Destination Awards — Recognising the World's Greatest Travel Destinations
Celebrating the destinations that inspire, transform, and define extraordinary travel experiences for global visitors across every category of traveller.
The Destination Award That Shapes Where the World Travels Next
The International Travel Awards Destination Awards programme is the definitive global platform for recognising tourism destination excellence. From the world's most storied luxury destinations to the newly discovered gems reshaping travel itineraries, our Destination Awards celebrate the places that have mastered the art of welcoming the world — delivering experiences that embed themselves permanently in the memory of every visitor.
In a world where travellers have more destination options than at any point in history, Destination Award recognition cuts through the noise. A best travel destination award 2026 win signals to the global travel trade — and to millions of independent travellers — that your destination has been independently verified as exceptional by a panel of travel industry experts who understand what great destinations look and feel like. It is the most credible third-party endorsement available to any tourism authority or destination marketing organisation.
Destination Awards Categories — Six Dimensions of Travel Destination Excellence
Our Destination Awards cover the full range of travel motivation — from beach escapes and luxury retreats to cultural immersion, adventure, wellness, and the next generation of must-visit destinations.
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Best Luxury Destination
Recognising the destination that offers an unparalleled concentration of ultra-premium hotels, exclusive experiences, world-class fine dining, and the infrastructure to support the most discerning high-net-worth international travellers.
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Best Beach Destination
Celebrating the coastal or island destination delivering the world's most beautiful beaches, cleanest waters, and outstanding beach resort experiences — where natural perfection meets exceptional hospitality infrastructure.
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Best Cultural Destination
Honouring the destination whose depth of cultural heritage, living arts scene, culinary traditions, historical monuments, museums, and authentic community experiences create an unrivalled journey into the human story.
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Best Adventure Destination
Recognising the destination providing the richest portfolio of active, outdoor, and adventure travel experiences — from world-class trekking and mountaineering to white-water rafting, diving, safari, and extreme sports, all within a safe and well-regulated framework.
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Best Wellness Destination
Celebrating the destination anchored by an extraordinary concentration of spa resorts, wellness retreats, healing environments, naturopathic traditions, and holistic lifestyle offerings that attract the world's health-conscious, rejuvenation-seeking travellers.
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Best Emerging Destination
Recognising the destination that is capturing the global travel industry's imagination in 2026 — a location with fast-growing arrivals, a compelling and distinctive travel identity, and the infrastructure investment to support sustainable long-term visitor growth.
Nominate NowWhat a Destination Award Win Delivers for Your Tourism Economy
Official Trophy & Prestige Certification
Winners receive a custom International Travel Awards trophy for display at tourism board headquarters and official certification for use in all destination marketing materials, visitor guides, and international campaigns.
Winner's Digital Seal
The "International Travel Awards Winner 2026" digital seal provides immediate third-party credibility for destination websites, tourism board social channels, and partner hotel and tour operator marketing materials.
Global Travel Media Coverage
Award wins generate press coverage in international travel media across 60+ countries, reaching prospective visitors, travel agents, tour operators, and travel influencers simultaneously in all key tourism source markets.
Gala Ceremony — Dubai 2026
Destination representatives are invited to the International Travel Awards Gala Ceremony at the Westin Marina Hotel, Dubai — 14 November 2026, 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM — to collect awards and network with 500+ global travel leaders.
Airline & Investment Attraction
Award recognition strengthens destination pitches to airlines for new routes, supports inbound tour operator negotiations, and demonstrates to hotel developers and investors that the destination has achieved internationally validated tourism status.
Year-Round Digital Presence
Winning destinations are featured on the International Travel Awards website, generating year-round organic search visibility and referral traffic from travel planners actively seeking award-endorsed destination recommendations.
The Destination Awards Nomination & Evaluation Process
Submit Nomination
Tourism boards, destination marketing organisations, hotels, and tour operators submit nominations with supporting evidence of visitor numbers, tourism infrastructure standards, sustainability credentials, and guest satisfaction data.
Independent Evaluation
Over 200 expert judges — experienced travel writers, destination specialists, sustainability experts, and senior travel industry professionals — evaluate each nominated destination against the Destination Awards criteria.
Shortlist Announcement
Shortlists are published across all International Travel Awards channels, generating significant visibility for shortlisted destinations among the global travel trade, international media, and prospective visitors before the ceremony.
Gala Ceremony, Dubai
Winners are revealed at the International Travel Awards Gala Ceremony on 14 November 2026 at the Westin Marina Hotel, Dubai — in front of the world's most influential travel industry audience.
Destination Awards — Expert Answers
Put Your Destination on the World's Most Prestigious Awards Stage
Submit your destination nomination today and join the most credible international platform for travel destination recognition. Winners announced at the Gala Ceremony, Westin Marina Hotel, Dubai — 14 November 2026.