PATWA International Travel Awards 2026 Presented at ITB Berlin
The Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) announced the winners of the prestigious PATWA International Travel Awards 2026 at a high-profile and power-packed ceremony held during ITB, Berlin – the world’s largest travel trade show.
The awards ceremony followed the PATWA World Tourism Leaders’ Summit on ‘The Future of Tourism’, which brought together an influential line-up of global tourism ministers as speakers from Grenada, Zimbabwe, Fiji, Botswana and Jamaica. Discussions centred on sustainability, innovation and the future of global travel, with particular emphasis on navigating geopolitical conflicts, climate change and evolving environmental challenges shaping the industry.
This year’s Partner Destinations were Grenada, the Bahamas and Goa, with Aeropuertos Argentina serving as Event Partner.
Now in its 26th year, the PATWA International Travel Awards recognize excellence across governments, destinations, aviation, hospitality, tourism boards, travel technology companies and industry leaders worldwide.
The highlight of the awards was the Excellence in Governance category, recognizing ministers and elected representatives whose policies and leadership have significantly advanced sustainable tourism development.
Yatan Ahluwalia, Secretary General of PATWA, delivered the welcome address, stating, “At a time when travel is being reshaped by global conflicts, sustainability, innovation, resilience and renewed purpose, recognizing leadership and excellence across regions is more important than ever.”
Founded in 1999, the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) is an international professional media organization dedicated to promoting sustainable growth across the travel, tourism, hospitality and aviation sectors worldwide. PATWA is an Affiliate Member of UN Tourism.
Quotes on the Awards
Yatan Ahluwalia, Secretary General: “The PATWA International Travel Awards stand as a benchmark of global excellence in travel, tourism, aviation and hospitality. This year, the jury undertook a rigorous evaluation of over 550 nominations, ultimately selecting just 80 awardees — an achievement that underscores the distinction and credibility of these honours. The winners represent the very best in leadership, innovation and commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism development across regions.”
Pulkit Sharma, Director – Operations & Features Editor: “Beyond destinations and institutions, the PATWA awards honour the dedication of industry leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals whose vision and leadership continue to elevate standards in hospitality, aviation, travel technology and tourism services. Recognizing such excellence not only celebrates achievement but also sets benchmarks for the industry worldwide.”
The 2026 Winners
Destination
Destination of the Year – Vibrant Beaches: Nassau & Paradise Island
Destination of the Year – Natural Attractions: Republic of Armenia
Destination of the Year – Diverse Experiences: Federative Republic of Brazil
Destination of the Year – Earthly Experiences: Kingdom of Bhutan
Destination of the Year – Rejuvenation: Goa
Destination of the Year – Diverse Island Experiences: Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Destination of the Year – Adventure Experiences: Republic of Ecuador
Destination of the Year – Diverse Landscapes: Republic of Angola
Destination of the Year – Lifetime Experiences: The Bahamas
Destination of the Year – Vibrant Island Experiences: Republic of Fiji
Destination of the Year – Thrilling Experiences: Republic of Botswana
Destination of the Year – Natural Wonders: Republic of Zimbabwe
Destination of the Year – Caribbean Experiences: Grenada
Destination of the Year – Beach Experiences: Mauritius
Destination of the Year – Worldwide: Jamaica
Culture
Best Cultural Festival – Festa Junina: Federative Republic of Brazil
Hospitality
Best MICE Venue (The Caribbean): Montego Bay Convention Centre, Jamaica
Best All-Inclusive Resort (The Caribbean): Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada
Best Boutique Hotels – Authentic Experiences (The Caribbean): S Hotels, Jamaica
Best Hotels (South India): GRT Hotels & Resorts
Best Retreat – Wellness (India): Kairali
Best Hotels – Lifestyle Experiences (South Asia): Hilton
Best Hotels – Service Excellence: Taj Hotels
Aviation
Best Company – Airport Hospitality Services (India): Encalm Hospitality
Best Company – Airport Management (South America): Aeropuertos Argentina
Best Airport (Asia): Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok
Best Airport (South Pacific Islands): Nadi International Airport, Fiji
Best Airport – Innovation (Middle East): Ras Al Khaimah International Airport
Best Airline of the Year (The Caribbean): Sunrise Airways
Best Airline of the Year – Regional (The Caribbean): InterCaribbean Airways
Best Airline of the Year – Service Excellence (Asia): Thai Airways International
Organisational Excellence
Best Organization – Tourism Development (Asia): India Tourism Development Corporation
Best Organization – Travel Trade Fair & Events: Messe Berlin
Travel Services
Best Company – Travel Services (Subcontinent Region): Sita
Best Communications Agency – Travel & Tourism: FINN Partners
Best Platform – Regenerative Tourism: Travelware
Best Port – Cruise Liners (The Caribbean): The WICO Dock, U.S. Virgin Islands
Individual Excellence – Tourism (PATWA Gold Awards)
Excellence in Ecological Tourism (Himalayan Region): Mr. Damcho Rinzin
Excellence in Tourism (Subcontinent Region): Mr. Dipak Deva
Excellence in Destination Management (Europe): Ms. Alessandra Priante
Excellence in Destination Promotions (The Caribbean): Ms. Joy Jibrilu
Excellence in Destination Management (The Caribbean): Ms. Latia Duncombe
Excellence in Destination Development (The Caribbean): Ms. Stacey Liburd
Tourism Legacy: Mr. Alain St. Ange
Lifetime Achievement – Tourism: Sir Baltron Bethel
Individual Excellence – Hospitality (PATWA Gold Awards)
Excellence in MICE Hospitality (The Caribbean): Ms. Mureen James
Excellence in Hospitality Innovation (Jamaica): Mr. Christopher Issa
Woman of the Year – Hospitality (The Caribbean): Ms. Janelle M. Hopkin
Excellence in Operations – Hospitality (India): Mr. Satyajeet Krishnan
Excellence in Management – People & Culture – Hospitality (India): Mr. Gaurav Pokhariyal
Excellence in Innovation – Commercial – Hospitality (India): Mr. Parveen Chander
Excellence in Wellness – Hospitality (India): Mr. Abhilash K. Ramesh
Excellence in Hospitality Innovation (India): Mr. Vikram Cotah
Excellence in Leadership – Hospitality (South Asia): Mr. Zubin Saxena
Individual Excellence – Aviation (PATWA Gold Awards)
Person of the Year – Airlines (Asia): Mr. Chai Eamsiri
Excellence in Airline Leadership (The Caribbean): Mr. Philippe Bayard
Excellence in Airline Operations (The Caribbean): Mr. Trevor Sadler
Excellence in Leadership – Airports (Asia): Ms. Paweena Jariyathitipong
Excellence in Leadership – Airports (South Pacific Islands): Mr. Mesake Nawari
Excellence in Innovation – Airports (Middle East): Mr. Manish Seth
Excellence in Innovation – Airports (South America): Mr. Daniel Ketchibachian
Individual Excellence – Travel Services (PATWA Gold Awards)
Excellence in Airport Hospitality Services: Mr. Vikas Sharma
Excellence in Tourism PR & Communications: Ms. Debbie Flynn
Excellence in Innovation – Tech Regenerative Tourism: Mr. Michele Zavoli
Best New CEO – Ports (Worldwide): Mr. Joseph B. Boschulte
Individual Excellence – Organizations (PATWA Gold Awards)
Excellence in Tourism Development (Asia): Ms. Mugdha Sinha
Excellence in Leadership – Trade Fairs: Dr. Mario Tobias
Excellence in Governance
Excellence in Governance – Destination Management (Caucasus Region): H.E. Lusine Gevorgyan (Republic of Armenia)
Tourism Minister of the Year – Inclusive Growth: H.E. Mateo Julián Estrella Durán (Republic of Ecuador)
Tourism Minister of the Year – Sustainable Development: H.E. Adrian A. Thomas (Grenada)
Tourism Minister of the Year – Nature Conservation: H.E. Wynter Boipuso Mmolotsi (Republic of Botswana)
Tourism Minister of the Year – Innovation (Asia): H.E. Rohan Khaunte (Goa)
Tourism Minister of the Year – Resurrection: H.E. Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel (Republic of Angola)
Tourism Minister of the Year – Sustainability: H.E. Chester Cooper (The Bahamas)
Tourism Minister of the Year – Heritage Conservation: H.E. Diya Kumari (Rajasthan)
Tourism Minister of the Year (Oceania Region): H.E. Viliame R. Gavoka (Republic of Fiji)
Tourism Minister of the Year (Africa): H.E. Barbara Rwodzi (Republic of Zimbabwe)
Tourism Minister of the Year (Indian Ocean Region): H.E. Christian Harold Richard Duval (Republic of Mauritius)
Tourism Minister of the Year (Worldwide): H.E. Edmund Bartlett (Jamaica).
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