About GTE Awards

The Global Tourism Excellence Awards were created to honor the most exceptional experiences in global travel — not through voting campaigns or commercial influence, but by listening to the most trusted voice in tourism: the guest.

At GTE Awards, we believe that recognition should be earned — not bought. Our awards are based entirely on verified public reviews from platforms such as TripAdvisor and Google. Every year, we evaluate thousands of tourism businesses across the world, selecting the top performers in categories like Hotels, Tours & Activities, Restaurants, Wellness, and more.

Businesses cannot apply for the award or influence the process. Selection is independent and driven by consistent guest satisfaction, high ratings, and long-term service excellence. Only those who meet our criteria are invited to become official GTE Award Winners or Nominees.

Those who choose to participate receive more than just recognition. They join a global showcase of excellence — supported by a handcrafted glass trophy, a dedicated spotlight on our website, and promotional visibility through our digital magazine and newsletter.

We are proud to highlight the best in travel — from hidden gems in remote corners to internationally acclaimed icons — united by one thing: the consistent delivery of outstanding guest experiences.

Whether you’re a business committed to excellence or a traveler seeking the extraordinary, the GTE Awards are your mark of trust, authenticity, and world-class quality.

Celebrating experiences that travelers never forget.

How it started…

The idea for the GTE Awards was born from a simple question: What if the best in travel were recognized not by panels or popularity, but by the people who’ve actually been there?

Frustrated by industry awards driven by nominations, fees, or promotional votes, we set out to build something different — a global recognition platform rooted in authenticity. One that celebrates genuine excellence, measured by guest satisfaction alone.

What began as a passion project has since grown into a trusted standard for businesses across the world — from boutique hotels and wellness retreats to unforgettable tours and hidden gems.

Our Philosophy…

At GTE Awards, we believe that recognition should be earned — not purchased.

Our mission is to honor travel experiences that consistently deliver quality, care, and joy to their guests. We trust the voice of the traveler because it’s real, spontaneous, and impossible to fake. That’s why our awards are based entirely on public reviews — with no applications, no campaigns, and no shortcuts.

Excellence should feel organic. Authentic. Deserved.
That’s the standard we celebrate.

The future is bright.

As the world reopens and travelers continue to seek meaningful, unforgettable experiences, we believe the importance of authenticity in tourism has never been greater.

The GTE Awards will continue to evolve — expanding across new countries, recognizing new categories, and shining a light on those who go above and beyond for their guests. Our commitment remains the same: to celebrate the businesses that travelers genuinely love, year after year.

This is just the beginning.
And we’re honored to have you with us on the journey.