Hear from past IDEA Award winners.
This year’s program has 25 categories across five distinct criteria groups. Unless noted in the description, any organization may be eligible for an award, regardless of company type or sector.
Forward-thinking projects that drive a sector forward and make an impact with consumers.
HOTELS: Projects defining the future of hotels and the guest experience.
TOURISM: Projects defining the future of leisure tourism, destination marketing and management, and the visitor experience.
BUSINESS TRAVEL: Projects defining the future of corporate travel planning and experience.
AIRLINES & AIRPORTS: Presented by AIRLINE WEEKLY. Projects defining the future of aviation, airlines, airports and the traveler experience.
TOUR OPERATORS: Projects defining the future of multi-day tours.
ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS: Projects defining the future of day tours, activities, and experiences.
VISIONARY 2030: In Partnership with Allianz Partners – Recognizing ground-breaking ideas and innovative technologies that anticipate the challenges and trends of tomorrow across any sector of travel.
Organizations elevating the Travel Industry’s role as a force for good by affecting meaningful change.
SUSTAINABILITY: Projects creating a positive impact for the planet.
PEOPLE & COMMUNITY: Projects leading to social change or benefiting communities.
LEADERSHIP: Highlighting a specific leader whose career has been dedicated to creating a positive impact in travel.
RISING STAR – NEW FOR 2024: Recognizing an individual whose career within the industry is on an upward trajectory.
DEI CHAMPION – NEW FOR 2024: Celebrating individuals, teams and organizations who inspire a more inclusive and equitable experience within travel.
Marketing, strategy and technology that inspires and pushes the industry forward.
MARKETING: Advertising campaigns created with the intent to drive action.
CONTENT: Innovative branding or video content, intended to inform or inspire.
CREATIVE DESIGN: Websites, apps, UX/UI, and creative technologies.
PHYSICAL EXPERIENCES: Spaces, events, activations, or in-person experiences that utilize a physical environment to impact an end user.
Service providers who offer solutions, address business challenges, or use technology to guide the industry.
BUSINESS OUTCOMES: A B2B service provider who drives sales, marketing, operations, and other business outcomes.
DATA PROVIDER: A B2B research or analytics company that provides critical data and analysis to the industry.
COMMUNICATIONS: B2B communications teams and companies, who guide travel brands and industry leaders forward through strategic media and messaging.
NEW FOR 2024
Technology providers offering innovative technological solutions that are guiding the industry forward.
OPERATIONAL STREAMLINING: Cutting-edge systems and tools that enhance efficiency, optimize performance, and drive success.
WORKFORCE EFFICIENCY: Task management solutions that optimize the human element of travel.
TRAVELER JOURNEY: Technology projects dedicated to enhancing the traveler’s journey.
SUSTAINABILITY TECH: Projects that are dedicated to promoting sustainability through the use of innovative technology.
BEST USE OF AI: Projects that have embraced the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance business performance.
Entries are scored based on the category criteria set out within the submission form. Each element of the form will be judged by our independent judging panel using a numerical system, with each judge score being added together to form an average score per panel.
This formula enables us to ensure the scoring is as objective as possible.