Competitions and Awards

On Saturday, 14 March 2026, at 16:30, the Teatro Titano in the Republic of San Marino will host the ninth edition of the Alberto Sordi Family Award. The prize, created in 2017, honors artistic talent and civic commitment that reflect the cultural and human legacy of the renowned Italian actor Alberto Sordi.

The event is supported by the State Secretariat for Tourism and the San Marino

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Pika Aero and DGM France have each been selected as winners of the 2026 IATA CBTA Center Best Innovation Award.

The award was presented during the fourth IATA CBTA Center Conference, which took place alongside the 2026 IATA World Cargo Symposium in Lima, Peru.

Pika Aero was honoured for its AI‑driven immersive

Kaysone Phomvihane City has been selected as one of four Lao cities to receive the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award for the 2026‑2028 period, confirming its status as a leading travel destination in Laos.

The award was announced in early January in Cebu, Philippines, together with fellow Lao winners: Luang Prabang City, Viengxay district in Houaphanh Province, and Pakse City in

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched the call for nominations for the 2026 edition of its Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Awards. The programme honours outstanding contributions to diversity and inclusion in aviation across three distinct categories.

Skopje International Airport, managed by TAV Macedonia, has been honoured with the 2025 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Award in the “Easiest Airport Journey in Europe” category, presented by Airports Council International (ACI).

This marks the eleventh time the airport has received an ASQ award, reflecting consistently high scores from passenger satisfaction surveys that evaluate

Visit Maldives is pleased to announce that the World Travel Awards (WTA) Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony for 2026 will take place in the Maldives on 27 September 2026. The event coincides with World Tourism Day, underscoring its significance and marking the return of the gala to the islands after a ten‑year hiatus.

Founded in 1993, the World Travel Awards is recognised worldwide as

Sky Lagoon, which has been certified by the Vakinn system since February 2024, has now attained the Gold label in the environmental category. The company has consistently prioritized sustainability, environmental protection, and a strong connection to Icelandic nature.

Long‑term sustainability commitment
“Our foundations are rooted in Icelandic nature, and that obliges us

The luxury resort Angsana Velavaru has been awarded the title of Best Foreign Hotel by the Russian Traveler Awards for 2025. The distinction, presented by the Russian Traveler magazine (formerly National Geographic Russia), celebrates outstanding achievements across the travel sector, from accommodation to cuisine and eco‑tourism.

All entries are examined by a strict moderation

Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC), together with Liverpool Football Club (LFC), has disclosed the champion of the “Penalty to Paradise” initiative – a football‑driven marketing effort that linked worldwide fan participation with a chance to experience the Maldives.

The contest gathered fifty LFC members for a sudden‑death penalty shoot‑out. The last player standing earned an all‑inclusive

A number of Maldives resorts belonging to Marriott International’s Luxury Group were honoured at the inaugural Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, the first edition of the regional programme. The honoured properties are The Ritz‑Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa and W Maldives, each achieving positions in several categories.

Radisson Blu Aruba is pleased to announce that its General Manager, Luigi Wix, has been selected as Choice Hotels International’s General Manager of the Year for the Caribbean and Latin America. The award was presented at the inaugural “Powering the Future – Choice Hotels CALA Convention” held in Cancún, Mexico.

This distinction highlights Wix’s strong leadership and the dedication

The Maldives has again been recognised as a top global tourism destination, receiving the titles of World’s Leading Destination 2025 – its sixth straight win – and World’s Leading Green Destination 2025, its second consecutive award, at the World Travel Awards Grand Final held in Bahrain.

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards are considered the most prestigious accolades in

On 22 November 2025, the Belize Tourism Board celebrated the 2025 edition of the National Tourism Awards at the Lord Ashcroft Centre in Belize City. The gala recognised outstanding contributions across the country’s tourism sector, from frontline staff to sustainable operators.

Green Safaris, which operates lodges in Victoria Falls, South Luangwa, Kafue and the Lower Zambezi, has been recognised for its regenerative tourism approach championed by founder Vincent Kouwenhoven. The company believes that tourism can deliver a net positive impact when it is paired with the right partners and strategies.

Among the recent accolades, Green Safaris was named

Moldova has achieved a notable victory in the international wine arena. At the prestigious Effervescents du Monde 2025 contest held in Burgundy, French sparkling wines from Moldova received a total of 20 awards – ten gold and ten silver – positioning the country among the leading producers in this segment.

The competition featured 393 entries representing 15 nations. In addition

Visit Italy has introduced a new project called Luminous Destinations 2026. The initiative aims to draw attention to lesser‑known Italian locations and to offer a counter‑measure to the pressures of overtourism.

A specially appointed jury will evaluate candidates and select ten places that combine a strong local identity, sustainable tourism practices and the ability to inspire

Ifuru Island Maldives has been awarded the title of Best Luxury Beach Property at the 2025 Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards, which took place in Portugal. The accolade highlights the resort’s dedication to guest experience and the renowned Maldivian hospitality.

The Seven Stars Awards celebrate outstanding hotels and brands worldwide. This recognition positions

In 2025, Ifuru Island Maldives earned several top honors: Best Luxury All‑Inclusive Property in the Maldives, Best Luxury Family Beach Property among the Indian Ocean Islands, and Best Luxury Wedding Property in the Indian Ocean. These awards highlight the resort’s commitment to delivering diverse experiences for couples, families, and wedding parties.

The resort’s wellness sanctuary,

Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Maldives – Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort proudly announces that it has been awarded three distinct titles at the 2025 World Luxury Awards: Luxury Adults‑Only Resort, Luxury Island Resort, and Luxury Cultural Resort for the Indian Ocean region.

The accolades underscore the brand’s commitment to integrating local narratives, sincere service and authentic connections

Amilla Maldives has been awarded a “Highly Commended” distinction in the “Accessible Travel Initiative – Accommodation” category at the inaugural Travel for Every Body Awards, organized by Selling Travel.

The new awards program highlights people, projects, organisations and campaigns that advance inclusive tourism, aiming to showcase progress and motivate further improvements.