The Association of Independent Tour Operators UK (AITO) awarded the top prize in sustainability to the island of Lanzarote during its annual gala, held at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel in London on the evening of November 20.

Sustainable Travel International has worked closely with Lanzarote’s destination leadership in recent months as part of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Destination Criteria Early Adopters Program.

The ATTO acknowledged that Lanzarote has a long history of global leadership on the environmental and sustainability front. The jury for these awards noted: “Lanzarote has been careful about the development of the island. The general design and architecture are strictly controlled to blend into the landscape and cultural identity.” The award also referred to the high level of protection of the environment and landscape of the island, which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve destination.

Lanzarote’s Minister of Tourism Carmen Steinert added: “This award reinforces Lanzarote’s strategy to obtain an international sustainability certification and further define its position in the British market.”