Hungarian tourism among Europe’s finest: Local hotels shine at the ‘Oscars of Tourism’

Europe’s most distinguished tourism brands, including several from Hungary, were recognised at the World Travel Awards Europe 2025 gala, held this year at the iconic Forte Village Resort in Sardinia. The glittering red-carpet evening marked the fourth stop of the WTA Grand Tour 2025, where leaders of the tourism sector gathered to celebrate excellence and innovation across the industry.

Europe’s elite: Top honours of the year

The most prestigious title of the evening, Europe’s Leading Destination 2025, went to Portugal, while Madeira was named Europe’s Leading Island Destination. Spain, Greece, and Georgia also achieved major distinctions: Huesca La Magia triumphed in adventure tourism, the East Macedonia and Thrace region was recognised as an emerging destination, and Batumi was praised as a year-round travel hotspot.

Cannes was crowned Europe’s Leading Festival & Event Destination, while Madrid claimed the title of Europe’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination, reaffirming its status as a hub for global business gatherings.

Hungarian success stories: Recognising domestic tourism excellence

This year, fifteen Hungarian organisations and companies received accolades in the “Hungary’s Leading…” categories, showcasing the country’s expanding and high-quality tourism offering.

• Charm Hotel Budapest (formerly Boutique Hotel Budapest) – Hungary’s Leading Boutique Hotel 2025
• Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest – Hungary’s Leading Business Hotel 2025 and Hungary’s Leading Hotel Suite 2025 (Royal Suite)
• Hilton Budapest – Hungary’s Leading Hotel 2025
• Millennium Court, Budapest – Marriott Executive Apartments – Hungary’s Leading Hotel Residences 2025
• Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest – Hungary’s Leading Luxury Hotel 2025
• Hotel Európa Fit – Hungary’s Leading Resort 2025
• ESCALA Hotel & Suites – Hungary’s Leading Serviced Apartments 2025
• Hertz – Hungary’s Leading Car Rental Company 2025
• Blaguss DMC – Hungary’s Leading Destination Management Company 2025
• AD-Travel – Hungary’s Leading Online Travel Agency 2025
• Cityrama Budapest – Hungary’s Leading Tour Operator 2025
• Araamu Travel – Hungary’s Leading Travel Agency 2025

The awardees once again demonstrated that Hungary’s hotel, travel, and transport sectors are key players in European tourism — reliable, attractive, and increasingly innovative.

• Huge success for Hungarian tourism: First Michelin Key hotels have been announced!

International recognition and industry prestige

Graham Cooke, founder of the World Travel Awards, described the gala as a “star-studded and inspiring event” where the very best of European tourism continued to raise industry standards. Lorenzo Giannuzzi, CEO of Forte Village Resort, added: “It was an honour to host this event and showcase the philosophy of authentic Italian hospitality.”

Among Europe’s celebrated hotels and travel service providers, several Hungarian representatives stood out, including the Hilton Budapest, Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest, and Marriott Executive Apartments. Meanwhile, Hertz, AD-Travel, and Araamu Travel were recognised as respected players in Hungary’s travel market.

The venue: Forte Village, Sardinia

The Mediterranean island’s charm, combined with Forte Village Resort’s legendary hospitality, provided an idyllic setting for this exclusive award ceremony. Michelin-starred cuisine and coastal elegance set the stage for an unforgettable evening celebrating the best in European tourism.