The Qatar Tourism Awards have revealed their shortlist for the fourth edition, in collaboration with the World Tourism Organisation. Public voting has officially begun, allowing individuals to play a role in determining this year’s winners from an impressive slate of nominees.
Nominees and Categories
A total of 276 nominees emerged from over 1,623 submissions across 35 subcategories organized into seven major categories. This year, voting is open from October 5 to October 12, 2026, encouraging both residents and tourists to express their preferences and honor contributors to Qatar’s flourishing tourism sector. The awards ceremony will take place on November 23, recognizing individuals and organizations that are significantly enhancing the tourist experience in Qatar.
Key Categories and Nominations
In the Service Excellence category, 83 nominees have been shortlisted across 11 subcategories, including Outstanding 3-Star Hotel, Outstanding 4-Star Hotel, Outstanding 5-Star Hotel, and various experience-based awards like Exceptional Spa Experience and Exceptional Resort Experience. Each segment spotlights the commitment to service quality and guest satisfaction.
For Gastronomic Experiences, 61 nominees compete in six subcategories. This includes categories like Outstanding Fine Dining Experience and Outstanding Authentic Qatari Dining Experience, highlighting the region’s culinary diversity and the importance of food culture in tourism.
Tourism Activities and Events
In the realm of Iconic Attractions & Activities, 40 nominees span six subcategories, ranging from Outstanding Cultural Tourism Experience to Premier Shopping Mall Experience. This category emphasizes the importance of unique experiences available to visitors, showcasing what Qatar has to offer in terms of adventure and local culture.
Additionally, the World-Class Events category features 25 nominees in four subcategories, including the highly anticipated Top MICE Event of the Year and Outstanding Multi-purpose MICE & Events Venue. Events play a significant role in attracting tourists, and these nominations recognize excellence in event management.
Digital Innovation in Tourism
The Digital Footprint category includes 25 nominees, emphasizing the growing importance of online presence in tourism. Categories like Outstanding Destination Campaign and Tourism Influencer of the Year reflect how digital marketing and social media are increasingly shaping travelers’ choices.
The Smart & Sustainable Tourism category features 30 nominees, highlighting initiatives that promote eco-friendly practices and innovative solutions within the tourism sector. From Accessibility Initiative of the Year to Leading Eco-Friendly Accommodation, these nominations reinforce the importance of sustainability in Qatar’s tourism strategy.
The Community Leadership category concludes the shortlist, focusing on the impact of individual hoteliers on local tourism. This comprehensive set of nominees aims to highlight various aspects of Qatar’s tourism landscape, from luxurious accommodations to authentic dining and unique activities.
The Qatar Tourism Awards not only recognize excellence in the sector but also drive home the importance of community engagement and service quality. With diverse categories and nominations, this year’s awards promise to illuminate the efforts that make Qatar a prominent destination on the global tourism map. For a complete list of nominees, please visit the official Qatar Tourism awards page.