Global Travel & Tourism Awards — Recognising Excellence Worldwide

Past Winners

Recognised for
excellence

Travel/Tourism

TUI Group

TUI Group is a leading German multinational tourism company headquartered in Hanover. It operates as one of the world’s largest integrated travel and leisure groups, encompassing airlines, hotels, cruise lines, travel agencies, and digital booking platforms. The company serves tens of millions of travelers annually and is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange’s MDAX index.

Travel/Tourism

Lufthansa

Lufthansa is Germany’s largest airline and one of the world’s leading aviation groups. Headquartered in Cologne, it operates an extensive global network through both its mainline carrier and subsidiaries. It is known for its full-service operations, membership in the Star Alliance, and a major role in shaping postwar European aviation.

Travel/Tourism

Air Canada

Air Canada is the flag carrier and largest airline of Canada, operating as a global network carrier for passengers and cargo. Headquartered in Montréal, it connects Canada to destinations on six continents and is a founding member of the Star Alliance global airline network.

Travel/Tourism

DERTOUR Group

The DERTOUR Group functions as a fully integrated travel ecosystem, managing every stage of a traveler's journey—from initial booking at a local agency to the hotel stay and local excursions. Rather than just selling tickets, they act as a "one-stop-shop" that controls the quality of the entire vacation experience through three main pillars.

Travel/Tourism

Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent is a global luxury travel company specializing in tailor-made private journeys, safaris, and small-group expeditions. Founded in 1962 in Kenya, it pioneered upscale adventure travel, offering high-end experiences supported by a network of local offices on all seven continents.

Travel/Tourism

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel functions as a vertically integrated global adventure operator, meaning they don't just sell tours—they own the local companies that run them. This structure allows them to control the quality and ethics of their Small Group Adventures across 100+ countries. Unlike many agencies that outsource to third-party providers, Intrepid operates through its own network of Destination Management Companies (DMCs). This ensures that local guides are employed directly and that safety and sustainability standards are consistent.

Travel/Tourism

Carnival Corporation

Carnival Corporation is a multinational cruise company and the world’s largest leisure travel enterprise. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, it operates a portfolio of leading cruise brands that serve global markets. Its scale and diversified offerings make it a central player in the cruise and broader tourism industries.

Travel/Tourism

The Flight Centre Travel Group

The Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) is one of the world's largest travel retailers and corporate travel managers, operating a vast leisure and corporate network across 24 countries. Founded in 1982 by Graham "Skroo" Turner and partners with a single shop in Sydney, it has grown into an ASX-listed global entity with over 30 brands and a network extending to roughly 90 countries through licensing.

Travel/Tourism

Travel Leaders Group

Travel Leaders Group is a major U.S.-based travel agency network that provides leisure, business, and luxury travel services. It operates one of the world’s largest agency collections, representing thousands of travel professionals across multiple brands and markets. The company is known for its strong network model and personalized travel expertise.

Travel/Tourism

Travelbeta

Travelbeta is a Nigerian online travel agency that helps customers book flights, hotels, vacation packages and related travel services. Based in Lagos and operating primarily online, it positions itself as one of Nigeria’s leading digital travel platforms, targeting both domestic and international travelers.

Travel/Tourism

Royal Caribbean Group

Royal Caribbean Group is a leading global cruise and vacation company headquartered in Miami, Florida. Traded on the NYSE: RCL, it operates major cruise brands and land-based experiences serving millions of travelers each year across all seven continents. Royal Caribbean is pivoting away from relying solely on third-party ports to developing its own Exclusive Destinations. They plan to expand from three to eight private sites by 2028, including the Royal Beach Club collection and "Perfect Day" islands.

Travel/Tourism

Hotelplan Group

Founded in 1935 by Migros pioneer Gottlieb Duttweiler, the Hotelplan Group is a prominent international travel organization that originally aimed to make affordable vacations accessible to the Swiss middle class. As of 2026, the group has completed a major structural transition, moving from its longtime ownership by the Migros cooperative into new specialized hands to focus on its diverse European markets.

Travel/Tourism

Bush & Beyond

Bush & Beyond is a Kenyan-owned safari company based in Nairobi, working with a curated collection of owner-operated camps, lodges and safari houses across East Africa. Its central reservations service connects travellers and trade partners with accommodation in wildlife conservancies and distinctive natural settings. The business traces its present form to the combination of established safari operations and draws on long-standing knowledge of local hospitality and conservation landscapes. The company’s role extends beyond booking accommodation. It helps coordinate stays and journeys that suit different travel interests, including wildlife viewing, family travel and privately hosted safaris. Its emphasis on individual properties and their local settings makes it a relevant prospect for recognition in destination management, safari travel and specialist hospitality services. As with all companies in this research set, current headcount and awards eligibility should be checked before an invitation.

Travel/Tourism

Uthando (Love) South Africa

Uthando (Love) South Africa operates from Cape Town at the intersection of tourism, community development and philanthropy. The registered nonprofit organisation creates educational, community-led journeys that introduce visitors to local social development projects. Its work offers a distinctive alternative to conventional sightseeing, placing the people and initiatives of Cape Town at the centre of the travel experience. Rather than offering a standard attraction itinerary, Uthando arranges respectful encounters with the teams behind grassroots projects and explains the issues and opportunities shaping their communities. It also works with tourism and corporate partners to support local initiatives. Although it is a nonprofit rather than a typical private travel business, its work is relevant to categories concerning responsible tourism, inclusive experiences and community impact. Programme rules should confirm whether nonprofit operators are eligible.

Travel/Tourism

Nkuringo Safaris

Nkuringo Safaris is a Ugandan-owned, woman-led destination management business that plans tailor-made wildlife and gorilla trekking journeys. The company began near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and now organises itineraries in Uganda and Rwanda, with selected extensions elsewhere in East Africa. Its services include securing trekking permits, booking accommodation, coordinating transfers and organising local guiding. The operator connects travellers with primate tracking, national parks, landscapes and cultural experiences while placing an emphasis on local expertise. Its model combines trip design with ground-level logistics and relationships with accommodation partners, including eco-oriented stays. This creates a clear position in specialised wildlife travel, destination management and responsible tourism. For awards outreach, the relevant points to assess would include visitor experience, guide standards, conservation practices and the role of local communities.

Travel/Tourism

Rwanda Safari Tours

Rwanda Safari Tours is a Kigali-based tour operator offering privately arranged journeys to Rwanda’s best-known wildlife and cultural destinations. Its advertised programmes include gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, wildlife safaris in Akagera, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe and tours of Kigali. The company also provides the travel arrangements needed to connect these experiences, including permits, ground transport and professional guiding. The business appeals to travellers who want the practical details of a Rwanda visit managed by a local specialist, particularly where park access requires advance planning. Its itineraries can be adapted to different time frames and budgets, combining nature, heritage and travel services in a compact destination. For the Global Travel & Tourism Awards, it could be considered under safari operations, specialist tour planning or customer-focused destination experiences, subject to independent checks on licences and service quality.

Travel/Tourism

Cultured Ghana

Cultured Ghana develops journeys that explore Ghana through its history, people, traditions and cultural institutions. Founded by Benjamin Taylor, the business presents itself as a Ghanaian tour company committed to meaningful engagement with local heritage. Its approach places cultural interpretation and personal connections alongside traditional tourism activities, offering visitors context for the places and communities they encounter. The company describes relationships with cultural practitioners, hospitality providers, local businesses and community stakeholders as central to the experiences it creates. This can provide an alternative to itineraries focused only on landmark visits, particularly for travellers seeking a fuller understanding of Ghanaian identity and everyday life. Cultured Ghana is therefore a relevant potential prospect for cultural tourism, immersive travel design and locally led destination experiences. Any specific achievements advertised by the operator should be verified separately before publication.

Travel/Tourism

African Scenic Safaris

African Scenic Safaris is a locally owned tour operator based in Moshi, Tanzania, providing private safari itineraries and guided Kilimanjaro climbs. Established in 2009 according to its company information, it focuses on travel that brings visitors into contact with Tanzania’s mountain environments, national parks and wildlife. Its services cover the organisation of guided trips, logistics and the on-the-ground arrangements required for outdoor travel. The company publicly places sustainability and community relationships within its approach to tourism and identifies a team member responsible for these matters. For travellers, the product is a combination of destination knowledge, expedition preparation and guided experiences in remote environments. This makes the operator a useful prospective nominee for adventure tour operations, responsible travel and safari services. Any claims about environmental performance, guide conditions or safety systems would merit further independent review at nomination stage.

Travel/Tourism

Moroccan Food & Family Adventures

Moroccan Food & Family Adventures is a Marrakech-based travel business developed by Amanda and Youssef, whose interests in Moroccan food, family life and cultural exchange shaped the company’s original street-food tours. It now presents culinary experiences in destinations including Marrakech and Essaouira, alongside privately designed trips and activities that introduce travellers to markets, local producers and artisan traditions. The company uses food as a route into understanding place: guests can discover regional dishes while learning how ingredients, trades and hospitality connect with everyday Moroccan life. Its approach also emphasises working with guides and independent local businesses. The brand offers a useful case study in specialist tour design, personal service and family-oriented cultural tourism. For awards consideration, the most relevant categories would be food tourism, immersive travel experiences and boutique destination services.

Travel/Tourism

India Someday

India Someday is an independent travel-planning specialist that helps visitors design personalised journeys across India. The company describes itself as a small team of travellers and advisors, offering detailed itineraries based on guests’ interests, accommodation preferences, budgets and preferred pace. Rather than pushing a fixed package, it works with clients to shape routes that can include major heritage destinations, regional cultures and less familiar parts of the country. Its service combines trip advice with practical arrangements such as stays, transport and ongoing support. India Someday also places emphasis on transparent pricing and the use of homestays and boutique hotels when appropriate. This positions the company between a traditional travel agency and a destination consultant, with an approach designed for travellers who value independence but want informed local planning. It is a prospective fit for bespoke travel, specialist agency services and customer experience categories.

Travel/Tourism

Community Homestay Network

Community Homestay Network is a Nepal-based social enterprise connecting travellers with locally hosted accommodation and cultural experiences. Its network works with families and communities across the country, allowing guests to learn about daily life through shared meals, traditional crafts, guided activities and home-based hospitality. The organisation formally established its company structure in 2017 after earlier community homestay initiatives took shape in Nepal. The business does more than market accommodation. It supports local hosts in developing and presenting experiences, and coordinates bookings and travel logistics between visitors and communities. The model is designed to keep local voices central to tourism while creating opportunities for households, women and younger entrepreneurs. It offers a strong prospective example for categories in community-based tourism, inclusive hospitality and responsible destination development. Its published impact figures should be checked against the relevant annual report if used in a nomination.

Travel/Tourism

Sapa O’Chau

Sapa O’Chau is a tourism social enterprise rooted in the ethnic minority communities of Vietnam’s Sapa region. It organises trekking, guided village visits and homestay experiences that connect travellers with mountain landscapes and local life. The organisation was developed through the work of founder Shu Tan, with trekking and hospitality forming part of a wider structure supporting education, training and community opportunities. Local guides and host families play a central role in the visitor experience, while related activities include handicrafts and community services. The business distinguishes its tourism offering by linking income from travel with employment and learning opportunities for people in the region. It is particularly relevant to responsible trekking, culturally sensitive travel and social enterprise tourism. Because it combines commercial tour activity with a wider social purpose, the awards team should verify how its legal and operating structure fits the category rules.

Travel/Tourism

Local Alike

Local Alike is a Thailand-based social enterprise that works with communities to create tourism experiences based on local culture, skills and everyday life. The business provides access to neighbourhood visits, food experiences, craft activities and rural journeys, often in places where the tourism industry is less established. It sees community participation and local economic benefit as important parts of how an experience is designed. Alongside tours, Local Alike describes initiatives connected with community-made products, regional food and training. This broadens its role from trip organiser to a partner in community tourism development. The company’s operating model is relevant to an awards programme seeking examples of innovation in destination management and tourism with social value. For an independent assessment, judges could consider how community partners are involved, how experiences are delivered and what evidence supports the company’s published impact claims.

Travel/Tourism

Five Pillar Experiences

Five Pillar Experiences is a Balinese social enterprise and tour operator established in 2019 by I Putu Wiraguna. It designs cultural and educational journeys involving farmers, artisans, conservationists and other local hosts. The company’s programmes take travellers into communities across Bali through privately arranged visits, hands-on activities and experiences built around learning and exchange. The organisation presents its approach through themes of education, culture, environment, community and the local economy. Rather than treating village life as a sightseeing attraction, it says it co-creates activities with host communities and links tourism to local skills and livelihoods. This makes Five Pillar Experiences a relevant candidate for community-led tours, sustainable travel innovation and destination experiences. Its published community outcomes and financial impact should be substantiated if they become part of an award submission.

Travel/Tourism

Arigato Travel

Arigato Travel is a Japan-based tour company specialising in guided food and cultural experiences. Established as a registered Japanese business in 2016, it offers walking tours and culinary introductions in destinations such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and other cities. Its programmes bring visitors into markets, neighbourhood eateries and local culinary traditions, with guides adding cultural and historical context. The company combines practical travel services with specialist interpretation of Japan through food, etiquette and local storytelling. It has developed a team of guides and travel staff while retaining a clearly defined thematic focus. This positions it as a potential prospect for culinary tourism, experience design and specialist guided tours. Its scale has grown beyond that of a very small operator, so formal SME eligibility should be checked if that becomes relevant to the programme.

Travel/Tourism

Bambike Ecotours

Bambike Ecotours offers guided bicycle experiences in the Philippines using bicycles made from bamboo. Based in Manila’s historic Intramuros district, the company takes travellers through heritage areas and local attractions, combining sightseeing with an alternative mode of transport. Tours include different routes and lengths, and the company also advertises additional activities beyond its original Intramuros experiences. The distinctive element is the connection between a tangible product, the bamboo bicycle, and a visitor experience that can be delivered in relatively small groups. Guides add historical and cultural commentary while guests explore at cycling pace rather than from a conventional tour vehicle. The company could be considered for awards relating to creative city tourism, active travel and product-led innovation in visitor experiences. As with any physical activity provider, current operational safeguards should be reviewed independently.

Travel/Tourism

Invisible Cities

Invisible Cities is a UK social enterprise organising walking tours led by people who have experienced homelessness. Operating in cities including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, York and Cardiff, it enables guides to share personal perspectives alongside stories about the places they know. Its visitor experiences focus on local neighbourhoods, history and overlooked aspects of urban life. The organisation trains and mentors guides, helping them build confidence, develop tour content and access paid work. Its approach connects the visitor economy with skills development and social inclusion, offering a form of city tourism defined as much by its people as by its landmarks. Invisible Cities would be a prospective fit for responsible urban tourism, inclusive visitor experiences and social impact categories. The team should check whether the programme accepts social enterprises that reinvest in charitable or community objectives.

Travel/Tourism

Paris by Mouth

Paris by Mouth is a specialist food-tour operator focused on the culinary neighbourhoods of Paris. Its guided walks introduce visitors to artisan producers such as bakers, cheese specialists, chocolatiers and charcutiers, before bringing tastings together with discussion of food and wine. Tours are designed around small groups, with the company advertising a limit of eight guests per departure. This narrow specialisation allows the business to position local food knowledge as a travel experience in its own right. Rather than providing general sightseeing, Paris by Mouth builds journeys around craftsmanship, ingredients, neighbourhood identity and the people behind independent shops. It is a relevant prospective entry for culinary tourism, boutique tours and experience-led destination services. Assessing it for an award would require evidence about the quality and consistency of delivery in addition to the services set out on its website.

Travel/Tourism

We Hate Tourism Tours

We Hate Tourism Tours is a Portugal-based operator offering an alternative approach to exploring Lisbon and nearby destinations. The company’s deliberately unconventional name reflects a preference for direct, locally informed encounters over mass-market sightseeing formats. It runs walks and small-vehicle tours through the capital and surrounding places such as Sintra and Cascais. Its published tour model limits standard experiences to very small groups, allowing time for discussion and flexibility in the itinerary. The company positions local neighbourhoods, everyday stories and a critical view of conventional tourism at the centre of the visit. This makes it a potential prospect for boutique city tours, creative tourism products and small-group customer experiences. Awards assessment should consider how its approach translates into customer outcomes and benefits for host neighbourhoods, rather than relying on the brand’s marketing tone.

Travel/Tourism

Barcelona Slow Travel

Barcelona Slow Travel is a specialist experience provider in Catalonia, positioning its trips around slower travel, food, wine and independent local producers. The company describes private visits to small-scale farms, boutique wineries and artisan businesses, often with opportunities to meet the owners responsible for the work. The aim is to connect travel with the culture, landscape and produce of the region. Its approach combines private trip design with an emphasis on sustainable and locally rooted experiences. Instead of standardised stops, the business describes visits organised around personal interactions, tastings and producer stories. These features make Barcelona Slow Travel a suitable research prospect for gastronomic tourism, private tours and responsible experience design. As the emphasis is on a premium niche rather than high visitor volume, the programme could examine how well the company balances guest service and meaningful local partnerships.