Celebrating the Gold Standard in Global Travel
An independent, merit-based recognition programme founded in 2021 in Dubai — honouring excellence in travel, hospitality and tourism worldwide.
Built in Dubai. Recognised Worldwide.
The International Travel Awards was founded in 2021 in Dubai with one clear mission: to give the world's finest travel, hospitality and tourism organisations a credible, independent platform where genuine excellence is recognised on merit — never on popularity. Organised by Golden Tree Events LLC, the programme has grown into a global benchmark for quality, trusted by brands across more than 150 countries.
Merit only. Every winner is chosen through evaluation by the Jury team or the Management of Golden Tree against published criteria. There is no public voting — recognition is earned, not bought.
Our Mission
To identify and celebrate the organisations setting the standard for travellers everywhere.
Global Reach
Participation spanning six regions and 150+ countries, from boutique stays to global carriers.
Independence
A jury of seasoned travel and hospitality professionals, free from commercial influence.
Credibility
A transparent, criteria-led process that brands and travellers can genuinely trust.
Community
An annual gathering of the industry's best in Dubai — a true celebration of the sector.
Responsibility
Championing sustainable, responsible tourism as a core measure of modern excellence.
Open to the Full Travel Ecosystem
If you deliver outstanding travel, hospitality or tourism experiences anywhere in the world, you are eligible. Organisations and individuals may be nominated across the following groups:
Hotels & Resorts
Luxury, boutique, business, budget, beach and wellness properties.
Airlines & Aviation
International, regional and low-cost carriers and air services.
Cruise Lines
Ocean, river and expedition cruise operators.
Travel Agencies
Retail, online and luxury travel agencies and advisors.
Tour Operators
Inbound, outbound and specialist experience operators.
DMCs
Destination management companies and MICE specialists.
Tourism Boards
National, regional and city destination authorities.
Travel Technology
Platforms, booking systems and travel-tech innovators.
Travel Leaders
Executives, entrepreneurs and rising stars shaping the industry.
Self-nominations and third-party nominations are both welcome. There are no geographic restrictions — excellence is recognised wherever it is found.
Key Dates for the 2027 Edition
Limited nominations — first-come, first-served. Categories can fill early, so we encourage organisations to submit well ahead of the closing date.
Nominations Open
The official nomination window opens to organisations worldwide.
Early Window Closes
Final date to nominate within the early participation window.
Nominations Close
All submissions must be received by this date — no late entries.
Jury / Management Review
The Jury team or the Management of Golden Tree evaluates every eligible nomination on merit.
Winner Announcement (internal)
Winners are confirmed internally and notified privately ahead of the gala.
Gala & Winners Announced
Winners are revealed live at the Dubai gala ceremony.
From Nomination to Recognition
Submit
Complete the official nomination form for your chosen category.
Verification
Our team confirms eligibility and validates the details provided.
Independent Jury
Subject-matter experts assess each entry against published criteria.
Shortlist
The strongest entries advance to the finalist stage.
Merit Selection
Winners are chosen purely on scored merit — never on payment.
Winner Confirmation
Successful organisations are notified and confirmed privately.
Gala Celebration
Winners are honoured live at the Dubai gala ceremony.
Merit-based, with no public voting. Every decision rests with the Jury team or the Management of Golden Tree and the published criteria.
How Winners Are Scored
Merit only. No public voting. Each nomination is scored against six weighted criteria that together total 100%.
Service Excellence
25%Guest experience and care.
Quality & Consistency
20%Reliable standard of offering.
Innovation
15%Differentiation and creativity.
Sustainability
15%Responsible tourism practice.
Brand & Impact
15%Reputation and market presence.
Value & Integrity
10%Operational and ethical standards.
A Black-Tie Celebration in Dubai
Gala Agenda
- 5:00Doors Open — Meet & Greet
- 6:00Red Carpet & Photos
- 7:00Opening Entertainment
- 7:30Awards Presentation
- 8:30Winners' Speeches & Photos
- 9:00Gala Dinner & Networking
- 9:30Evening Entertainment
- 11:00Programme Concludes
Highlights
- 📍Venue
Westin Marina Hotel - 🗓️Date
14 November 2026 - 🕔Time
5:00 PM – 11:00 PM - 🎩Dress code
Black-Tie
Gala Ceremony Testimonial Videos
Gala Ceremony Highlights
Winners Share Their Journey
Industry Leaders Speak
The Gala in Action — Highlights Reel
Simple, Transparent Participation
Nomination is free — there is no nomination fee and no registration fee. The only fee in your journey is the Winner Package that confirmed winners order to activate their winner title. Nothing influences the result — winning is decided on merit alone.
Free to Nominate
Step 1 — nomination is free: no nomination fee and no registration fee. The Free plan covers one award programme in one category at City level, with a mandatory Winner Package order if you are selected as a winner; optional paid plans start with Silver at USD 140. Nominating does not guarantee winning.
Winner Package Fee
Step 2 — for confirmed winners only, and mandatory under the Free plan: the Winner Package activates the winner title and grants the right to use the award name, with trophies, certificates, gala passes, logo rights and promotion. Ordering never influences selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Your Brand Among the World's Best?
Put your organisation forward for independent, merit-based recognition on a global stage.
Submit Your Nomination