The Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort in Montenegro will host the World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony 2026 | News
World Travel Awards (WTA) has announced this Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort will host the prestigious Europe Gala Ceremony 2026 – the organization’s first event in Montenegro in its 33-year history. The VIP reception on October 17, 2026 will bring together leaders from across the continent to celebrate the best in travel and tourism.
Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort is a sophisticated waterfront retreat set against the striking backdrop of the Bay of Kotor. Combining contemporary elegance with a strong sense of place, the resort offers stylish accommodation, world-class dining and wellness experiences, surrounded by spectacular mountain and bay views.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kotor is a fascinating Adriatic city, hidden in the dramatic Bay of Kotor and surrounded by steep mountains. Within the ancient gates lie Romanesque churches, elegant squares and a maze of winding streets, while above, the fortress and city walls rise steeply into the mountains, revealing panoramic views over the bay.
Graham Cooke, Founder of WTA, said: “It is a privilege to host our European Gala Ceremony in Montenegro for the first time, underscoring the country’s emergence as a center of luxury hospitality. Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort encompasses Adriatic elegance in a beautiful location, making it an ideal setting for our industry’s most important gathering. We expect a powerful evening of recognition, networking and storytelling that will showcase Montenegro’s growing role on the global tourism stage.”
Hans Prins, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort, said: “We are honored 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 commitment to creating 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 recognize winners in a wide range of categories, including hotels, airlines, tour operators and destinations. The evening is part of WTA’s Grand Tour, an annual series of red carpet events hosted on every continent. This year’s destinations are Zanzibar, the Maldives, Saint Lucia and the United Arab Emirates, culminating in the grand finale in Tanzania.
