On 11 September 2026, the inspirational finalists in BGTW’s International Tourism Awards (ITAs) and inaugural PR Recognition Awards were announced at The Newman, the elegant hotel in London’s Fitzrovia that just won its own honour, ‘Best New Hotel’ at the Boutique Hotelier Awards 2026.
The Newman’s gracious team generously hosted BGTW members as well as friends from TravMedia, the wonderful sponsor of BGTW’s new PR Recognition Awards. Gourmet canapés and wines were enjoyed in The Gambit bar before the shortlists were announced, followed by guided tours of the property GQ dubbed Most Stylish Hotel on the Planet 2026. The hotel is rooted in practices aimed at proving how travel experiences delivered in conscientious, community-minded ways can bring sustainable benefits to people, places, our planet and investors – an ethic that aligns with our ITAs.
2026 International Tourism Awards
Stuart Render, BGTW’s Awards Director and Vice Chair, revealed the 2026 ITA finalists, all projects visited, nominated and voted for by BGTW members for their environmental and community-minded principles:
Best UK Tourism Project
- Gorta – Swatragh’s Famine Story in Swatragh, County Derry-Londonderry;
- Kynren – The Storied Lands in Bishop Auckland, County Durham; and
- Museum of Homelessness (MoH) in London
Best Europe Tourism Project
- Musée Mémoires 39-45 in Calais, France;
- Shackleton Experience in Athy, County Kildare, Ireland; and
- Troodos Observatory in Cyprus
Best Wider World Tourism Project
- Casa da Farinha in Tapuio, Barreirinhas, Brazil;
- Katien Ranger Patrol in Cat Tien National Park, Vietnam; and
- Museum of the Bamoun Kings in Foumban, Cameroon
2026 PR Recognition Awards
Joined by Lucy People and Ash Pearson from TravMedia, the flagship sponsor of the BGTW PR Recognition Awards, Renate Ruge, BGTW’s Joint Chair, announced the PR finalists nominated and voted for by BGTW members for their tireless work and enthusiasm in providing opportunities that help make our work possible.
Agency or Freelance PR of the Year
- Esther Bell, HELLOMrsBell;
- Alison Cryer MBE; Representation Plus;
- Lynsey Devon; Heavenly Publicity;
- Vanessa Fisher, Vanessa Fisher PR;
- Surinder Manku; P1 Communications; and
- Ian Weightman, Ian Weightman PR
IN-house / Destination PR of the Year
- Benoît Diéval, Pas-de-Calais Tourism;
- Rachel Johnston, Atout France;
- Fran Lambert, Switzerland Tourism;
- Tania Peck, Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism;
- Magdalena Penz, Austria Tourism; and
- Sarangi Thilakasena, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau
The winners of the International Tourism Awards and the PR Recognition Awards will be announced at the BGTW’s Annual Gala Awards Dinner to be held on WTM-eve on 2nd November 2026.
