Nominations are now open for the 2026 National Travel Industry Awards (NTIAs) which recognise and celebrate excellence in the Australian travel industry, with a line-up that includes both familiar and refreshed categories.
In 2026, 36 categories will recognise excellence across the industry, as ATIA continues to adapt the awards to reflect the evolving travel industry. The awards will be presented at the NTIA Gala Dinner, held on 10 October in Melbourne, following the Beyond Borders Summit and Finalist Celebration on 9 October.
Updates to NTIA categories for 2026 include:
- “Rookie of the Year” category has been rebranded to “Most Outstanding New Talent” to better reflect the prestige of the award.
- “Most Outstanding Corporate Travel Agency – Group Travel” has been rebranded to “Most Outstanding Specialist Travel Management Company”. This change reflects the positioning of nominated businesses, whom are specialist in managing complex group travel arrangements across MICE, Entertainment, Touring, Production, Sports, etc.
- “Innovation in Travel Support Services” has been rebranded to “Most Outstanding Travel Support Service”. By broadening the scope of this category, more entrants will be able to participate.
“NTIA nominations are now open, and this is the chance to recognise the people and businesses setting the standard for excellence in travel,” ATIA CEO Dean Long said. “These awards are about celebrating those who go above and beyond every day to deliver outstanding outcomes for Australian travellers.
“Whether you’re nominating a peer, a team or putting your own business forward, NTIA is an opportunity to showcase the very best who define our industry. Please get involved and get your nominations in.”
Through a rigorous process which includes nominating, voting and judging candidates, the NTIAs culminate in the announcement of the winners at the Gala Awards Dinner, in Melbourne on 10 October.
Before COB Friday 22 May AEST, nominate the travel businesses that you know have been going above and beyond and give them the recognition they deserve!
Find out more about NTIA nominations HERE.
Key dates
Nominations open: 28 April
Nominations close: 22 May
Nominees announced: 1 June
Industry voting commences: 15 June
Submissions due: 1 July
Industry voting concludes: 17 July
Finalists announced: late July / early August
Finalist interviews: 17 August – 4 September
NTIA 2026 Gala Dinner: 10 October
