TO DO Award 2026 goes to Tunisia and Nepal

The Institute for Tourism and Development (Studienkreis für Tourismus und Entwicklung) awards the TO DO Award 2026 to two outstanding tourism initiatives: WildyNess from Tunisia and 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking from Nepal. Both organisations demonstrate how tourism can create meaningful benefits for local communities while promoting sustainability, cultural respect and social inclusion.

Wildyness (Tunisia): Empowering communities through nature-based tourism

Wildyness is a Tunisian organisation dedicated to developing responsible tourism experiences that connect travellers with the country’s rich natural and cultural heritage. By working closely with local communities, Wildyness creates income opportunities in rural areas while raising awareness of environmental protection. The initiative focuses on outdoor and adventure tourism, offering authentic journeys that respect ecosystems and strengthen community resilience. Local people are involved in planning, guiding and hosting visitors, ensuring that tourism revenue stays within the region and contributes directly to social development. Wildyness stands out as an inspiring example of how tourism can support conservation efforts while empowering young people and local entrepreneurs.

3 Sisters Adventure Trekking (Nepal): Women-led trekking for social change

The second TO DO Award goes to 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking, a pioneering organisation from Nepal that has transformed the trekking industry through its strong commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Founded with the aim of providing training and employment opportunities for women as trekking guides, the organisation has helped hundreds of women gain financial independence and professional skills in a sector traditionally dominated by men. 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking combines high-quality trekking experiences with a powerful social mission: supporting women, promoting fair working conditions, and fostering sustainable tourism development in the Himalayan region.

Claudia Mitteneder, Executive Director of the Institute for Tourism and Development, states: “Tourism becomes truly sustainable only when it benefits the people who live in the destinations and when all groups – including women and marginalised communities – are actively involved. Wildyness and 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking show in an impressive way how tourism can become a tool for empowerment, equality and long-term development. We warmly congratulate both organisations and hope their inspiring approaches will encourage similar initiatives worldwide.”

The ceremony for the »TO DO Award « will take place on 3 March 2026, starting at 6:00 PM on Green Stage in Hall 7.1b at ITB Berlin, followed by a networking reception.

The Institute for Tourism and Development at ITB 2026:

Hall 4.1, stand 202

Studienkreis für Tourismus und Entwicklung (Institute for Tourism and Development) focuses on development related information and education in tourism. In this context it brings out publications, organises international contests, offers training and seminars for people employed in the tourism sector, carries out tourism research and consultancy, and is involved in dialogue on issues related to tourism development.