The Ibiti Project, in Minas Gerais, Brazil, is one of the winners of Global Vision Awards 2026, The award is presented by Travel + Leisure (one of the world's most influential travel publications), and the recipient is the only Brazilian representative among this year's award winners.
With a global audience and a network of experts and correspondents in various countries, the American magazine is a benchmark for travelers seeking meaningful experiences, transformative destinations, and new ways to explore the world.
Each year, the Global Vision Awards recognizes individuals and organizations that are making the world a better place through tourism. In 2026, Ibiti is among the 24 global winners, alongside names such as the award-winning Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny and institutions like the foundation of Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. The projects share a common vision: to reduce the negative impacts of travel and expand its benefits for individuals, communities, and territories.
The selection process benefited from contributions from experts, led by news director Paul Brady. The content about Ibiti was written by Elaine Glusac, a columnist for The New York Times for nearly three decades and recognized for her keen perspective on sustainable, regenerative, and accessible tourism.
“Receiving this recognition from Travel + Leisure is a great honor for all of us at Ibiti Projeto. We believe that tourism can go beyond preservation, regenerating nature and ourselves, strengthening the community and opening new possibilities for living and traveling. Hospitality is much more than just welcoming guests; it's a way of showing the importance of caring for our planet for ourselves and for future generations,” emphasizes Renato Machado, founder of Ibiti Projeto.
Territory in regeneration
Located in the vicinity of Ibitipoca State Park (MG), the Ibiti Project encompasses 6,000 hectares where nature, community, and new ways of living and traveling meet. Of this total, more than 1,200 hectares have been regenerated over the last 40 years in one of the regions considered a global biodiversity hotspot, the Atlantic Forest.
The project originated from the creation of ecological corridors, the planting of native species, and the protection of endangered fauna, such as the northern muriqui monkey. Today, this work has evolved into a broad rewilding model that seeks to restore not only ecosystems but also more balanced relationships between humans and nature.
More than just a destination, Ibiti is a territory in continuous regeneration.
A new hospitality model
At Ibiti, hospitality is part of a larger system.
The project integrates circular economy practices, a structured zero-waste program, and garden-to-table gastronomy based on the local production of over 100 varieties of organic food. Each experience is connected to an ecosystem that values resources, reduces waste, and strengthens local production chains.
This vision positions Ibiti among initiatives that broaden the role of hospitality not only as a welcoming environment, but as an active tool for environmental and social regeneration.
International recognition is also reflected in global rankings: Ibiti was included among the 50 best luxury hotels in the world according to the Robb Report in 2023.
Regeneration that passes through people
Since its inception, the Ibiti Project has been guided by a central principle: there is no environmental regeneration without the involvement of people.
Founded in 1982 by the Minas Gerais businessman Renato Machado, the project has evolved over the years, incorporating initiatives with social and economic impact. From 2005 onwards, with its opening to visitors, the proposal also began to include hospitality as a means of sustaining and expanding its activities.
Ibiti became the first hotel establishment in Brazil to achieve B Corp certification and expanded its reach by contributing to the revitalization of the village of Mogol, a town in the municipality of Lima Duarte (MG).
Today, encouraging entrepreneurship is an essential part of the model: local residents develop initiatives such as organic food production, nature experiences, cultural activities, sports, and events. This ecosystem strengthens the local economy and creates new opportunities for the community.
Global movement
More than just validating a trajectory, the Global Vision Awards positions Ibiti within an international movement that seeks to redefine the role of travel in the 21st century.
Among trails, waterfalls, bromeliad forests, and human encounters, the project demonstrates that regeneration is not an abstract concept, but rather a daily practice, built over time.
Getting to know Ibiti is to understand, firsthand, why it is now among the initiatives shaping the future of tourism.
Discover all the winners of the Global Vision Awards 2026 and read the full article published by Travel + Leisure about the Ibiti Project.
