Europe's winners celebrated at first World Travel Awards Ceremony in Montenegro

The very best in European travel and tourism have been named at the 20th anniversary edition of World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony 2026, hosted at Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort, Montenegro, on 17 October 2026. The red carpet evening marked the first World Travel Awards event in its 33-year history to be held in Montenegro.

Leading travel, tourism and hospitality brands from across the continent gathered on the shores of Kotor Bay, widely celebrated as the jewel in the crown of Montenegrin tourism, to celebrate excellence across a wide range of categories. Turkish Airlines took the title of ‘Europe’s Leading Airline’ while Athens claimed ‘Europe’s Leading City Break Destination’.

Portugal enjoyed a strong showing: the nation was named ‘Europe’s Leading Destination’, Algarve was voted ‘Europe’s Leading Beach Destination’, the Azores Islands collected ‘Europe’s Leading Regional Adventure Tourism Destination’, Dark Sky Alqueva took ‘Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction’ and Lisbon was named ‘Europe’s Leading City Destination’.

As the rising star of European tourism, Montenegro featured prominently among the winners. Kotor was named ‘Europe’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination’, while Montenegro was crowned ‘Europe’s Leading Nature Destination’. The titles reflect the breadth of the nation’s attractions, from the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Kotor to the mountains and Tara River Canyon of Durmitor National Park.

The recognition comes as tourism continues to strongly drive Montenegro’s economy, accounting for around a quarter of GDP, with arrivals up almost 8% year-on-year in the first six months of 2026, significantly ahead of the global growth figure of 0.4%.

National winners included Montenegro Concierge DMC receiving the trophy for ‘Montenegro’s Leading Destination Management Company’; Merit Starlit Hotel & Residence & Casino claiming the title of ‘Montenegro’s Leading Hotel’; Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort being crowned ‘Montenegro’s Leading Resort’; and Villa Geba Boutique Hotel receiving the honour of ‘Montenegro’s Leading Boutique Hotel’.

Graham Cooke, Founder, 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, the majestic Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort hosted the red carpet gathering, with its idyllic setting on Boka Bay, world-class facilities, market-leading spa and wellness centre and wide-ranging modern meeting and event spaces.

Hans Prins, General Manager, 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.”

Elsewhere, Disneyland Paris was named ‘Europe’s Leading Theme Park Resort’ and Dubrovnik claimed ‘Europe’s Leading Seaside Metropolitan Destination’. Madrid won ‘Europe’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination’, with The Convention Centre Dublin taking ‘Europe’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre’, while Cannes was recognised as ‘Europe’s Leading Festival & Event Destination’.

Nordic Visitor was recognised as ‘Europe’s Leading Tour Operator’ and Top Atlântico as ‘Europe’s Leading Travel Agency’, while Europcar took ‘Europe’s Leading Car Rental Company’ and Mideast Travel Worldwide ‘Europe’s Leading Destination Management Company’.

The ceremony formed 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 hosted the final regional ceremony before the Grand Tour culminates in the Grand Final in Tanzania.

For the full list of winners, visit worldtravelawards.com/winners/2026/europe.

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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.