Qatar Tourism Awards 2026: Apply by September 16
Qatar Tourism and UN Tourism open applications for the fourth edition with 37 categories, a new Digital Creator award and a September 16 deadline.
Qatar’s hospitality and tourism sector now has a formal stage to compete on.
Qatar Tourism officially launched the fourth edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards during a press conference on June 17, 2026. The event invited tourism and hospitality businesses, institutions and professionals from across the sector to submit their entries. Applications are open from June 17 until September 16, 2026.
Winners will be announced at an official ceremony later this year.
Fourth Edition: Bigger, Broader, More Accessible
This year’s programme marks a clear step forward in scale and reach.
The awards have expanded to 37 categories, the largest lineup in the programme’s history since its launch in 2023. Qatar Tourism has also widened participation to welcome a broader range of businesses and individuals across the tourism sector.
One of the most notable additions is the Outstanding Qatar Vlog category a brand new award that recognises content creators who showcase Qatar’s tourism through video. This category is open to creators both inside and outside Qatar, making it the first time international participants can compete directly in the awards.
Omar Abdulrahman Al-Jaber, Chief of the Tourism Development Sector at Qatar Tourism, explained the significance of the programme:
“The Qatar Tourism Awards have become an important platform for recognising the individuals and organisations that contribute to delivering exceptional tourism experiences across Qatar. Since its launch, the programme has continued to evolve and expand year after year, reflecting the growth and increasing competitiveness of Qatar’s tourism sector. Through our continued partnership with UN Tourism, we remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of transparency, credibility and excellence while encouraging innovation and continuous development across the sector.”
A New Portal Built for Easier Applications
Qatar Tourism has launched a dedicated application portal built in collaboration with Hayya Platform.
The new platform replaces the previous submission process with a streamlined, user-friendly experience. It offers simplified profile creation, improved navigation and enhanced tools that allow applicants to manage their submissions more efficiently throughout the entire awards cycle.
For those who need additional support, Qatar Tourism will run a series of educational workshops during the application window. These sessions will cover profile creation, registration requirements, submission criteria and best practices for completing a strong entry. Applicants can also reach Qatar Tourism’s support team through its 106 contact centres.
UN Tourism’s Growing Role
The Qatar Tourism Awards are built on a partnership between Qatar Tourism and the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) a collaboration that has shaped the programme since its inception in 2023.
Jaime I. Mayaki, Director of International Development and Cooperation at UN Tourism, described the partnership’s direction:
“UN Tourism is proud to deepen its strategic partnership with Qatar Tourism as the Qatar Tourism Awards continue to expand their reach, influence and regional significance. Together, we are consolidating a leading platform for excellence, one that celebrates outstanding achievements, advances best practices across the sector and contributes to a more competitive, inclusive and sustainable tourism future for Qatar and the wider region.”
The programme has also drawn interest from European and GCC nations looking to replicate its model a sign of its expanding global credibility.
How Applications Are Judged
Submitted entries go through a structured two-stage process.
Qatar Tourism and UN Tourism first carry out a joint initial assessment of all submissions. Shortlisted applicants then move to a final evaluation conducted by an independent panel of both local and international experts. The panel composition will be announced at a later stage to maintain transparency and fairness throughout.
Previous editions of the awards received approximately 1,200 applications, with around 300 finalists selected for final evaluation.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the official portal at www.qtawards.qa. For queries or further information, applicants can contact [email protected].
The deadline is September 16, 2026. No late submissions will be considered.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Edition | 4th |
| Launch Date | June 17, 2026 |
| Deadline | September 16, 2026 |
| Categories | 37 |
| New Category | Outstanding Qatar Vlog |
| Portal | www.qtawards.qa |
| Contact | [email protected] |
The fourth edition is open. If your work has helped shape Qatar’s tourism story, this is your moment to be recognised.
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