Australia’s largest awards program recognising women in the travel industry is back, with nominations now open for the 2026 Women in Travel Awards.
Now in its ninth year, the awards celebrate women making an impact across every corner of the sector, from travel advisors and aviation professionals to entrepreneurs, marketers and executive leaders.
The awards are free to enter, with winners to be announced at a gala event in Sydney on 2 December.
This year’s program introduces two new categories—Travel Advisor of the Year and Unsung Hero—alongside updated criteria for the Business Development Manager of the Year and Reservation Executive/Manager of the Year awards.
Travel Weekly Managing Director and Publisher Hoda Alzubaidi said the awards had become an important opportunity to recognise the women shaping the future of Australia’s travel industry.
“The Women in Travel Awards are about so much more than winning an award. They’re about celebrating the incredible women who keep our industry moving forward every day and giving them the recognition they deserve,” she said.
“I’m incredibly proud that entering the awards is completely free because recognition should never come with a price tag.”
Alzubaidi also encouraged colleagues and industry peers to nominate women who may not otherwise put themselves forward.
“Some of the most deserving women never put themselves forward, so this is a chance to celebrate someone who has made a difference,” she said.
This year’s theme, “Never Too Much,” is designed to celebrate ambition, authenticity and women confidently taking up space as leaders.
The awards span 18 categories, recognising achievements across aviation, cruise, tourism, travel technology, entrepreneurship, sustainability, leadership, mentoring and marketing, while also recognising organisations through the Employer of the Year award and allies through the Male Champion of Change category.
Key dates
- Entries open: 20 July
- Standard entries close: 25 September
- Late entries close: 2 October
- Finalists announced: 4 November
- Awards gala: 2 December, Sydney