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Global Youth Travel Awards

Celebrating excellence in youth, student and educational travel

Youth Travel Awards | Global Youth Recognition | Best Youth Tourism

The Global Youth Travel Awards (GYTAs), held annually by WYSE Travel Confederation, formally recognise outstanding performers across several fields of international youth travel and reward stakeholders in the youth, student and educational travel industry that make a noteworthy contribution to the industry.

Now in their thirteenth year, the Global Youth Travel Awards are open to all organisations that work with youth travellers, regardless of their size or location. The nominated awards allow organisations to put forward a project, programme, product/service, campaign or collaboration that has had measurable impact on the industry over the last year. The four consumer-voted awards offer travel businesses the opportunity to promote themselves, and at the same time, young travellers to voice their opinions on the best of youth travel.

The winners were announced at a gala dinner on the final evening of the World Youth and Student Travel Conference (WYSTC) in Lisbon on 15 September 2023.

The 2023 Global Youth Travel Awards(GYTA) are sponsored by

International Experience Cananda

Nominated Award Categories

The awards for nominated categories are an opportunity for organisations within the youth travel industry to let the industry know they are best-in-class for a particular category.

Youth Travel Awards | Global Youth Recognition | Best Responsible Tourism

Best Responsible Tourism Initiative

Best Responsible Tourism Initiative

In today’s world, responsible tourism is more important than ever before. As tourism grows, it is essential that we find ways to minimise our impact on the environment and the local communities that we visit. The Best Responsible Tourism Initiative Award recognises organisations that are leading the way in responsible tourism.

The award is given to an organisation that has developed and implemented a sustainable tourism initiative that has had a positive impact on the environment, the local community or the tourism industry as a whole.

Examples of responsible tourism initiatives that could be eligible for this award are:

  • An organisation that has developed a carbon-neutral travel programme
  • An organisation that has partnered with a local community to develop a sustainable tourism product
  • An organisation that has implemented a waste-management programme in a tourist destination
  • An organisation that has trained local tour guides in responsible tourism practices

Winner

Global Youth Travel Awards 2023

Outstanding contribution to the SDGs

Outstanding contribution to the SDGs

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals that were adopted by the United Nations in 2015. The goals are designed to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.

The Outstanding Contribution to the SDGs Award recognises organisations that have made a significant contribution to the achievement of the SDGs. The award is given to an organisation that has demonstrated innovation, creativity and impact in its work.

Some examples of organisations that could be eligible for this award are:

  •  An organisation that has developed a new product or service that helps to achieve two or more of the SDGs.
  •  An organsiation that has led a campaign or initiative that has made a significant impact on the achievement of the SDGs.
  • A community that has developed a sustainable way of life that is aligned with the SDGs.

Winner

Global Youth Travel Awards 2023

Best DEI Initiative

Best DEI Initiative

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are essential to creating a more just and equitable world. The Best DEI Initiative Award recognises organizations that have launched a new initiative that has made a significant contribution to DEI. The award is given to a travel or tourism organisation that has successfully implemented a new programme to measure and improve diversity and inclusion in its operations.

Some examples of organisations that could be eligible for this award are:

  • An organisation that has launched a new employee resource group (ERG) for underrepresented groups.
  • An organisation that has implemented a new training programme on unconscious bias.
  • An organisation that has revised its hiring and promotion practices to be more inclusive.

Winner

Global Youth Travel Awards 2023

Best Marketing Campaign

Best Marketing Campaign

Marketing is essential for businesses to reach their target audience and achieve their goals. The Best Marketing Campaign Award recognises organizations that have launched a marketing campaign that has been particularly effective. The award is given to a travel or tourism organisation that has effectively used marketing or advertising to increase engagement and/or loyalty among target audience(s); communicate its brand purpose; launch a new product or service; highlight a destination; increase sales and/or increase awareness surrounding a current topic.

Some examples of marketing campaigns that could be eligible for this award are:

  • A campaign that has used social media to generate a large amount of engagement.
  • A campaign that has used data analytics to target the right audience.
  • A campaign that has used a creative and innovative approach to reach its target audience.

Winner

Global Youth Travel Awards 2023

Best Travel Tech Provider

Best Travel Tech Provider

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the travel industry. The Best Travel Tech Provider Award recognises organisations that have developed a travel technology product or service that has had a significant impact on the industry.

Some examples of travel technology providers that could be eligible for this award are:

  • A company that has developed a new booking engine that makes it easier for travellers to book flights and hotels.
  • A company that has developed a new way to track and manage travel expenses.
  • A company that has developed a new way to provide customer service to travellers.

Winner

Global Youth Travel Awards 2023

Best Education Abroad Provider

Best Education Abroad Provider

Education abroad is a valuable experience that can help students develop their skills, knowledge and cultural understanding. The Best Education Abroad Provider Award recognises organisations that provide high-quality education abroad programmes.

Some examples of education abroad providers that could be eligible for this award are:

  • An organisation that offers a wide range of education abroad programmes.
  • An organisation that has a strong track record of student success.
  • An organisation that is committed to providing a high-quality educational experience.

Winner

Global Youth Travel Awards 2023

Best Work Experience Provider

Best Work Experience Provider

The Best Work Experience Provider Award recognises organisations that provide innovative work experience programmes that benefit both the host community and participants.

Some examples of work experience programmes that could be eligible for this award are:

  • A programme that matches young people with businesses in developing countries, giving them the opportunity to learn new skills and make a positive impact on the local community.
  • A programme that provides young people with the opportunity to work in a variety of different industries, giving them a taste of different career paths.
  • A programme that helps young people to develop their entrepreneurial skills, giving them the opportunity to start their own businesses.

Winner

Global Youth Travel Awards 2023

Extraordinary Experience

Extraordinary Experience

In today’s world, it is more important than ever for young people to have extraordinary experiences that will help them to grow and develop. The Extraordinary Experience Award recognises an organisation that has facilitated, through innovative and inclusive programmes, an extraordinary experience for a young person abroad.

An extraordinary experience is one that challenges and transforms the young person involved. It is an experience that will stay with them for the rest of their lives, that has helped them to develop new skills, knowledge and understanding and become more open-minded, tolerant and compassionate.

Winner

Global Youth Travel Awards 2023

The WYSTC Partnership Award

The WYSTC Partnership Award

The WYSTC Partnership Award recognises an outstanding partnership or collaboration between two organisations that has come about as a result of attending the World Youth and Student Travel Conference (WYSTC). The award is given to the partnership that has had the most significant impact on the travel and tourism industry, as evidenced by increased engagement and/or loyalty among target audience(s), reaching new audiences, the launch of a new product or service or increased awareness surrounding a current topic.

Criteria
The following criteria will be used to evaluate submissions for the WYSTC Partnership Award:

  • The impact of the partnership on the travel and tourism industry.
  • The creativity and innovation of the partnership.
  • The sustainability of the partnership.

Winner

Consumer-Voted Award Categories

The consumer-voted awards are an opportunity for the public to voice their opinions on the best of youth travel.
Global Youth Travel Awards 2023

Best Hostel

Best Hostel

The Best Hostel Award recognises a hostel that provides outstanding value for money, excellent facilities and a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The hostel should be well-located, clean and secure and offer a range of activities and amenities to keep guests entertained.

Here are some of the criteria that will be considered when judging the Best Hostel Award:

  • Value for money. The hostel should offer good value for money, with competitive prices and facilities that are commensurate with the price.
  • Facilities. The hostel should have good facilities, including clean and comfortable dormitories, private rooms, a kitchen, a laundry room and common areas where guests can socialise.
  • Atmosphere. The hostel should have a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, where guests feel comfortable and at home.
  • Location. The hostel should be well-located, close to transport links, attractions and amenities.
  • Activities and amenities. The hostel should offer a range of activities and amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, bike hire and guided tours.

Vote for the organisation or property that has offered you a truly excellent experience.

Winner

Global Youth Travel Awards 2023

Best LGBTQ+ Travel Experience

Best LGBTQ+ Travel Experience

The Best LGBTQ+ Travel Experience Award recognises a travel experience that is inclusive and welcoming to LGBTQ+ travellers. The experience should be safe, comfortable and enjoyable for all travellers, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Here are some of the criteria that will be considered when judging the Best LGBTQ+ Travel Experience Award:

  • Inclusion. The travel experience should be inclusive and welcoming to LGBTQ+ travellers.
  • Welcoming. The travel experience should be welcoming to LGBTQ+ travellers. This means that the staff and other travellers should be respectful and inclusive of LGBTQ+ travellers.
  • Safe. The travel experience should be free from discrimination and harassment.
  • Comfortable. The travel experience should be comfortable for LGBTQ+ travellers. This means that the accommodation, transport and activities should be suitable for all travellers.
  • Enjoyable. The travel experience should be fun, relaxing and educational.

Vote for the organisation that has offered you the most inclusive, safe and fun LGBTQ+ travel experience.

Winner

Global Youth Travel Awards 2023

Best Travel App

Best Travel App

In today’s world, travel apps are essential for anyone who wants to plan and enjoy their trips. The Best Travel App Award recognises a travel app that provides outstanding functionality, user experience and interesting content. The app should be easy to use, informative and helpful for travellers.

To be considered for the award, an app must:

  • Provide a wide range of functionality, such as allowing users to book flights, accommodation and activities; find restaurants and bars; and get directions.
  • Be easy to use and navigate, with a clear and concise interface.
  • Provide accurate and up-to-date information about destinations, attractions and activities.
  • Be helpful for travellers, providing them with the information and tools they need to plan and enjoy their trips.

Vote for the app that has been the most useful before and/or during your trip.

Winner

Global Youth Travel Awards 2023

Best Youth Tour Operator

Best Youth Tour Operator

The Best Youth Tour Operator Award recognises a tour operator that provides outstanding travel experiences for young people. The operator should offer a wide range of tours and activities, as well as excellent customer service.

To be considered for the award, a tour operator must:

  • Offer a wide range of tours and activities that are specifically designed for young people.
  • Provide excellent customer service, with a focus on safety and security.
  • Have a strong track record of providing high-quality travel experiences.
  • Be committed to providing young people with the opportunity to learn and grow through travel.

Vote for the organisation that has given you a unique, fun and safe tour experience.

Winner

Terms & Conditions

Previous winners

Awards ceremony & gala dinner