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.

Gamewatchers' Selenkay Conservancy exemplifies community-driven conservation. Situated in Kenya's Amboseli ecosystem, it empowers Maasai landowners by leasing land for wildlife protection while delivering tourism revenue and employment. The initiative has restored critical wildlife corridors, increased lion populations, and improved rangeland health through rotational grazing.

"Selenkay was created to protect vital wildlife habitats and to ensure that local communities benefit directly from responsible tourism. By working hand in hand with Maasai landowners, we support conservation, create livelihoods, and help wildlife and people coexist in harmony. This award acknowledges the dedication of our teams, our community partners, and every guest who chooses to travel in a way that protects Kenya's natural heritage. Thank you for recognising the importance of community led conservation," said Dr. Mohanjeet Brar, Managing Director, Gamewatchers Safaris & Porini Camps.

Profits fund education, health, and water infrastructure for surrounding communities. Gamewatchers' low-impact eco-camps run entirely on solar, use zero plastic, and promote local sourcing. Its model is scalable and has been replicated in other conservancies across Kenya. What sets Selenkay apart is its success in aligning biodiversity conservation with tangible community benefits—making wildlife preservation economically viable for locals and enriching for visitors.

The awards programme 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 Gamewatchers' Selenkay Conservancy 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 Gamewatchers Safaris & Porini Camps - Selenkay Conservancy 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."

Find out more about Gamewatchers' Selenkay Conservancy and the other organisations redefining responsible travel in the Sustainability Special Issue of Best in Travel.