Spanish hospitality and regional hot spots have bought home 11 top honours, including major wins for Southern Spain and the Costa Dorada at the World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony in Montenegro.
Spain wins its first European adventure tourism title
Spain’s victory in the adventure tourism category adds another dimension to a country already known internationally for its beaches, cities, culture and food.
World Travel Awards announced its European winners at the Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort in Montenegro, the 2026 event was the 20th anniversary Europe Gala Ceremony and the first World Travel Awards ceremony to be held in Montenegro.
Spain faced strong competition across the European categories, with Portugal bagging Europe’s Leading Destination. Spain nevertheless finished with 11 continental awards.
Madrid celebrates ninth consecutive victory
Madrid continued an exceptional run by winning Europe’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination 2026. This was the Spanish capital’s ninth consecutive victory in the category, having won every year since 2018. Madrid beat fellow nominees including Barcelona, Athens, Berlin, Frankfurt, London, Milan, Paris, Porto and Vienna.
Tourism experiences brought more success for Spain with Puy du Fou España, the historical theme park near Toledo, retaining its title as Europe’s Leading Theme Park, following its victory in 2025.
Real Madrid’s Tour Bernabeu was named Europe’s Leading Football Stadium Tourism Experience for a second consecutive year. The Bernabeu tour also won the European title in 2023, while Bayern Munich took the award in 2024.
Costa Dorada beach club makes it five in a row
Catalonia added to Spain’s tally through Infinitum Beach Club, which was named Europe’s Leading Beach Club for the fifth consecutive year. Located on the Costa Dorada, Infinitum has held the European title every year since 2022. Twelve candidates competed for the 2026 award, including Spanish nominees Blue Marlin Ibiza, Gecko Beach Club, Nikki Beach Marbella, Purobeach Palma and The Beach – La Reserva Club Sotogrande.
Spanish hotels also enjoyed success. Madrid’s Gran Hotel Ingles won its first Europe’s Leading Luxury Boutique Hotel title, while Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona received European recognition in the luxury hotel and spa category.
Southern Spain joined the celebrations through SO/ Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort, which took its first European lifestyle resort award.
Spanish travel companies collect European honours
Spain’s victories went above and beyond destinations and accommodation. Kaizen Hoteles secured its fourth consecutive award as Europe’s leading independent hotel group, continuing a run that began in 2023. Luxury travel company NUBA also recorded a fourth consecutive European victory in its category, having won each year since 2023.
Spanish airline Volotea was named Europe’s Leading Low-Cost Airline 2026. It was the carrier’s fifth victory in the category after previous wins in 2021, 2022, 2024 and 2025.
Together, the results gave Spain an impressive 11 winners in Europe-wide categories. Next comes the World Travel Awards Grand Final, scheduled to take place in Tanzania on December 12, 2026, when the competition moves from regional to global honours, watch this space.