Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport has been awarded the title of ‘Africa’s Leading Green Hotel’ for the second consecutive year at the 2025 World Travel Awards. The award was presented at the World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony, held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on 28 June 2025, celebrating excellence and innovation in the hospitality sector.
“We are deeply honoured to receive the award for ‘Africa’s Leading Green Hotel’ 2025,” said Mario Delicio, owner and director of Hotel Verde. “As one of nine nominees in the category, winning this award for the second time running is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation. At Hotel Verde, we believe that environmentally friendly practices are not just a trend but a necessity for the future of hospitality; it is our ethos, our vision, and what we practice daily.”
This accolade underscores Hotel Verde’s leadership in green hospitality. “Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword in tourism anymore; it is non-negotiable,” says Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism. “Hotel Verde has once again shown that there is no need to compromise on comfort or quality to be climate conscious. Congratulations to the team on this well-deserved recognition; their win is a win for Cape Town and for the future of responsible travel.”
Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards celebrate organisations that set industry standards in tourism and hospitality. Hotel Verde was recognised for its sustainability initiatives, with guest votes contributing to its success in securing the ‘Africa’s Leading Green Hotel’ title. The hotel’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its high customer satisfaction ratings, contributing to its ongoing success in the World Travel Awards.
Hotel Verde, located minutes from Cape Town International Airport, has been a pioneer in eco-friendly hospitality since opening in 2013. As Africa’s first 100% carbon-neutral hotel, it leads by example in sustainable hospitality, with 70% greater energy efficiency compared to local hotels. In 2014, Hotel Verde became the first in Africa to achieve LEED Platinum certification, followed by South Africa’s first Net Zero Waste certification in 2024.
The hotel’s commitment to green practices extends across its 151 sustainable rooms, which feature advanced green technology and water-saving features. Guests can enjoy a range of eco-friendly experiences, from the Nuovo Restaurant & Bar to the Verde Vita Spa & Wellness Centre. Additional amenities include a bicycle-powered gym and an eco-trail for joggers. Complimentary airport shuttles further reduce the hotel’s carbon footprint.
“We continue to focus on renewable energy, water conservation, and waste management, integrating sustainability into every aspect of our operations,” says Caron van Rooyen, General Manager of Hotel Verde. “We also engage our guests through sustainability programs, such as our carbon offset initiatives and the use of Verdino’s, our in-house currency, which rewards guests for participating in eco-friendly practices.”
Educational Sustainability Initiatives
As part of its commitment to sustainability, Hotel Verde has launched an interactive section on its website to showcase its green initiatives. Visitors can explore detailed information about projects such as Rainwater Harvesting and Wind Turbines, with QR codes strategically placed throughout the hotel grounds to provide guests with additional insights. This self-guided experience allows guests to learn about the hotel’s sustainability efforts during their stay, even those with limited time.
Hotel Verde is also a 2025 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards winner, placing it among the top 10% of hotels globally.