Recognise excellence
Highlight work that raises standards in tourism and hospitality.
The 8th chapter · 2026
Where the Himalayas honour excellence.
Honouring the spirit that moves the Himalayas — celebrating responsible leadership, unforgettable hospitality and the people shaping tourism across the region.
7successful editions
15award categories
1shared Himalayan spirit
About HHTDN
A benchmark for Himalayan tourism.
The HHTDN Tourism Awards recognise individuals, organisations and enterprises whose ideas, service and integrity strengthen tourism across the Himalayan region.
The 2026 edition builds on seven editions of the Himalayan Hospitality & Tourism Award, organised by the Himalayan Hospitality & Tourism Development Network. The awards bring industry leaders, dignitaries, innovators and community champions together to celebrate excellence in hospitality, mobility, entrepreneurship, culture and sustainability.
The 2025 ceremony was held on 27 September at Mayfair Hotels & Resorts, Siliguri, alongside World Tourism Day celebrations. This redesigned platform carries that established purpose forward with a transparent, secure and accessible nomination process.
Our objectives
Celebrate. Connect. Inspire.
Four commitments guide the awards and the way each nomination is assessed.
Advance sustainability
Reward measurable care for nature, culture and communities.
Enable connection
Bring tourism stakeholders together around shared opportunity.
Inspire progress
Share examples that can move the wider Himalayan economy forward.
Award categories
Fifteen ways to make a difference.
Each category has a focused eligibility framework. Choose the one that best represents your contribution.
01
Best Performing Wayside Amenities Centre
Recognising an outstanding roadside facility that makes tourist journeys safer, cleaner, more comfortable and welcoming.
Eligibility
Nominate in this category →Open to registered or locally authorised wayside amenity centres serving recognised tourism routes.
02
Most Trusted Tourist Transport Vehicle
Recognising an individual tourist vehicle known for safety, upkeep, reliability and passenger confidence.
Eligibility
Nominate in this category →Open to legally permitted tourist vehicles with valid insurance, fitness and commercial documentation.
03
Excellence in Tourism & Hospitality – Women
Celebrating a woman whose leadership, professionalism or entrepreneurship is advancing tourism and hospitality.
Eligibility
Nominate in this category →Open to women professionals, founders, community leaders and entrepreneurs with demonstrated sector impact.
04
Most Promising Tourism Entrepreneur
Celebrating an emerging entrepreneur solving a meaningful tourism or hospitality challenge with credible potential.
Eligibility
Nominate in this category →Open to founders and emerging entrepreneurs operating an eligible tourism or hospitality venture.
05
Best Performing Travel Agent
Recognising a travel agency that provides dependable, transparent and responsive travel planning and booking services.
Eligibility
Nominate in this category →Open to registered travel agencies with verifiable customer, supplier and operating records.
06
Best Performing Tour Operator
Honouring tour operators that deliver reliable, imaginative and responsible Himalayan travel experiences.
Eligibility
Nominate in this category →Open to registered tour operators with an active operating history and verifiable guest or partner references.
07
Best Performing Hospitality Unit
Celebrating hospitality businesses that combine memorable service with sound, safe and responsible operations.
Eligibility
Nominate in this category →Open to registered hotels, resorts, lodges and other eligible accommodation businesses.
08
Best Tea Tourism Product
Recognising an authentic visitor experience that brings tea landscapes, production, heritage and communities to life.
Eligibility
Nominate in this category →Open to estates, operators, stays, communities or experience providers offering an active tea-tourism product.
09
Best Performing Luxury Hospitality Unit
Honouring a premium hospitality property for exceptional guest experience, design, personalised service and responsible operations.
Eligibility
Nominate in this category →Open to qualifying luxury hotels, resorts, heritage properties and boutique hospitality units with relevant registrations.
10
Best Green Tourism Initiative
Recognising a measurable initiative that protects nature, culture or community livelihoods through tourism.
Eligibility
Nominate in this category →Open to businesses, communities, NGOs, destinations and public initiatives with evidence of environmental or social outcomes.
11
Sustainable Tourism Destination of the Year
Recognising a destination that balances visitor growth with conservation, resident wellbeing and community benefit.
Eligibility
Nominate in this category →Open to destination bodies, local authorities, tourism associations or documented community-led destinations.
12
Best Performing Rural Homestay
Celebrating welcoming rural stays that safeguard local culture and strengthen community income.
Eligibility
Nominate in this category →Open to operating rural homestays compliant with applicable local registration or tourism norms.
13
Best Tourist Transporter
Honouring transport operators for safety, reliability, service quality and responsible operations.
Eligibility
Nominate in this category →Open to licensed tourist transport businesses with valid commercial permits and a documented safety record.
14
Best Tourist Guide
Celebrating guides who turn a destination into a meaningful, responsible and memorable experience.
Eligibility
Nominate in this category →Open to licensed or locally recognised guides with destination expertise and visitor references.
15
Lifetime Contribution in Tourism (Lt. Rajendra Kumar Baid Memorial Award)
Recognising sustained, influential service to the growth and integrity of tourism over a distinguished career.
Eligibility
Nominate in this category →Open to individuals with a substantial, documented body of work and long-term contribution to tourism.
Evaluation journey
A clear path from entry to honour.
Submissions are evaluated for relevance, evidence, impact, integrity and alignment with the selected category.
Submit
Complete the secure self-nomination and attach supporting evidence.
Validate
The HHTDN team checks eligibility and completeness.
Evaluate
An evaluation committee reviews evidence against category criteria.
Recognise
Shortlisted and selected nominees are contacted by HHTDN.
Eligibility
Who may nominate?
- Eligible tourism and hospitality stakeholders may nominate themselves.
- The nominee should operate in, serve or materially support the Himalayan tourism ecosystem.
- Applicable licences, registrations and permits must be current and accurate.
- Claims should be supported by documents, references or photographs.
Before you begin
Prepare your application
- A concise organisation or personal profile.
- Evidence of achievements, impact and sustainability work.
- Registration details and official contact information.
- PDF or image evidence, each file within the published upload limit.
Important dates
Plan your nomination.
Official dates are published here once confirmed and can be updated by the HHTDN team.
Milestone 01Nomination Open Date
15th August 2026
Evaluation committee
Independent, experienced, fair.
Profiles and roles are published by HHTDN through the secure administration dashboard.
01
Sector expertise
Tourism and hospitality experience relevant to the category.
02
Responsible review
Consistent criteria, evidence-led assessment and conflict disclosure.
03
Regional perspective
Understanding of the opportunities and realities of Himalayan tourism.
Previous highlights
Seven editions of shared achievement.
From World Tourism Day rallies to recognition galas, HHTDN has brought the region's tourism community together.
Prestigious recognition
A mark of distinction for meaningful contribution, innovation and service excellence.
Industry networking
A meeting ground for operators, hoteliers, guides, policy leaders and innovators.
Recognition gala
An evening of honours, cultural celebration and Himalayan hospitality.
Sponsors & partners
Back the future of tourism.
Official 2026 partners are acknowledged here as associations are confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to begin.
Can I nominate myself or my organisation?
Yes. The platform is designed for eligible tourism stakeholders to self-nominate in the most relevant category.
Can I save a nomination and finish later?
Yes. The form can save a secure draft token in your browser. Complete the submission before the configured deadline.
Which file types are accepted?
PDF, JPG, JPEG and PNG files are accepted. File size limits are shown beside each upload field.
How will I know my nomination was received?
You will see a unique application number on screen and receive an acknowledgement at the submitted email address.
How are nominations evaluated?
HHTDN validates eligibility and completeness before an evidence-led committee review against category criteria.
Your work deserves to be seen
Step forward for 2026.
Questions? Write to awards@hhtdnawards.org
Start your nomination →