Traveller Times: World Travel Awards Europe 2026: Portugal and Montenegro Shine as Leading Winners

The prestigious World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony 2026 took place at the Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort in Montenegro on October 17, celebrating the remarkable achievements of Portugal, Montenegro, and several esteemed travel brands.

This event marked a historic milestone, as it was the first time in the awards’ 33-year legacy that Montenegro hosted such a prestigious ceremony, uniting tourism, hospitality, and travel industry representatives from across Europe.

Turkish Airlines was honored with the title of Europe’s Leading Airline, while Athens earned recognition as Europe’s Leading City Break Destination. Portugal triumphed as Europe’s Leading Destination, with the Algarve acclaimed as Europe’s Leading Beach Destination and the Azores Islands winning accolades in the regional adventure tourism category.

Additionally, Portugal celebrated the distinction of Dark Sky Alqueva as Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction and Lisbon as Europe’s Leading City Destination.

Montenegro showcased its allure prominently among the winners, with Kotor being recognized as Europe’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination and the country itself honored as Europe’s Leading Nature Destination. These awards reflect Montenegro’s captivating offerings, from the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Kotor to the majestic mountains and the breathtaking Tara River Canyon within Durmitor National Park.

The tourism sector is vital to Montenegro’s economy, contributing approximately a quarter of its gross domestic product. Notably, international arrivals experienced a nearly 8 percent increase year-over-year in the first half of 2026, as highlighted during the event.

National accolades were awarded to Montenegro Concierge DMC as the Leading Destination Management Company, Merit Starlit Hotel and Residence and Casino as Leading Hotel, Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort as Leading Resort, and Villa Geba Boutique Hotel as Leading Boutique Hotel.

Other distinguished European winners included Disneyland Paris, recognized as Europe’s Leading Theme Park Resort, and Dubrovnik as Europe’s Leading Seaside Metropolitan Destination. Madrid received the Meetings and Conference Destination award, while The Convention Centre Dublin was honored as Europe’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre. Cannes celebrated its title as Europe’s Leading Festival & Event Destination.

Nordic Visitor was recognized as Europe’s Leading Tour Operator, Top Atlântico earned the Leading Travel Agency award, Europcar was honored as Leading Car Rental Company, and Mideast Travel Worldwide won the title of Leading Destination Management Company.

Graham Cooke, founder of the World Travel Awards, expressed his admiration for the winners and extended gratitude to the resort and local partners for their exceptional hospitality in hosting the ceremony. The Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort served as the official host partner for this illustrious event.

This ceremony was a significant component of the World Travel Awards Grand Tour 2026, which will culminate in the global Grand Final in Tanzania after regional events held in remarkable destinations including Zanzibar, Dubai, the Maldives, and Jamaica.