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Europe’s top travel and hospitality names gathered on the shores of Kotor Bay as the World Travel Awards held its 20th anniversary Europe Gala Ceremony in Montenegro, marking the first time in the awards’ 33‑year history that an event took place in the country. Several Irish destinations and companies emerged among the continent’s winners, collecting honours across leisure, meetings and visitor attractions.
A milestone evening in Kotor Bay
The ceremony took place at the Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort and drew leading tourism and hospitality brands from across Europe. Organisers said the gala celebrated the region’s most successful hotels, resorts, conference venues and visitor experiences.
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Major Irish wins on the European stage
Irish sites featured prominently in the headline categories. Trinity College Dublin was named Europe’s Leading Academic Tourist Attraction 2026, while Jameson Distillery Bow St won Europe’s Leading Distillery Tour 2026. Coastal and event properties also received recognition: Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa was crowned Europe’s Leading Island Resort 2026, Luttrellstown Castle Resort took the title of Europe’s Leading Luxury Wedding Resort, and The Convention Centre in Dublin won Europe’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre 2026.
Ireland and Northern Ireland: national category winners
Beyond the pan‑European awards, a wide range of categories specifically for Ireland and Northern Ireland were announced. The list below records the national winners named at the ceremony.
| Region | Category | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | Leading Boutique Hotel 2026 | Castle Leslie Estate |
| Ireland | Leading Business Hotel 2026 | InterContinental Dublin |
| Ireland | Leading Car Rental Company 2026 | Hertz |
| Ireland | Leading Destination Management Company 2026 | Moloney & Kelly |
| Ireland | Leading Hotel 2026 | Castle Leslie Estate |
| Ireland | Leading Hotel Suite 2026 | House Presidential Suite at Carton House |
| Ireland | Leading Luxury Hotel 2026 | Conrad Dublin |
| Ireland | Leading Online Travel Agency 2026 | loveholidays |
| Ireland | Leading Tour Operator 2026 | My Holiday Ireland |
| Ireland | Leading Travel Agency 2026 | Club Travel |
| Ireland | Leading Travel Management Company 2026 | Selective Travel Management |
| Ireland | Leading Whiskey Distillery Tour 2026 | Teeling Whiskey Distillery |
| Northern Ireland | Leading Boutique Hotel 2026 | The Harrison Chambers of Distinction |
| Northern Ireland | Leading Business Hotel 2026 | Hilton Belfast |
| Northern Ireland | Leading Car Rental Company 2026 | Hertz |
| Northern Ireland | Leading Destination Management Company 2026 | Tours of Derry |
| Northern Ireland | Leading Hotel 2026 | Titanic Hotel Belfast |
| Northern Ireland | Leading Resort 2026 | Dunluce Lodge |
| Northern Ireland | Leading Serviced Apartments 2026 | Central Belfast Apartments |
| Northern Ireland | Leading Tour Operator 2026 | Travel Solutions |
| Northern Ireland | Leading Travel Agency 2026 | Terra Travel |
For Irish tourism, the awards offer a fresh spotlight on attractions, hospitality and events that draw visitors and business travel. Recognition at the Europe Gala highlights services that can influence booking decisions and destination marketing across the continent.
