March 19, 2025 | Sarasota, FL. – Today, Travel + Leisure Co. reveals its annual “Global Vision Awards”, which announces their list of Global Vision Honorees, recognizing companies, individuals, destinations, and organizations that are making strides in sustainable and responsible travel.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens was one of six named “Destinations and Hotels” that made the list; the only Florida location in its category; and the only botanical garden complex included from around the world.
These awards aim to identify and honor those demonstrating thought leadership and creative problem-solving in developing more sustainable and responsible travel products, practices, and experiences. The purpose of the awards is to inspire industry colleagues and travelers to take action and protect communities and environments worldwide and inspire their industry colleagues and travelers to do their part.
The Travel + Leisure announcement states:
“Orchids dangle from the ceiling of the welcome center at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, Florida. Opened in 2024, it’s one element of a redesign that’s turning the Selby into one of the most cutting-edge institutions of its kind. The $57 million first phase has already helped transform this waterfront attraction into a test-bed for sustainable architecture. Just 10 months after the debut of its new visitors’ center, solar-powered restaurant, and research facilities, the Selby faced Hurricane Milton, the powerful storm that lashed southwestern Florida in October. Though the gardens did suffer some damage, a new underground stormwater filtration system intended to clean and return rainwater to Sarasota Bay performed exactly as designed. “We have the ability to educate the public about sustainability and really demonstrate it to a broad audience,” says Jennifer O. Rominiecki, the Selby’s president and CEO. —E.G.”
Jennifer O. Rominiecki, Selby Gardens president and CEO commented, “We are truly honored to accept this distinction as a Global Vision Honoree from Travel and Leisure. At Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, we are proud to be innovators in promoting sustainable and eco-friendly travel as the world’s first net positive energy botanical garden complex. As we look to the future, our mission remains clear: to ensure that the natural world can be experienced and appreciated for generations to come. This recognition reflects the dedication of our team to preserving the planet while inspiring travelers to connect with nature in meaningful ways.”
The full article can be read now at travelandleisure.com. The full list will appear in the April issue of Travel + Leisure and on Apple News+.
Selby Gardens Master Plan has been guided by the international landscape architecture studio OLIN, building architecture firm Overland Partners, and civil engineer Kimley-Horn. Willis Smith Construction serves as the construction manager.
Photo Credit: MSBG Phase One | Ryan Gamma Photography
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Travel + Leisure: About the Awards
Every year, Travel + Leisure presents its Global Vision Awards, where we acknowledge individuals, products, destinations, and organizations pioneering sustainable and eco-friendly travel. These visionaries are focused on the future of travel—and are dedicated to ensuring that we, as humans, can continue to explore the world without damaging it as we go along. This year, our panel of experts—their expertise varying throughout the travel sector—nominated companies, destinations, and individuals they believe are creating meaningful change. After much consideration, we narrowed down the list to 25 winners, each making a tangible impact on how we experience the world. We hope their work inspires others to embrace more sustainable and responsible travel.