SM Hotels & Conventions has been recognised with the title of World’s Leading Sustainable Circular Economy Initiative 2025 for its ‘Plate for the Planet’ program by voters at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA).
The prize was revealed in front of hundreds of global leaders of sustainable tourism gathered in Dubai for the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2025. The VIP ceremony was held at Terra, Expo City Dubai and recognised the individuals and organisations that are accelerating change in net positive tourism.
The Plate for the Planet program integrates sustainability into the heart of hospitality through food, waste, and education. It focuses on plant-based offerings, food waste reduction, and community nutrition. With 75% of hotel menus offering vegetarian options and over 200kg of food waste diverted monthly through donation and composting, the initiative aligns with UN SDGs and WWF’s sustainable dining principles.
Leah Magallanes, Vice President, Quality & Sustainability, SM Hotels & Conventions, said: “This recognition marks not the end, but the beginning of our journey toward a more sustainable hospitality future. ‘Plate for the Planet’ proves that circularity in food is possible—though never easy. It requires creativity, sound policy, and the collective effort of many—local food sources, our operations teams, and our guests. At SM Hotels and Conventions Corp., we are proud to be redesigning food flow within our properties, turning waste into value and impact. We hope this win inspires other players in the hospitality industry to rethink their practices and join us in creating a truly circular roadmap to secure our food for the future”
SM Hotels empowers employees and suppliers through workshops and sustainable sourcing standards. The impact extends beyond the hotel, supporting local farms and reducing environmental impact across the value chain. With collaboration at its core, the programme has become a model for scalable, responsible hospitality that balances guest satisfaction, environmental care, and social equity. Its holistic approach sets it apart as a hospitality leader in sustainable food systems.
WSTHA is run in partnership with the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, whose partners and members represent over 66,000 hotels, eight million rooms globally, 300 brands, and over 100 supply chain and strategic partners.
Glenn Mandziuk, President & Chief Executive Officer, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, said: “We extend our congratulations to SM Hotels & Conventions on being honoured. This achievement reflects an outstanding commitment to innovation, collaboration, and leadership in sustainable hospitality. At the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, we are proud to recognise organisations that are not only redefining excellence in guest experience but also demonstrating that responsible business practices and sustainability are essential to the future of our industry – a Net Positive Hospitality future.”
Justin Cooke, Executive Vice-President of the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards, said: “Our organisation is dedicated to celebrating the individuals and companies setting new standards in protecting our planet for future generations – and SM Hotels & Conventions is a truly deserving winner. It’s a privilege to recognise the organisation’s achievements at our second annual Gala Ceremony, and I wish the team continued success in the years ahead.”