Montenegro’s Luxury Hospitality Sector Gains Global Spotlight Through World Travel Awards Europe Gala

(IN SHORT) World Travel Awards has selected Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort in Montenegro as the host venue for its Europe Gala Ceremony 2026, marking the organisation’s first event in the country in its 33-year history. Scheduled for 17 October 2026, the ceremony will gather leading figures from across Europe’s travel and tourism sector to recognise excellence in categories covering hotels, airlines, destinations, tour operators and other industry segments. The choice of Kotor Bay highlights Montenegro’s growing profile as a luxury hospitality destination, with Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort offering a waterfront setting surrounded by the mountains and waters of one of the Adriatic’s most scenic regions. The event will also spotlight UNESCO-listed Kotor, a historic town known for its medieval streets, Romanesque churches, fortified walls and panoramic bay views. World Travel Awards Founder Graham Cooke said the ceremony will showcase Montenegro’s increasing importance on the global tourism stage, while Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort General Manager Hans Prins said the resort is proud to welcome the international travel community. The ceremony forms part of WTA’s wider Grand Tour, which includes events in destinations such as Zanzibar, the Maldives, Saint Lucia and the United Arab Emirates before the Grand Final in Tanzania.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, UK, 2026-May-20 — /Travel PR News/ — World Travel Awards has announced that Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort in Montenegro will host the Europe Gala Ceremony 2026, marking the organisation’s first event in Montenegro since its founding 33 years ago.

The ceremony will take place on 17 October 2026 and is expected to bring together senior leaders, decision-makers and representatives from across Europe’s travel and tourism industry. The event will recognise excellence across a wide range of categories, including hotels, destinations, airlines, tour operators and other key sectors of the tourism economy.

The selection of Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort as host venue places Montenegro in the spotlight as an emerging destination for luxury hospitality and high-profile international tourism events. Set along the waterfront of Kotor Bay, the resort combines contemporary design with a strong connection to its Adriatic surroundings, offering upscale accommodation, dining and wellness experiences framed by views of the bay and surrounding mountains.

Kotor itself is one of Montenegro’s most recognised tourism destinations. The UNESCO-listed town is known for its historic old town, Romanesque churches, elegant squares and narrow stone lanes, all set within ancient city walls. Above the town, the fortress and defensive walls climb into the mountains, offering panoramic views across one of the Adriatic’s most dramatic natural settings.

Graham Cooke, Founder of World Travel Awards, said hosting the Europe Gala Ceremony in Montenegro for the first time reflects the country’s rising profile as a centre for luxury hospitality. He described Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort as an ideal setting for the gathering, highlighting its Adriatic elegance, location and ability to showcase Montenegro’s growing role in global tourism.

Hans Prins, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort, said the resort is honoured to serve as the Official Host Partner for the World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony 2026. He said the event reflects the resort’s commitment to creating elevated and memorable guest experiences while combining international hospitality standards with the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Kotor Bay.

The Europe Gala Ceremony forms part of the World Travel Awards Grand Tour, the organisation’s annual series of red-carpet events held across different continents. The 2026 programme includes destinations such as Zanzibar, the Maldives, Saint Lucia and the United Arab Emirates, before concluding with the Grand Final in Tanzania.

By hosting the Europe Gala Ceremony, Montenegro will gain an opportunity to showcase its hospitality sector, cultural heritage and Adriatic tourism appeal to an influential international audience. The event is also expected to support the country’s positioning as a competitive destination for luxury travel, meetings and high-end tourism experiences.

Notes to Editors

About World Travel Awards
World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the WTA brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. For more information visit worldtravelawards.com.

About Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort
Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort is a premier waterfront retreat blending contemporary elegance with the region’s natural beauty. Just moments from Kotor’s historic Old Town, the destination features 252 refined accommodations and private villas, with 25 new apartments arriving in April 2027. Guests can experience a private beach, marina, the medical-led Vrmac Health & Wellbeing Retreat, and Spa Soul. Diverse dining options include the signature Lighthouse restaurant and the vibrant Olé! Beach & Bar. Complemented by modern event spaces and a new ballroom, the resort offers an immersive Adriatic escape for leisure, weddings and corporate gatherings alike.

Email: pr@worldtravelawards.com
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7925 0000
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7925 2552

SOURCE: World Travel Awards