Purpose-Driven SMEs Redefining Hospitality: UCSL’s Insights from the HOSCAR 2026 Responsible Travel Award
For the HOSCAR Awards 2026, UCSL United Certification Systems LTD was honored to be invited by our partner Hostelworld Group to serve on the independent judging panel for the Eco-Warrior Responsible Travel category, contributing its expertise in sustainable tourism best practices and real-world implementation.
The HOSCAR Hostel Industry Awards held annually by Hostelworld to celebrate accommodations that redefine hospitality standards, from guest experience to social and environmental responsibility, stand among the most influential recognitions in the global hostel sector. Through its Responsible Travel categories, Hostelworld shines a spotlight on forward-thinking approaches and best practices that contribute to shape a more sustainable future for tourism. The Eco-Warrior category recognizes hostels that go above and beyond to protect the environment through practical, measurable action – from reducing waste at scale and improving energy and water efficiency to responsible sourcing and lower-impact guest experiences.
Our team was genuinely impressed by the sense of responsibility demonstrated across the nominees, as well as the quality of the practices presented. We observed many hostel teams that read their surroundings and acted with clear purpose, showing how tourism SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) can champion sustainability. From our perspective, every participant deserves recognition. We deeply value the effort, commitment, and local context behind each initiative and hope their example inspires many more to follow.
Following expert assessment, five shortlisted candidates advanced to a global public vote, amplifying community participation in selecting the winner. The 2026 Eco-Warrior award was ultimately presented to Longboard Paradise Surf Club in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is a compelling example of sustainability woven into the guest experience and operational philosophy alike. The hostel runs entirely on solar energy, substantially lowering emissions linked to power consumption. Its rainwater capture and reuse system conserves around 800,000 liters of water annually, while recycling and coastal restoration initiatives demonstrate a commitment to protecting surrounding ecosystems. Beyond infrastructure, the project communicates sustainability as a shared value, encouraging travelers to connect with and contribute to environmental stewardship.
Every best practice grows from lived operational experience and deep local understanding, see the breakdown below ↓
The HOSCAR Hostel Industry Awards held annually by Hostelworld to celebrate accommodations that redefine hospitality standards, from guest experience to social and environmental responsibility, stand among the most influential recognitions in the global hostel sector. Through its Responsible Travel categories, Hostelworld shines a spotlight on forward-thinking approaches and best practices that contribute to shape a more sustainable future for tourism. The Eco-Warrior category recognizes hostels that go above and beyond to protect the environment through practical, measurable action – from reducing waste at scale and improving energy and water efficiency to responsible sourcing and lower-impact guest experiences.
Our team was genuinely impressed by the sense of responsibility demonstrated across the nominees, as well as the quality of the practices presented. We observed many hostel teams that read their surroundings and acted with clear purpose, showing how tourism SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) can champion sustainability. From our perspective, every participant deserves recognition. We deeply value the effort, commitment, and local context behind each initiative and hope their example inspires many more to follow.
Following expert assessment, five shortlisted candidates advanced to a global public vote, amplifying community participation in selecting the winner. The 2026 Eco-Warrior award was ultimately presented to Longboard Paradise Surf Club in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is a compelling example of sustainability woven into the guest experience and operational philosophy alike. The hostel runs entirely on solar energy, substantially lowering emissions linked to power consumption. Its rainwater capture and reuse system conserves around 800,000 liters of water annually, while recycling and coastal restoration initiatives demonstrate a commitment to protecting surrounding ecosystems. Beyond infrastructure, the project communicates sustainability as a shared value, encouraging travelers to connect with and contribute to environmental stewardship.
Every best practice grows from lived operational experience and deep local understanding, see the breakdown below ↓
Individuals, entrepreneurs, and SMEs can play a significant role in advancing sustainability and influencing communities around them. Longboard Paradise's example proves that meaningful change does not always require large-scale resources: it starts with intention, collaboration, and persistence. No grand claims. Just a committed team and community acting consistently, day after day. When such initiatives are recognized and shared, their impact multiplies.
Hostelworld plays an active role in advancing sustainability across the hostel sector. Developed specifically for hostels and aligned with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Hotel Standard, its Staircase to Sustainability framework provides a practical, accessible way to assess and strengthen properties’ sustainability performance. It helps them identify gaps, track progress, and advance across key areas including management, community impact, culture, and environmental responsibility. The HOSCAR Responsible Travel Awards represent another pillar of this effort, highlighting properties that demonstrate measurable progress in sustainable operations.
The examples seen at HOSCARs 2026 reinforce a broader industry reality: responsible hospitality is not defined by scale, but by the clarity and rigor with which sustainability is embedded into operations. The GSTC Standard, the highest global benchmark in sustainable tourism, provides that structure and is designed to apply equally to hostels and small boutique properties as to large hotel groups. When industry leaders like Hostelworld actively encourage alignment with GSTC criteria and recognize measurable sustainability performance, they help translate responsible practice into enduring value for travelers, businesses, and destinations alike.
We are proud to contribute to this shared journey, guided by our mission to advance sustainable tourism through rigorous expertise and practical implementation insight that deliver lasting benefits for Nature and People.
Hostelworld plays an active role in advancing sustainability across the hostel sector. Developed specifically for hostels and aligned with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Hotel Standard, its Staircase to Sustainability framework provides a practical, accessible way to assess and strengthen properties’ sustainability performance. It helps them identify gaps, track progress, and advance across key areas including management, community impact, culture, and environmental responsibility. The HOSCAR Responsible Travel Awards represent another pillar of this effort, highlighting properties that demonstrate measurable progress in sustainable operations.
The examples seen at HOSCARs 2026 reinforce a broader industry reality: responsible hospitality is not defined by scale, but by the clarity and rigor with which sustainability is embedded into operations. The GSTC Standard, the highest global benchmark in sustainable tourism, provides that structure and is designed to apply equally to hostels and small boutique properties as to large hotel groups. When industry leaders like Hostelworld actively encourage alignment with GSTC criteria and recognize measurable sustainability performance, they help translate responsible practice into enduring value for travelers, businesses, and destinations alike.
We are proud to contribute to this shared journey, guided by our mission to advance sustainable tourism through rigorous expertise and practical implementation insight that deliver lasting benefits for Nature and People.
About Hostelworld Group
Hostelworld Group PLC is a pioneering social network–powered Online Travel Agent dedicated exclusively to the global hosteling sector. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Ireland, the company connects travelers with hostels in over 180 countries. Built on the insight that hosteling is fundamentally about meeting people, Hostelworld integrates social features into its platform, enabling guests to connect with fellow travelers based on their bookings and destinations.
In recent years, Hostelworld has strengthened its commitment to advancing sustainability within the hosteling industry. The company has commissioned independent research to validate the category’s sustainability credentials and introduced a hostel-specific sustainability framework aligned with the GSTC Hotel Standard. It also enables travelers to offset trip-related carbon emissions and continues to maintain its “Taking Climate Action” label awarded by South Pole, reinforcing its focus on climate responsibility and sector-wide progress.
About Longboard Paradise Surf Club
Located on the iconic Praia do Pontal in Rio de Janeiro, Longboard Paradise Surf Club is a beachfront hostel where surf culture, community spirit, and coastal living come together. Bringing together travelers from around the world and the local community, it creates a vibrant, yet relaxed environment built around shared experiences and connection. Blending laid-back energy with a strong sense of place, the Surf Club has become a natural gathering point. Guests can also enjoy relaxed beachside dining across two oceanfront restaurants and a rooftop bar, where friendly local energy, easygoing charm, and fresh, thoughtfully prepared dishes shape the experience. Rooted in its unique setting, the team weaves sustainability into daily operations, contributing positively to both the environment and the community it calls home.
About UCSL
United Certification Systems Limited (UCSL) is a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body headquartered in Cyprus, providing internationally acknowledged sustainability certification services for hotels and tour operators worldwide. With a team of experienced auditors and regional representatives across multiple continents, UCSL ensures rigorous, impartial, and credible evaluation of sustainability practices against the Global Sustainable Tourism Council Industry Standards – the world’s leading standard for sustainable travel and tourism.
Driven by a deep passion for sustainability, UCSL goes beyond auditing by actively contributing to capacity-building, awareness, and collaboration across the industry, supporting businesses in embedding sustainability as a driver of competitiveness, resilience, and long-term positive impact on people and the planet.
Hostelworld Group PLC is a pioneering social network–powered Online Travel Agent dedicated exclusively to the global hosteling sector. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Ireland, the company connects travelers with hostels in over 180 countries. Built on the insight that hosteling is fundamentally about meeting people, Hostelworld integrates social features into its platform, enabling guests to connect with fellow travelers based on their bookings and destinations.
In recent years, Hostelworld has strengthened its commitment to advancing sustainability within the hosteling industry. The company has commissioned independent research to validate the category’s sustainability credentials and introduced a hostel-specific sustainability framework aligned with the GSTC Hotel Standard. It also enables travelers to offset trip-related carbon emissions and continues to maintain its “Taking Climate Action” label awarded by South Pole, reinforcing its focus on climate responsibility and sector-wide progress.
About Longboard Paradise Surf Club
Located on the iconic Praia do Pontal in Rio de Janeiro, Longboard Paradise Surf Club is a beachfront hostel where surf culture, community spirit, and coastal living come together. Bringing together travelers from around the world and the local community, it creates a vibrant, yet relaxed environment built around shared experiences and connection. Blending laid-back energy with a strong sense of place, the Surf Club has become a natural gathering point. Guests can also enjoy relaxed beachside dining across two oceanfront restaurants and a rooftop bar, where friendly local energy, easygoing charm, and fresh, thoughtfully prepared dishes shape the experience. Rooted in its unique setting, the team weaves sustainability into daily operations, contributing positively to both the environment and the community it calls home.
About UCSL
United Certification Systems Limited (UCSL) is a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body headquartered in Cyprus, providing internationally acknowledged sustainability certification services for hotels and tour operators worldwide. With a team of experienced auditors and regional representatives across multiple continents, UCSL ensures rigorous, impartial, and credible evaluation of sustainability practices against the Global Sustainable Tourism Council Industry Standards – the world’s leading standard for sustainable travel and tourism.
Driven by a deep passion for sustainability, UCSL goes beyond auditing by actively contributing to capacity-building, awareness, and collaboration across the industry, supporting businesses in embedding sustainability as a driver of competitiveness, resilience, and long-term positive impact on people and the planet.
May 25, 2026