The first and only association dedicated entirely to luxury travel to Brazil, Brazilian Luxury Travel Association (BLTA) is a collaboration of 38 of the country's finest hotels, resorts, lodges and tour operators, big and small, united in their aim to present contemporary Brazil in an innovative way.  Recognising that promoting sustainable practices must go hand-in-hand with luxury travel, the BLTA recently introduced the first Sustainable Vision Award, celebrating those hotels and lodges leading the way in helping the delicate ecosystems and unique indigenous communities of Brazil flourish.  Cristalino Lodge in Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso, won the first award.

With over 7,500km of coastline, as well as the diverse and fragile ecosystems of the Amazon and Atlantic rainforests, the Pantanal wetlands, the Cerrado tropical savannah and several of the world's greatest waterfalls, Brazilian hotels are setting the standard for sustainable luxury travel. Stepping beyond conventional practices, they are making innovative efforts to achieve sustainability that benefits guests, local communities and partners for the good of all.

BLTA president, Martin Frankenberg, points out that, in a globalized and environmentally conscientious world, “this award exists because, just like us, our guests know that sustainability is a reality that needs to be discussed and put into practice in our daily lives.”

Judging for the Sustainable Vision Award was carried out by an independent committee comprising five experts in the field, who analysed initiatives according to four basic criteria: conservation, culture, community and commerce.  Three properties were shortlisted, with the winner being Cristalino Lodge in Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso.  Cristalino Lodge was chosen for special recognition due to its conservation efforts in the Amazon, environmental education activities within the local community and the promotion of research as a form of knowledge generation – thereby developing an innovative tourism model that can be duplicated in other locations. The two other finalists were Pousada Literária in Paraty and Uxua Casa Hotel & Spa in Trancoso, Bahia.

“Sustainability is the new luxury and in Brazil we are treading a path we hope will seamlessly integrate trends in global tourism, where, rather than consuming products, travellers wish to participate in transformative experiences that sharpen their senses and connect them in a simpler and more direct way to local culture and environment,” said CEO of BLTA, Simone Scorsato.  “The BLTA brings together in one room the best of Brazilian luxury hospitality, including some competitors, proving that the travel industry believes and invests in the power of teamwork to promote sustainable travel to Brazil for the greater good of all our communities.”

Through its membership and activities, BLTA has also created a Sustainability Fund through which it has adopted a conservation area and funded initiatives that support responsible tourism in the Alcatrazes Archipelago. The BLTA Sustainable Vision Award will be presented bi-annually, with the next winners announced in 2020. 

A complete list of BLTA members can be found by visiting www.blta.com.br.