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.

Travel/Tourism

Sicily Activities

Sicily Activities is a Taormina-based travel operator designing private and small-group journeys around Sicily. Its itineraries combine the island’s historic towns, landscapes, cuisine, wine producers and cultural traditions. The company offers multi-day trips, one-day experiences and tailored programmes, including specialist culinary tours and routes across eastern and western Sicily. For its scheduled small-group itineraries, the operator advertises a maximum group size of eight, alongside local guiding and transport arrangements. The emphasis on intimate departures and adaptable private travel gives the company a clear position in the boutique touring segment. It would be a relevant prospective nominee for destination management, regional cultural tourism and small-group service. The company’s full legal identity is listed on its website, which can help the awards team carry out further business and licence checks.

Travel/Tourism

Hidden Iceland

Hidden Iceland is an Icelandic boutique travel agency and destination management business specialising in private guided journeys and premium self-drive trips. It creates itineraries around the country’s glaciers, highlands, volcanic scenery, geothermal sites and wildlife, combining major landmarks with less heavily visited locations. The operator is authorised by the Icelandic Tourist Board and works with guides and selected local activity partners. The company presents detailed itinerary design and personalised service as central to its offering, with trips adaptable for families, couples and specialist interests. It also publishes an emphasis on environmental care and responsible destination management. Hidden Iceland could therefore be considered for boutique destination services, adventure travel and premium itinerary design. Its certification and any travel-sector accolades should be confirmed against the relevant issuing bodies before appearing in formal nomination materials.

Travel/Tourism

Alternative Athens

Alternative Athens develops guided experiences that explore both the familiar attractions and everyday culture of Athens and the wider Greek mainland. The business offers city walks, food tours, mythology and heritage experiences, day trips and longer itineraries. Its programme also includes private journeys and self-drive travel designed to help visitors engage with places beyond standard sightseeing routes. The operator blends historical interpretation with local experiences such as food, crafts and neighbourhood exploration. Small-group formats and individually arranged tours give it flexibility to serve different visitors, from families to culturally curious independent travellers. It is a potential nominee for cultural travel experiences, creative itinerary design and specialist destination tours. The most useful evidence for judging would include guide expertise, accessibility, service standards and the measured impact of its sustainability commitments.

Travel/Tourism

Rutopía

Rutopía is a Mexico-based travel business designing personalised journeys that connect visitors with regional destinations and local hosts. Its model combines travel advice, bookings and itinerary design with relationships involving communities, guides and independent accommodation providers. Travellers can specify their interests and preferred style of trip, with the company’s team creating a custom programme rather than selling only preset packages. The business began from an interest in how tourism could support rural and Indigenous communities while respecting cultural and environmental assets. It has developed a strong focus on community participation and describes impact reporting as part of its operating model. Rutopía would be a prospective fit for travel technology, sustainable itinerary design and community-based tourism categories. Published certifications and social impact figures should be verified if cited as evidence in a nomination.

Travel/Tourism

Rios Adventure Travel

Rios Adventure Travel is a Costa Rican outdoor tour operator focused on rafting and river-based adventure experiences. The company describes its origins in a team of guides who previously worked in the country’s established river tourism sector and later formed an independent business. Its trips include whitewater journeys on rivers such as the Pacuare, Sarapiquí and Reventazón, together with options for different experience levels. The product is built around guided time in tropical landscapes where river activity, nature observation and local knowledge are closely linked. Small specialist companies in this field depend on operational planning, equipment and well-trained guides, making service delivery and risk management essential areas for assessment. Rios Adventure Travel is an appropriate research prospect for adventure tourism, active holidays and independent tour operations. The company’s current safety credentials and policies should be checked before a formal invitation or endorsement.

Travel/Tourism

Impulse Travel

Impulse Travel is a Colombia-focused tour business that designs experiences around local culture and meaningful connections with people. Its programmes seek to show visitors the country through community stories, music, heritage and creative initiatives rather than only conventional sightseeing. The operator describes itself as a purpose-led commercial business and works with local partners to deliver tourism activities. Community collaboration is a visible part of the company’s approach, with its impact materials discussing relationships with grassroots projects and social enterprises. This provides an interesting model for how incoming tourism can create economic opportunities while introducing travellers to parts of Colombia’s cultural life. Impulse Travel would be a prospective candidate for meaningful travel experiences, community tourism and destination innovation. Its self-reported impact measures should be considered starting points for further verification, not independent proof of outcomes.

Travel/Tourism

Evolution Treks Peru

Evolution Treks Peru organises guided hikes and related adventure experiences in the Cusco and Machu Picchu region. The company is known for its stated focus on trekking staff welfare and the involvement of women in roles historically dominated by men. Its tourism offering includes traditional Inca Trail trips and specialised departures, including journeys designed around women guides and support teams. The operator describes changes to porter equipment, working conditions and opportunities as fundamental to its business approach. These commitments are especially relevant in a destination where multi-day trekking relies on the labour and expertise of local support crews. Evolution Treks Peru could be considered for responsible adventure tourism, inclusive operations and specialist guided travel. Its policy claims, employment practices and environmental procedures should be independently reviewed before the organisation is assessed for an award.

Travel/Tourism

Chile Nativo Travel

Chile Nativo Travel is an adventure operator based in Puerto Natales, a gateway to Chilean Patagonia. The company arranges guided treks, self-guided journeys and custom adventures in destinations including Torres del Paine, Tierra del Fuego and other southern landscapes. Its itineraries are designed for travellers interested in hiking, cycling and remote outdoor settings, with route planning informed by local terrain and conditions. The business traces its work in Patagonia to 2001 and positions first-hand destination expertise as a central asset. Its range of group and individual formats lets travellers select the level of support that suits their experience and interests. Chile Nativo Travel is a relevant prospect for wilderness guiding, adventure destination management and responsible outdoor experiences. For award evaluation, evidence about the consistency of guiding, safety systems and care for sensitive landscapes would be particularly important.

Travel/Tourism

Come to Ecuador Travel

Come to Ecuador Travel is a locally run tour operator creating customised journeys through Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. The company describes a small-team model led by local guides Andres Reinoso and Victor Dávila, with an emphasis on personal attention rather than high-volume departures. Its destination coverage includes the Andes, Amazon, Pacific coast and islands, combining wildlife, cultural attractions and outdoor experiences. For visitors, the company provides itinerary advice, guiding and on-the-ground arrangements suited to couples, families, individuals and smaller groups. The range of environments within one country creates opportunities for carefully planned multi-region trips, making practical destination knowledge a valuable part of the service. Come to Ecuador Travel could be considered for tailor-made travel, small-group destination management and specialist nature experiences. Any claims regarding booking volumes or guide qualifications should be confirmed during the nominations process.

Travel/Tourism

Say Hueque

Say Hueque is an Argentina-based travel company founded in 1999 that organises tailor-made journeys in Argentina, Chile and other South American destinations. Its itineraries cover Patagonia, major natural landmarks, regional food and wine, culture and outdoor experiences. The company serves travellers with different preferences, including independent road trips, hiking programmes, family travel and boutique-style itineraries. The operator places local knowledge and responsible travel at the centre of its positioning and describes initiatives related to conservation and community participation. With a longer operating history than many start-up travel businesses, it offers an example of how a regional specialist can develop a recognisable brand around destination depth. Say Hueque is a potential prospect for destination management, sustainable tourism and custom itinerary planning. Its certifications and environmental claims should be checked against current documentation.

Travel/Tourism

Wheel the World

Wheel the World is a travel technology company focused on making travel more accessible to people with disabilities and travellers with different mobility needs. With operations including a base in California, the platform brings together information about accessible hotels, activities, transport and multi-day experiences. Its service uses detailed accessibility information, photographs and measurements to help customers make informed booking decisions. The company also offers personalised guidance and tools that match travellers with options suited to their needs. Its business model addresses a practical information gap in travel: the difference between an accommodation provider describing itself as accessible and a guest knowing whether the facilities will actually work for them. Wheel the World could be a strong prospect for inclusive tourism, accessible travel innovation and specialist booking technology. Current company size and the scope of its verification methods should be confirmed before formal assessment.

Travel/Tourism

Black & Abroad

Black & Abroad is a travel and lifestyle company that has developed a platform around culturally conscious journeys and greater visibility for Black travellers. Founded in 2015, it combines curated international travel experiences with digital content, events and a community-oriented approach to destination discovery. Its work aims to connect travellers with experiences shaped by shared interests, cultural curiosity and representation. The company’s activities span more than tour booking, blending destination storytelling with the organisation of trips and gatherings. This gives it a different position from a conventional retail travel agency, particularly in the way content and community help shape customers’ decisions. Black & Abroad is a potential prospect for niche travel brands, inclusive tourism experiences and travel marketing innovation. The organisation’s current offerings, operating locations and size should be confirmed before outreach.

Travel/Tourism

Alaska Wildland Adventures

Alaska Wildland Adventures is an Alaska-based outdoor travel operator with a history dating to 1977. It creates small-group experiences centred on the state’s wildlife, rivers, forests and coastal landscapes. The business operates wilderness lodge accommodation in the Kenai region and combines these properties with guided activities and organised holiday programmes. Its approach is based on giving guests access to outdoor environments without requiring them to arrange every aspect of transport, accommodation and excursions themselves. Activities can include wildlife observation, rafting, hiking and family-oriented journeys, with local guides playing a major role in the experience. Alaska Wildland Adventures could be considered for nature tourism, small-group adventure hospitality and specialist lodge-based itineraries. Its stated commitment to environmental stewardship should be evaluated alongside evidence of on-the-ground practices.

Travel/Tourism

Frontiers North Adventures

Frontiers North Adventures is a family-owned Canadian travel business specialising in the wildlife and landscapes around Churchill, Manitoba. Founded in 1987, it runs northern experiences associated with polar bears, beluga whales and the aurora. The company is known for its specialised Tundra Buggy vehicles and for programmes that help visitors explore subarctic environments with experienced guides. Its travel offering combines wildlife watching with interpretation of the region’s ecology and cultural setting. Certain expeditions involve collaborations with conservation organisations and educational partners, and the business publicly describes a commitment to responsible tourism. This makes Frontiers North a potential prospect for specialist wildlife experiences, destination expertise and conservation-linked adventure travel. Current permits, certifications and the terms of any conservation-related claims should be verified as part of a formal judging process.

Travel/Tourism

Moccasin Trails

Moccasin Trails is an Indigenous-owned travel and cultural experience provider operating in British Columbia. Its activities connect visitors with Indigenous histories, stories and relationships to land and water in the Okanagan and Shuswap regions. Experiences include culturally guided canoe and walking journeys, often involving Knowledge Keepers who share teachings, perspectives and traditions with participants. Alongside visitor tours, the organisation offers learning, training and relationship-building services for businesses and institutions. Its tourism model is based on Indigenous leadership and on experiences developed with respect for local cultural protocols. This creates a distinctive fit for categories concerning Indigenous tourism, educational travel and inclusive destination experiences. For awards consideration, the organisers should evaluate its work through respectful engagement with the provider and avoid treating cultural knowledge simply as a commercial product.

Travel/Tourism

Vancouver Foodie Tours

Vancouver Foodie Tours is a Canadian culinary tourism company established by Michelle Ng in 2010. It offers hosted food experiences through parts of Vancouver including Granville Island, Gastown and the city’s diverse Asian dining scene. The business builds walking tours around local food businesses, markets and neighbourhood stories, using the city’s culinary variety as the starting point for exploration. The company’s format joins tastings with guiding and opportunities to learn about local producers and restaurants. Its published story places connection between visitors, hosts and the community at the centre of the experience. Vancouver Foodie Tours could be a candidate for food tourism, city experiences and specialist guest service. Its relationships with local partners and track record of customer satisfaction would offer useful areas for a judging panel to assess against independent supporting evidence.

Travel/Tourism

Frying Pan Adventures

Frying Pan Adventures is a Dubai-based specialist in food and cultural walking tours, founded in 2013 by sisters Arva and Farida. The company’s experiences introduce visitors to the city through neighbourhood eateries, local markets and the culinary traditions of the communities that have shaped Dubai. Its routes can include regional street foods, traditional dishes and stories about the people behind the kitchens. By using food as a lens for culture and history, the operator offers an alternative view of a destination often associated with large attractions and luxury development. Its experience design is rooted in locally informed storytelling and smaller-scale encounters with food businesses. Frying Pan Adventures would be a relevant prospect for urban food tourism, cultural interpretation and boutique experiences. Its current range of tours and guide credentials can be confirmed through direct contact before any invitation.

Travel/Tourism

Experience Jordan Adventures

Experience Jordan Adventures is a Jordan-based travel company organising guided outdoor and cultural experiences. Established as a brand in 2013, it brings visitors to landscapes and heritage destinations through hiking, cycling, sightseeing and tailored itineraries. Its programmes include opportunities to explore routes between major sites, meet local communities and experience traditional food and hospitality. The company describes a mission to improve lives through adventure tourism, with attention to its staff, suppliers and host communities. Its approach connects physical activity with cultural encounters, allowing guests to experience more of Jordan than a standard point-to-point sightseeing trip. Experience Jordan Adventures is a prospective fit for adventure tour operations, destination management and responsible tourism. Judges would need to assess how its stated commitments are supported by operational systems and evidence of guest outcomes.

Travel/Tourism

HUSAAK

HUSAAK is an outdoor adventure company operating experiences in Oman and Saudi Arabia. Its portfolio includes guided journeys in wadis, deserts, mountain areas and cultural landscapes, bringing together hiking and other outdoor activities with local guiding. The company presents its routes as an opportunity to explore parts of the Arabian Peninsula that are less visible in conventional tourism itineraries. Its work involves designing experiences around terrain, seasonality and local knowledge, from short guided activities to multi-day adventures. The company advertises operational contacts in both Oman and Saudi Arabia, making it an example of a regional specialist rather than a single-city operator. HUSAAK is a potential prospect for adventure tourism, specialist expedition design and destination experience development. Its formal base, ownership, guide credentials and safety systems should be independently checked before a nomination is accepted.

Travel/Tourism

Embrace Doha

Embrace Doha is an independent, women-run cultural house in Qatar that introduces visitors and residents to Qatari customs and heritage. Based in Souq Al Wakrah, it hosts experiences built around traditional hospitality, conversation and hands-on cultural learning. Activities described on its website include souq tours, coffee ceremonies, weaving, Arabic calligraphy and workshops connected with traditional crafts. The venue is designed to create space for exchange rather than passive sightseeing. Guests can ask questions, explore everyday practices and learn from people with relevant cultural knowledge. Alongside tourism experiences, Embrace Doha offers cultural events and consultancy services. It is a potential prospect for cultural tourism, visitor education and heritage interpretation. Awards assessment should recognise its cultural purpose while independently reviewing programme delivery, accessibility and participant experience.

Travel/Tourism

Bahrain Travellers & Consulting

Bahrain Travellers & Consulting is a Bahrain-based travel and consulting business established by Cosimo Staffieri. It organises private and group tours, shore excursions, holiday packages, accommodation bookings and ground transfers for visitors exploring the Kingdom. The company also supports businesses and individuals seeking local guidance, creating a wider service offering than a conventional sightseeing operator. Its tourism model centres on practical destination coordination and customised visitor arrangements, particularly for guests who want assistance in navigating a less familiar market. The combination of travel operations and business consulting gives it a distinctive role in local services. Bahrain Travellers & Consulting would be a potential nominee for specialist tour services, travel planning and incoming destination support. The scope of its activities and current operating licences should be confirmed directly before outreach.

Travel/Tourism

Alternative Beirut

Alternative Beirut is a Lebanon-based creative and educational venture offering guided experiences that explore the many layers of Beirut. Established in 2015, it develops walking tours relating to urban history, art, social change and the neighbourhoods of the city. Its experiences examine places through their architecture, public spaces and lived stories, with tours designed to connect historic events and present-day urban life. The company also organises workshops and events, giving it a broader role in cultural interpretation and education. It has developed additional travel activity beyond the capital under the Alternative Lebanon name. The organisation is a relevant prospect for heritage walks, creative urban tourism and destination storytelling. Since some subjects covered by its programmes are complex or sensitive, editorial materials should describe their themes accurately without implying that the awards organiser endorses any particular interpretation.