Nestled just 400 meters from Cape Town International Airport, Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport has once more claimed the coveted title of Africa’s Leading Green Hotel at the prestigious 2025 World Travel Awards. This remarkable achievement marks the hotel’s second consecutive win—a testament to its unwavering leadership in eco-conscious hospitality.
The award was presented during the World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala held in Dar es Salaam on 28 June 2025, where industry leaders gathered to honour excellence in travel and tourism. Hotel Verde emerged triumphant from among nine nominees, reinforcing its status as a shining example of sustainable luxury.
Hotel Verde’s recognition reflects a deep-rooted commitment to green innovation. From the very beginning, when it opened its doors in 2013, the hotel was envisioned as a sustainability flagship. In 2014, it earned LEED Platinum certification—making it the first hotel in Africa and the sixth worldwide to achieve this prestigious level for new construction. Its building design incorporates features such as photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, grey-water recycling, natural ventilation, and high-efficiency HVAC systems, among others.
In 2024, Hotel Verde also achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first hotel in South Africa to be certified Net Zero Waste, successfully diverting more than 90 percent of operational waste away from landfills. Over a 12-month period, it attained a 93 percent diversion rate, setting a new standard for waste management in the region.
Guests at Hotel Verde experience green hospitality in action. The hotel offers an eco-pool that relies on living plants for water purification instead of chemicals, an energy-generating gym where exercising contributes energy to the grid, and eco-trails for mindful jogs through indigenous wetland gardens. The Verdino rewards program incentivizes sustainable choices—guests earn Verdinos by reusing towels, sorting waste correctly, using stairs, minimizing air-conditioning, and using gym equipment. These Verdinos can be used to offset accommodation costs or reduce bills at the on-site Nuovo Restaurant & Bar.
This blend of comfort, education, and environmental stewardship elevates the guest experience while encouraging eco-responsible behavior. Thoughtful design elements, such as QR-code-enabled botanical tags and a dedicated interactive sustainability section on the hotel’s website, allow even time-pressed visitors to engage with its green initiatives.
City officials celebrated the hotel’s repeat win as significant for Cape Town’s sustainable tourism brand. The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth hailed it as a “win for our city,” spotlighting how luxury and sustainability can coexist. The accolade aligns with Cape Town’s broader strategy for responsible tourism, which includes a forthcoming Tourism Development Framework aimed at boosting visitor numbers through smart campaigns, enhanced air connectivity, global partnerships, and enhancing opportunities for local businesses—all while preserving the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
For travelers who value both comfort and conservation, Hotel Verde offers a compelling proposition. Offering 151 stylish, eco-optimized rooms, state-of-the-art conferencing facilities, spa and dining options, and seamless airport access, the property delivers on both convenience and conscience.
Cape Town continues to elevate its reputation on the global stage, with Hotel Verde at the forefront of sustainable luxury accommodation. The hotel’s back-to-back recognition at the World Travel Awards confirms that eco-responsible choices are not merely an add-on—they are the future of world-class tourism.
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