World Travel Awards to host first ceremony in Bahrain

World Travel Awards (WTA) has announced plans to stage its first-ever ceremony in Bahrain. The WTA Grand Final Gala Ceremony will take place at the landmark Exhibition World Bahrain on 9 December 2025, bringing together global travel and tourism leaders to recognise and celebrate the industry’s best of the best.

WTA’s debut aligns with Bahrain’s growing focus as a tourism hub, with the sector projected to contribute 11.4 percent to the nation’s GDP by 2026.

Linking the East and West, Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands in the Arabian Gulf. With a rich history spanning over 4,000 years, the Kingdom has long been a major trading hub and a centre for the pearl-diving industry.

Manama, Bahrain’s bustling capital, is a global centre for both business and leisure travellers, offering a gateway to Bahraini culture, history, shopping, and nightlife. Visitors can explore the historic Bahrain Fort, browse artisan markets, and immerse themselves in Manama’s thriving arts scene. The Kingdom’s blend of luxury venues and cultural heritage also makes it an increasingly popular destination for weddings.

Exhibition World Bahrain is a strategic catalyst for Bahrain’s economic growth, playing a pivotal role in positioning the Kingdom as a leading MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) destination.

The WTA Grand Final Gala Ceremony will mark the climax of the WTA Grand Tour 2025, a global search for the world’s finest travel organisations. Regional ceremonies are taking place in Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Cancún (Mexico), Hong Kong and Dubai (UAE).

Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, says: “I am honoured that World Travel Awards is heading to Bahrain for the first time, reflecting the Kingdom’s incredible tourism potential. Bahrain is a fascinating emerging destination, and I look forward to welcoming travel industry leaders from across the world to experience its many charms.”

Sarah Ahmed Buhiji, CEO of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, expressed enthusiasm about Exhibition World Bahrain hosting the World Travel Awards for the first time: “This is a significant achievement for Exhibition World Bahrain and highlights our dedication to promoting the Kingdom as a key destination for MICE events in the Middle East. This prestigious event will provide invaluable opportunities for networking and collaboration, further solidifying Bahrain’s position in the MICE sector and showcasing our commitment to exceptional hospitality and cultural heritage.”

Voting for the World Travel Awards 2025 is open for categories in Africa, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Middle East and North America, with the remaining regions set to open on 1 April.

World Travel Awards is still accepting late entries for all regions. Organisations interested in participating can submit their entries at worldtravelawards.com/enter.

WTA was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.

Today, the WTA brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.

Each year, WTA covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognise and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region.

WTA gala ceremonies are widely regarded as the best networking opportunities in the travel industry, attended by government and industry leaders, luminaries and international print and broadcast media.

For more information about WTA visit worldtravelawards.com.