Applications for the World Tourism Awards 2026 remain open until 31 July, giving destinations, tourism companies, public institutions and industry leaders a final opportunity to compete for recognition at the international awards programme taking place in Brussels later this year.
Organised by the World Tourism Forum Institute (WTFI), the awards will culminate in a ceremony on 9 November 2026 at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, bringing together tourism leaders, policymakers, investors and executives from around the world.
The date represents a change from the previously announced schedule. As Travel Tomorrow reported earlier this year, the World Tourism Awards and Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting had initially been planned for 26 and 27 October. The Brussels gathering is now scheduled for 9-10 November.
100 categories across the tourism industry
The 2026 programme features 100 award categories spanning the tourism value chain, from destinations and hospitality to aviation, investment, technology and sustainability.
Categories are grouped around destination excellence; hospitality and accommodation; airlines, airports and mobility; tourism boards, ministries and public institutions; investment, real estate and infrastructure; technology, innovation and digital tourism; sustainability, inclusion and social impact; and leadership and special recognition.
Applications can be submitted by organisations, destinations, companies, institutions and individuals, while nominations can also come from tourism boards, industry associations, private sector representatives and independent experts.
According to WTFI, entries are evaluated through an independent, evidence-based process considering factors including operational performance, innovation, leadership, market impact, sustainability initiatives, ethical standards and contribution to the development of global tourism.
From recognition to international visibility
Winners will receive the official World Tourism Awards trophy and Certificate of Excellence, as well as the right to use the programme’s official winner seal.
WTFI says recipients will also benefit from international media and promotional exposure, profiles across its platforms and opportunities to participate and speak at Global Tourism Forum events, placing winners in front of governments, investors and other tourism decision-makers.
The awards come as the tourism industry continues to navigate digital transformation, changing investment patterns, growing competition between destinations and pressure to demonstrate more responsible and sustainable growth.
As reported by Travel Tomorrow, the growing international profile of the awards was evident at the 2025 edition in Brussels. Winners included France as Best Global Destination, Egypt as Best Heritage Destination, Angola as Best Tourism Investment Destination, Singapore as Best Health-Safe Destination and the Maldives as Best Beach Destination.
Major industry players were also recognised, including Turkish Airlines as Best International Airline, Marriott International as Best Eco-Friendly Hotel Chain, Dubai World Trade Center as Best Convention Center, The Red Sea Project as Best Tourism Infrastructure Project and GetYourGuide with the Tourism Innovator Award.
Brussels to welcome tourism leaders in 9-10 November
The World Tourism Awards form part of a wider gathering of international tourism decision-makers in the Belgian capital.
The Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting 2026 is expected to attract heads of state, ministers, investors, destination authorities and private sector executives, with discussions focusing on areas including tourism investment, infrastructure, aviation and digital transformation.
