IDEA Awards applications for 2023 are closed but if you want to pre-register for 2024, fill out the form below.



The most coveted award in travel.


We’re very proud to announce Skift IDEA Awards 2022 winners. This year’s outstanding winners not only advanced the frontiers in design, creativity, and innovation but re-emphasized the fact that travel’s future is competitive, intelligent, imaginative, cutting-edge and more purpose-driven than ever before.

See 2022 Winners

Skift IDEA Awards

Now in its fifth year, Skift IDEA Awards has become the travel industry’s most coveted achievement for excellence in design, creativity and innovation.

The awards recognize impactful and inspiring projects from brands, agencies, and tech companies that solve traveler challenges, inspire change, and define the future of travel.

From purpose-built spaces and digital experiences to creative excellence and transformative leadership, IDEA Award winners are a beacon for where the industry is heading.

See the 2022 Winners

Dive into the full project details (including photos, video, and other media) by selecting an entry below or view a summary of all the winning entries here.

Does the entry cost guarantee an award or only a chance to be chosen?

The entry fee does not guarantee an award, but all entries will be reviewed by our selection committee. The finalists chosen will be announced on Skift.com and will be reviewed by our  judges to make the final designation for each category.

Does the price include all costs after entry or is there an additional cost if chosen?

There is no additional cost aside from the entry fee.

Is there a timeframe during which the campaigns being submitted need to fall under?

The entry should be active in 2022, but it is OK if it launched earlier as long as it is still in the market or has an impact in 2022. We are also happy to further review your entry and advise!

Can you confirm that my entry was submitted?

With your log-in information, the easiest way to check on an entry would be to sign in on this page and go to the “My Entries” tab. If you do not find your entry, please email us at [email protected] and we will assist.

Once I submit my entry, can I continue editing it? If yes, until when?

Yes, after submitting the entry fee, you may continue editing your entry until the final deadline. That said, enter early to secure the best rate!

How much needs to be submitted in order to go back in and edit? Is there a minimum requirement?

There is no minimum – you can leave anything “TBD” within the entry prompts and continue editing your entry after submitting it.

I’m unsure what category my brand falls under…help?

You are welcome to submit your entry for the category you see most fit, as there is leeway within many of the categories to make a case. Our best advice is to tell your story on how your product/campaign impacts its intended user, and how you’ve partnered within the travel sector to provide value to the traveler.

Some material within my entry has not been cleared yet – how can it stay confidential until it is cleared?

Within your entry, please let us know what cannot be published. If your entry gets chosen as a finalist/winner, we may ask for a revised version with cleared materials so we can post when announcing results. Otherwise, we would use only what is cleared to publish publicly.

Who will be a part of this year’s jury?

Aside from Skift editors, our jury is typically comprised of creative business and innovation leaders from sectors adjacent to travel, who have expertise and a unique vantage point on design and consumer behavior. You can find a list of previous jury members on the bottom of the awards landing page, and we will be sharing this year’s list as we get closer to the deadline.

How many entries does one payment cover?

Each entry requires payment, which is stated within the entry process in the platform for reference. 


Overview:

Skift IDEA Awards celebrates the big ideas defining the future of travel.

The awards honor inspiring work from brands, agencies, and tech providers transforming the industry and the traveler experience through purpose-driven design, innovation, and creativity.

Judges include renowned design and business leaders from some of the world’s most innovative companies, along with Skift’s editors and industry experts.

Why Enter? Winners receive:

  • Exposure to Skift’s editors and VIP judges.
  • Coverage on Skift.com, Skift’s marketing and social channels, and events.
  • Complimentary ticket to Skift Global Forum along with brand exposure during the opening night event.
  • Personalized branding kit to promote their achievements through their own channels, to customers, and the press.
  • Credit towards Skift’s premium subscription products.

CATEGORIES

This year’s program has four distinct criteria groups. Unless noted in the description, any organization may be eligible for an award, regardless of company type or sector.

Industry Innovators: Forward-thinking projects taht drive a sector forward and make an impact with consumers.

  • HOTELS: Projects defining the future of hotels and the guest experience.
  • SHORT TERM RENTALS: Projects defining the future of short-term rentals.
  • 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: Presented by AIRLINE WEEKLY. Projects defining the future of aviation, airlines, and the traveler experience.
  • AIRPORTS: Presented by AIRLINE WEEKLY: Projects defining the future of 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.

Change Makers: Organizations elevating the travel industry’s role as a force for good by creating 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.

Creative Thinkers: 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.
  • PRODUCT 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.

Problem Solvers: Service providers who offer solutions, address business challenges, or use technology to guide the industry forward.

  • BUSINESS OUTCOMES: A B2B service provider who drives sales, marketing, operations, and other business outcomes.
  • COMMUNICATIONS: A B2B communications team or company that guides brands and industry leaders forward through media and strategy.
  • DATA PROVIDER: A B2B research or analytics company that provides critical data and analysis to the industry.
  • TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY: A B2C solution that drives experiential outcomes – including payments, consumer apps, smart tech, and anything else along the travel journey.