(Posted 21st May 2026)
World Travel Awards (WTA) has announced that Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort will host its prestigious Europe Gala Ceremony 2026 – marking the organisation’s first event in Montenegro in its 33-year history. The VIP reception on 17 October 2026 will bring together leaders from across the continent to celebrate the finest in travel and tourism.
Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort is a refined waterfront retreat set against the striking backdrop of Kotor Bay. The 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.
UNESCO-listed Kotor is a captivating Adriatic town tucked into the dramatic Kotor Bay and framed by steep mountains. Within its ancient gates lie Romanesque churches, elegant squares and a maze of winding lanes, while above, the fortress and city walls rise steeply into the mountains, revealing panoramic views across the bay.
Graham Cooke, Founder, WTA, says: “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 powerful 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, says: “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 WTA Europe Gala Ceremony 2026 will see winners recognised across a wide range of categories spanning hotels, airlines, tour operators and destinations. The evening forms part of WTA’s Grand Tour, an annual series of red-carpet events hosted across each continent. This year’s destinations include Zanzibar, Maldives, Saint Lucia and United Arab Emirates, culminating in the Grand Final in Tanzania.
