Travel Daily News: World Travel Awards Europe Gala 2026 names European winners

The World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony 2026 announced its European winners at the 20th anniversary edition in Montenegro on 17 October 2026. The ceremony took place at Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort, marking the first World Travel Awards event in its 33-year history to take place in Montenegro.

Travel, tourism and hospitality brands from across Europe gathered on the shores of Kotor Bay to recognise achievements across multiple categories. Turkish Airlines won “Europe’s Leading Airline”, while Athens received “Europe’s Leading City Break Destination”.

Portugal and Montenegro among recognised destinations

Portugal received several awards, including “Europe’s Leading Destination”. The Algarve won “Europe’s Leading Beach Destination”, while the Azores Islands received “Εurope’s Leading Regional Adventure Tourism Destination”.

Dark Sky Alqueva took the title of “Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction”, and Lisbon was named “Europe’s Leading City Destination”.

Montenegro also featured prominently among the winners. Kotor received “Europe’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination”, while Montenegro won “Europe’s Leading Nature Destination”.

The awards recognised attractions ranging from Kotor’s UNESCO-listed Old Town to the mountains and Tara River Canyon in Durmitor National Park.

Tourism accounts for approximately one-quarter of Montenegro’s GDP. International arrivals increased by almost 8% year-on-year during the first six months of 2026, compared with global growth of 0.4%.

Montenegro’s hospitality and tourism businesses receive awards

National winners included Montenegro Concierge DMC, which received “Montenegro’s Leading Destination Management Company”. Merit Starlit Hotel & Residence & Casino won “Montenegro’s Leading Hotel”.

Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort received ‘Montenegro’s Leading Resort”, while Villa Geba Boutique Hotel won “Montenegro’s Leading Boutique Hote”.

Graham Cooke, Founder of World Travel Awards, said: “It was a privilege to stage the historic 20th anniversary edition of our Europe Gala Ceremony in Montenegro, one of 2026’s most talked about tourism destinations, for the first time. Our congratulations go to every winner, and to Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort and our partners in Montenegro and Kotor for hosting an exceptional two days of recognition, networking and storytelling.”

As Official Host Partner, Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort hosted the red-carpet gathering at its location on Boka Bay. The resort offers meeting and event spaces, a spa and wellness centre, and other facilities.

Hans Prins, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort, said: “It was an honour to host the World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony 2026 as Official Host Partner, and to welcome the travel industry’s leaders. Seeing Kotor and Montenegro recognised on this stage is a proud moment for our team and for the destination, and we congratulate every winner on a well-deserved result.”

European awards recognise destinations and travel companies

Disneyland Paris won “Europe’s Leading Theme Park Resort”, while Dubrovnik received “Europe’s Leading Seaside Metropolitan Destination”.

Madrid was named “Europe’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination”, and The Convention Centre Dublin won “Europe’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre”. Cannes received “Europe’s Leading Festival & Event Destination”.

Nordic Visitor was named “Europe’s Leading Tour Operator”, while Top Atlântico won “Europe’s Leading Travel Agency”. Europcar received “Europe’s Leading Car Rental Company”, and Mideast Travel Worldwide won “Europe’s Leading Destination Management Company”.

World Travel Awards Grand Tour 2026 continues

The ceremony formed part of the World Travel Awards Grand Tour 2026, which recognises travel and tourism organisations worldwide. Previous ceremonies in the 2026 programme took place in Zanzibar, Dubai, the Maldives and Jamaica. Montenegro hosted the final regional ceremony before the Grand Tour concludes with the Grand Final in Tanzania.