Iberostar Joins WWF, TNC, IUCN, Oceana, WCS, CI, FFI and Marine Conservation Institute in Leading the Way for Global Marine Conservation and Sustainable Tourism!

Published on November 24, 2025

Travelers planning their next coastal escape in 2025 may find a new kind of inspiration in the latest global sustainability recognition. The Iberostar Group has earned the award for the World’s Leading Marine & Biodiversity Conservation Programme 2025, an honor that is turning the spotlight toward a growing movement. More travelers now want to stay in destinations where their holiday directly supports healthier oceans, restored coastlines, and resilient communities.

This award, announced at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA) ceremony in Dubai, highlights how environmental protection and tourism can work together. It also gives travelers a clear signal: some hotel groups are no longer treating sustainability as an add-on. They are building it into daily operations and guest experiences.

For travelers seeking meaningful and eco-friendly journeys, Iberostar’s award signals a shift in modern hospitality—one where marine conservation is not a backstage initiative but a visible and engaging part of a stay.

A New Era of Marine-Focused Travel

The award recognizes Iberostar’s Wave of Change program, a long-term initiative designed to protect and restore marine habitats around its coastal hotels. While the program has scientific depth, it is also crafted to help travelers understand the local ecosystems they are visiting.

Global visitors now increasingly book experiences linked to conservation. Many choose destinations where the environment is not only preserved but enhanced. Wave of Change offers a model that blends guest activities with ecosystem protection.

Government tourism boards across the world, including the Caribbean Tourism Organization, U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and regional marine agencies, have emphasized the role of coastal restoration in shaping resilient travel destinations. Their guidance has encouraged tourism players to invest in nature-based solutions, a principle Iberostar has adopted proactively.

Restoring Coastal Health: A Traveler’s Window Into Nature

The heart of the Wave of Change program is its focus on coastal health and ecosystem restoration. For travelers, this means staying in destinations where the natural environment is actively protected and restored.

The initiative is powered by a team of more than 30 scientists and sustainability experts working across the Caribbean. Their goal is to support coral reefs, mangroves, and coastal dunes—natural assets that are essential for scenic beauty and for protecting people and hotels from storms.

Coral Reef Restoration

Iberostar has invested heavily in coral restoration, planting more than 12,000 corals in 2024 and developing four coral nurseries in the Caribbean. Travelers often have the chance to learn how coral fragments are grown and restored. Guided activities may introduce them to coral monitoring or snorkeling routes that highlight restored areas.

Government marine authorities across the Caribbean—including agencies in Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic—regularly emphasize the urgency of reef restoration. They highlight coral reefs as natural barriers that reduce coastal erosion and support marine life, both of which enhance the tourism experience. Iberostar’s program aligns with these government conservation priorities.

Mangroves and Dunes as Natural Shields

Many travelers are unaware that mangroves and sand dunes act as frontline defense against storms. They protect coastal hotels and local communities while supporting marine habitats.

Wave of Change includes restoration of mangrove forests and dune systems around Iberostar properties. This work not only safeguards coastlines but also enhances the scenic quality of beachfront areas. Visitors can explore mangrove paths or join guided tours that explain how these ecosystems support wildlife.

Government-verified environmental agencies, such as NOAA and the UN Environment Programme’s regional Caribbean office, stress the value of mangroves as crucial climate buffers and biodiversity hubs. Iberostar’s efforts reflect these recommendations.

Real-Time Ecosystem Monitoring

Wave of Change also relies on scientific monitoring. Researchers track biodiversity, coral growth, water quality, and coastal changes. Many travelers find this scientific dimension enriching, as it provides context for their experience and deepens appreciation for the surrounding environment.

Some Iberostar properties offer educational sessions, beach walks with scientists, or access to observation areas where guests can learn about ongoing research.

Driving a Circular Economy at Tourist Destinations

Eco-conscious travelers increasingly seek hotels that prioritize waste reduction and resource efficiency. Iberostar was one of the first major hotel groups to eliminate single-use plastics across all properties. The company is now working toward becoming waste-free by 2025.

This push toward a circular economy aligns with global guidelines promoted by various national environmental departments and tourism ministries. Many governments encourage waste reduction in hospitality, emphasizing its role in protecting beaches and marine ecosystems. By meeting these targets, Iberostar gives travelers a cleaner and more responsible environment.

Responsible Consumption for More Sustainable Stays

Travelers often enjoy local food experiences, yet few realize how deeply seafood choices impact the oceans. Iberostar aims to source 100% of its seafood from responsible fisheries by 2025. This target mirrors recommendations from government maritime authorities and sustainable fisheries programs run by official agencies.

Guests can now enjoy meals that are not only delicious and culturally authentic but also aligned with responsible harvesting practices. This makes dining experiences more meaningful for travelers who value ethical choices during their stay.

Conservation as Core Business Strategy: A Travel Perspective

One of the reasons Iberostar earned the global award is its long-term approach. Conservation is not treated as a marketing feature but as a way to build resilient destinations.

Nature-Based Solutions as Investments

Restored reefs, healthy mangroves, and stable dunes protect hotels from storm surge and erosion. These ecosystems also create more vibrant underwater experiences for snorkelers and divers. As tourism ministries across many coastal nations highlight, nature-based solutions strengthen long-term tourism viability.

Iberostar’s approach aligns with these national strategies, showing how preservation helps safeguard both visitors and coastal communities.

Engaging Travelers as Partners in Conservation

Wave of Change integrates guest activities into conservation funding. Travelers contribute by joining excursions, educational programs, or eco-tours designed to support marine protection.

These experiences help visitors understand how their holiday can leave a positive footprint. Many travelers describe such activities as trip highlights, particularly families seeking educational experiences for children.

Other Leading Marine Conservation Organizations

While Iberostar received a hospitality-focused award, many global conservation organizations are also working to protect oceans. Travelers researching destinations or volunteer opportunities may encounter groups such as:

World Wildlife Fund (WWF):
WWF is globally recognized for protecting critical marine habitats, including the Coral Triangle, one of the planet’s most biodiverse ocean regions. Travelers visiting WWF-supported areas can experience thriving coral reefs, rich marine life, and learn about efforts to combat illegal fishing, making their trips both educational and conservation-focused.

The Nature Conservancy (TNC):
TNC focuses on large-scale coastal resilience by restoring reefs, mangroves, and sustainable fisheries. Visitors to destinations where TNC operates can witness the transformation of degraded coastlines into thriving ecosystems and participate in eco-friendly tours that highlight the balance between tourism and nature.

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN):
IUCN sets global conservation standards, including the Red List of threatened species, and advises on marine and coastal policies worldwide. Travelers interested in responsible tourism can benefit from IUCN-led projects, which protect habitats and ensure the long-term survival of marine species in destinations they visit.

Oceana:
Oceana works on global policy advocacy to secure concrete protections for marine life and habitats. Tourists can support Oceana indirectly by choosing eco-conscious destinations and accommodations that align with the organization’s goals, ensuring their vacation has a positive environmental impact.

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS):
WCS conducts deep scientific research and manages vast Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Travelers visiting WCS-supported MPAs can enjoy rich marine biodiversity, guided snorkeling or diving tours, and witness first-hand how scientific management helps preserve the underwater world.

Conservation International (CI):
CI applies science and policy to protect marine biodiversity hotspots worldwide. Eco-travelers can explore destinations benefiting from CI’s work, where pristine waters and protected reefs offer exceptional wildlife experiences while supporting sustainable tourism practices.

Fauna & Flora International (FFI):
FFI focuses on community-based conservation and protecting endangered marine species and ecosystems. Visitors can engage with local communities in conservation activities, such as guided tours of protected areas, learning how tourism and local stewardship go hand-in-hand.

Marine Conservation Institute:
The Marine Conservation Institute highlights the world’s most effective MPAs through its Blue Park Awards. Travelers can choose award-winning marine parks for snorkeling, diving, or eco-tours, enjoying vibrant underwater ecosystems while supporting recognized conservation successes.

A Travel-Friendly Future

The recognition of Iberostar’s Wave of Change program signals a global shift. More travelers want to visit destinations where nature thrives, and more hotels now understand that protecting the environment is essential for resilient tourism.

With coral nurseries, mangrove restoration, responsible seafood sourcing, and strong scientific monitoring, Iberostar offers a model that puts conservation at the center of the guest experience.

For travelers planning coastal adventures in 2025—from the Caribbean to other marine destinations—the award serves as a reminder that the best trips are those that protect and enrich the places we love to explore.