Montenegro’s Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort to host World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony 2026

World Travel Awards (WTA) has announced that Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort will host its prestigious Europe Gala Ceremony 2026 – marking the organisation’s first event in Montenegro in its 33-year history. The VIP reception on 17 October 2026 will bring together leaders from across the continent to celebrate the finest in travel and tourism.

Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort is a refined waterfront retreat set against the striking backdrop of Kotor Bay. The resort blends contemporary elegance with a strong sense of place, offering stylish accommodation, world-class dining and wellness experiences, surrounded by dramatic views of the mountains and bay.

UNESCO-listed Kotor is a captivating Adriatic town tucked into the dramatic Kotor Bay and framed by steep mountains. Within its ancient gates lie Romanesque churches, elegant squares and a maze of winding lanes, while above, the fortress and city walls rise steeply into the mountains, revealing panoramic views across the bay.

Graham Cooke, Founder, WTA, says: “It is a privilege to stage our Europe Gala Ceremony in Montenegro for the first time, which underscores the nation’s emergence as a hub of luxury hospitality. Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort encapsulates Adriatic elegance in a stunning location, making it an ideal setting for our industry’s premier gathering. We anticipate a powerful night of recognition, networking and storytelling that will showcase Montenegro’s growing role on the global tourism stage.”

Hans Prins, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort, says: “We are honoured 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 dedication to crafting 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 see winners recognised across a wide range of categories spanning hotels, airlines, tour operators and destinations. The evening forms part of WTA’s Grand Tour, an annual series of red-carpet events hosted across each continent. This year’s destinations include Zanzibar, Maldives, Saint Lucia and United Arab Emirates, culminating in the Grand Final in Tanzania.

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.

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.