Montenegro’s Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort to host World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony 2026

Montenegro is preparing to welcome travel and tourism leaders from across the continent for the World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony 2026. The ceremony is taking place at Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort on 17 October 2026, marking the first World Travel Awards event in Montenegro in its 33-year history.

The evening is bringing together leading travel, tourism and hospitality brands from across Europe to celebrate excellence across a wide range of categories, including hotels, airlines, tour operators and destinations.

Set against the striking backdrop of Kotor Bay, Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort blends contemporary elegance with a strong sense of place, offering stylish accommodation, world-class dining and wellness experiences, surrounded by dramatic views of the mountains and bay.

The host destination offers a distinctive blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. UNESCO-listed Kotor is a captivating Adriatic town framed by steep mountains, with Romanesque churches, elegant squares and winding lanes within its ancient gates. Above the town, the fortress and city walls rise into the mountains, revealing panoramic views across the bay.

Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, said: “It is a privilege to stage our Europe Gala Ceremony in Montenegro for the first time, which underscores the nation’s emergence as a hub of luxury hospitality. Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort encapsulates Adriatic elegance in a stunning location, making it an ideal setting for our industry’s premier gathering. We anticipate a memorable night of recognition, networking and storytelling that will showcase Montenegro’s growing role on the global tourism stage.”

Hans Prins, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort, said: “We are honoured to serve as the Official Host Partner of the World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony 2026. This milestone reflects Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort’s dedication to crafting elevated, memorable experiences, where world-class hospitality meets the natural beauty and cultural richness of Kotor Bay, Montenegro. We look forward to welcoming our global community for this exceptional ceremony.”

The event forms part of the World Travel Awards Grand Tour 2026, a global search for the finest travel and tourism organisations. Following ceremonies in Zanzibar, Dubai, the Maldives and Jamaica, Montenegro hosts the final regional ceremony before the Grand Tour culminates in the Grand Final in Tanzania.

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Notes to Editors

About World Travel Awards

World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the WTA brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. For more information visit worldtravelawards.com.

About Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort

Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort is a premier waterfront retreat blending contemporary elegance with the region's natural beauty. Just moments from Kotor's historic Old Town, the destination features 252 refined accommodations and private villas, with 25 new apartments arriving in April 2027. Guests can experience a private beach, marina, the medical-led Vrmac Health & Wellbeing Retreat, and Spa Soul. Diverse dining options include the signature Lighthouse restaurant and the vibrant Olé! Beach & Bar. Complemented by modern event spaces and a new ballroom, the resort offers an immersive Adriatic escape for leisure, weddings and corporate gatherings alike.