour operator must:

• Offer a wide range of tours and activities that are specifically designed for young people.
• Provide excellent customer service, with a focus on safety and security.
• Have a strong track record of providing high-quality travel experiences.
• Be committed to providing young people with the opportunity to learn and grow through travel.

Best Hostel

The Best Hostel Award recognises a hostel that provides outstanding value for money, excellent facilities and a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The hostel should be well-located, clean and secure and offer a range of activities and amenities to keep guests entertained.

Here are some of the criteria that will be considered when judging the Best Hostel Award:

• Value for money. The hostel should offer good value for money, with competitive prices and facilities that are commensurate with the price.
• Facilities. The hostel should have good facilities, including clean and comfortable dormitories, private rooms, a kitchen, a laundry room and common areas where guests can socialise.
• Atmosphere. The hostel should have a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, where guests feel comfortable and at home.
• Location. The hostel should be well-located, close to transport links, attractions and amenities.
• Activities and amenities. The hostel should offer a range of activities and amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, bike hire and guided tours.

Best Flight-Free Travel

The Best Flight-Free Travel Award celebrates eco-conscious companies that promote alternative modes of transportation to explore the world sustainably. This award recognises businesses that demonstrate a commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of the travel industry as a whole, inspiring young people to tread lightly on the planet whilst embarking on unforgettable journeys and looking after the future for our planet