The World Tourism Awards – Best 100 2026 will take place on 9 November 2026 at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels, one of Europe’s most prestigious cultural venues and a distinguished setting for celebrating excellence in the global tourism economy.
The World Tourism Awards – Best 100 2026 will take place on 9 November 2026 at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels, one of Europe’s most prestigious cultural venues and a distinguished setting for celebrating excellence in the global tourism economy.
Dear Tourism Leader,
We are pleased to remind you that applications remain open for the World Tourism Awards – Best 100 2026, the global recognition platform established by the World Tourism Forum Institute to honour outstanding achievement, leadership, innovation and measurable impact across the international travel and tourism industry.
Following the official announcement of the 2026 edition, nominations continue for organisations, destinations, institutions, companies, projects and individuals seeking recognition among the world’s most respected names in tourism.
The World Tourism Awards – Best 100 2026 will take place on 9 November 2026 at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels, one of Europe’s most prestigious cultural venues and a distinguished setting for celebrating excellence in the global tourism economy.
As the tourism sector continues to evolve through sustainability, digital transformation, investment, resilience and destination competitiveness, the awards aim to recognise those who are actively shaping the future of the industry.
The programme covers 100 categories across the full tourism value chain, including:
Destination Excellence Recognising outstanding destinations in sustainability, culture, heritage, nature, wellness, MICE, investment, safety and visitor experience.
Hospitality & Accommodation Celebrating hotels, resorts and hospitality brands that demonstrate excellence in service, design, sustainability, guest experience and operational quality.
Airlines, Airports & Mobility Honouring aviation, airport and transport stakeholders that deliver high standards of connectivity, passenger experience, safety, innovation and environmental responsibility.
Tourism Boards, Ministries & Public Institutions Recognising national and local tourism authorities for strategic promotion, destination branding, policy leadership and tourism development.
Investment, Real Estate & Infrastructure Highlighting projects and partnerships that contribute to tourism investment, destination development, hospitality growth and public-private cooperation.
Technology, Innovation & Digital Tourism Celebrating companies and initiatives using technology, artificial intelligence, digital platforms and creative tools to improve the tourism experience.
Sustainability, Inclusion & Social Impact Recognising projects that support responsible tourism, community empowerment, accessibility, diversity, environmental protection and long-term resilience.
Leadership & Special Recognition Honouring individuals, entrepreneurs and institutions whose work has made a significant contribution to the global tourism sector.
Applications may be submitted directly by organisations, destinations, companies, institutions and individuals. Nominations may also be made by tourism boards, private sector representatives, industry associations, independent experts and relevant stakeholders.
The selection process is designed to be transparent, evidence-based and expert-led. Applications are reviewed according to criteria such as operational performance, innovation, sustainability practices, market impact, leadership, reputation, ethical standards and contribution to the wider tourism ecosystem.
Selected winners will receive:
Trophy and Certificate of Excellence International media promotion and digital visibility Use of the Official Winner Seal for marketing and corporate communications Featured profile on the WTFI platform Invitation to speak or participate in Global Tourism Forum events Access to investor networks and international project visibility
The World Tourism Awards – Best 100 is more than an awards ceremony. It is a global benchmark for quality, credibility, responsible growth and forward-looking leadership in tourism.
We encourage you to complete your application and submit the necessary materials for consideration in the World Tourism Awards – Best 100 2026.
Applications are ongoing. For application details, category information or nomination procedures, please contact the World Tourism Awards team.
Kind regards, World Tourism Forum Institute World Tourism Awards – Best 100 2026