Call for Entries: PATA Gold Awards 2026 Returns to Spotlight Tourism Excellence

The PATA Gold Awards 2026 are shaping up to be one of the most significant editions yet, especially as they coincide with PATA’s 75th anniversary.

What’s New in 2026
- Three new award titles → Expanding the program to 27 specialised categories, ensuring alignment with evolving industry priorities.
- Categories → Two major pillars remain:
- Marketing
- Sustainability & Social Responsibility
- Judging process → Thorough, independent, and impact-driven, focusing on innovation, measurable results, and real-world influence.

Timeline
- Entry period: March 1 – May 15, 2026 (Bangkok time).
- Early-bird discount: 50% off for submissions made between March 1 – 31, 2026.
- Awards ceremony: August 19, 2026, at PATA Travel Mart in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.

Benefits of Participation
- Exposure to an elite panel of international experts.
- Global media coverage via PATA’s promotional platforms.
- Feature placement in the Winners’ Showcase e-booklet and video.
- Complimentary access to PATA Travel Mart 2026.

Leadership Voices
- Noor Ahmad Hamid (PATA CEO): Emphasized the awards’ reputation as a trusted mark of excellence and their role in recognizing impactful, innovative work.
- Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes (MGTO Director): Highlighted the awards as a platform to showcase tourism’s beauty and innovation, reinforcing Macao’s role in supporting industry diversification.

This year’s expansion to 27 categories signals a clear recognition of new priorities in tourism—likely areas such as digital innovation, inclusivity, and regenerative travel.