29 January 2025
The Zero Waste HoReCa Seed Funding Competition Awards 2024 Announced!
Twenty exceptional HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants, and Cafés) businesses in Malta have been recognized for their innovative contributions to sustainability as part of the “Zero Waste HoReCa – Seed Funding Competition Awards 2024.”
Organized by the Cypriot NGO AKTI Project and Research Centre with the support of The Coca-Cola Foundation, the awards ceremony was held on January 29, 2025, at the Birgu Local Council.
Empowering Green Innovation in Malta’s Tourism Industry
The competition highlights the role of sustainability in transforming Malta’s tourism sector. The 20 winners received a €500 grant each to implement their proposals, which focus on introducing eco-friendly practices and infrastructure into their operations.
Proposals were evaluated by an independent jury based on their environmental impact, sustainability performance, innovation, and social responsibility. The winners stood out among 170 members of the Zero Waste HoReCa Network, the first of its kind in Malta, established with AKTI’s scientific support to promote green development in the local tourism industry.
Awarded Businesses
The winners include:
- Sotto Pinseria Romana (Sliema)
- Prosciutteria (Gzira)
- Dar Bjorn Cafeteria (Haz-Zebbug)
- Hyatt Regency (St. Julian’s)
- Eden Cinemas (St. Julian’s)
- Rusty Monkey (Hal Far)
- Camilleri Group (Qormi)
- Hammets Gastro Bar (Sliema)
- Hangry’s (St. Julian’s)
- Lulu Boutique Hotel (Zebbug)
- Danny’s (Qormi)
- Cynergi Fitness (St. Julian’s)
- Caviar and Bull (St. Julian’s)
- Sole by Terragon (St. Julian’s)
- Duke Boutique Hotel (Victoria, Gozo)
- Café Du Brazil (Birgu)
- St. Lawrence Community Centre (Birgu)
- St. Lucija Community Centre (St. Lucia, Gozo)
- Moods Bistro (Cospicua)
The Birgu Local Council also received recognition for its efforts to engage the local community in adopting sustainability practices, showcasing a strong commitment to promoting environmental stewardship within Birgu.
A Vision for Sustainable Tourism
Dr. Xenia I. Loizidou, Chairperson of AKTI Project and Research Centre, commended the awardees:
“AKTI is proud to recognize these businesses for their contributions to Malta’s green transition. Their efforts to reduce resource consumption—such as energy and water—minimize waste, and adopt sustainable practices showcase the potential economic and environmental benefits for Malta’s tourism industry. Sustainability is not just a concept but a practice, and these businesses are leading the way.”
About AKTI Project and Research Centre
AKTI, based in Nicosia, Cyprus, is a non-governmental, non-profit organization founded in 2000. It focuses on applied environmental research, education, coastal management, marine conservation, and public outreach. With a strong network of collaborators and volunteers, AKTI works to raise environmental awareness and promote sustainable development.
About The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF)
Since 1984, The Coca-Cola Foundation has awarded over $1.5 billion in grants to address complex global challenges. Its initiatives focus on climate resilience, circular economy, economic empowerment, and sustainable access to safe water. The foundation supports transformative ideas that create measurable, lasting impacts on communities worldwide.
