(Posted 21st October 2026)
Montenegro made its World Travel Awards debut at the weekend, hosted at Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort. The red-carpet ceremony celebrated the very best in travel and tourism, and marked the first World Travel Awards ceremony to be held in Montenegro in the programme’s 33-year history.
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. As Official Host Partner, the majestic Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort welcomed guests to its idyllic setting on Boka Bay. The resort offers world-class facilities, a market-leading spa and wellness centre, and wide-ranging modern meeting and event spaces.
Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, said: “It was a privilege to stage the World Travel Awards 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.”
Hans Prins, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort, added: “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.”
Montenegro among the winners
As the rising star of European tourism, Montenegro featured prominently on the night. 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. Arrivals were 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 Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort, crowned ‘Montenegro’s Leading Resort’, and Merit Starlit Hotel & Residence & Casino, which claimed ‘Montenegro’s Leading Hotel’. Villa Geba Boutique Hotel received the honour of ‘Montenegro’s Leading Boutique Hotel’, while Montenegro Concierge DMC took the trophy for ‘Montenegro’s Leading Destination Management Company’.
Best in travel recognised
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’, and 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’.
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.
