The Adventure Tourism Awards
The Adventure Tourism Awards returns to the Gold Coast on 21–22 October 2026, bringing together the operators, innovators, and industry leaders shaping the future of adventure tourism across Australia and New Zealand.
Following record attendance, strong industry engagement, and outstanding feedback from previous events, the Adventure Tourism Awards & Conference has established itself as one of the sector’s premier gatherings, celebrating excellence while fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth.
The event provides a unique opportunity for tourism operators, travel agents, hostels, attractions, suppliers, and industry partners to connect, share ideas, explore emerging trends, and recognise the businesses and individuals driving the industry forward.
At its heart, the Adventure Tourism Awards celebrate the people, experiences, and businesses that continue to raise the bar for adventure tourism. From emerging operators and industry innovators to long-standing leaders, the awards recognise those delivering exceptional visitor experiences and making a meaningful contribution to our sector.
The Adventure Tourism Awards Gala Dinner will be held in the stunning Glasshouse at The Island Gold Coast. This spectacular venue provides the perfect backdrop for an evening of celebration, recognition, networking, and entertainment.
With a glamorous 007 theme, guests can expect an unforgettable night of glitz, glamour, and celebration as we honour the very best in adventure tourism.
where will the 'glassies' be held in 2026?
- Location: The Island Gold Coast – 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise.
- Venue: The Glasshouse
- Date: Thursday 22 October, 2026
- Time: 6:00pm – 11:30pm
- Dress Code: 007 Glamour | Black Tie with a License to Impress
- After-party: Dukes Parlour
Raymond Atchison, Stray New Zealand
This is hands down one of the biggest events in the Adventure Tourism Industry’s calendars. No other event celebrates New Zealand and Australia as an entirety like this.
It’s fantastic to see everyone strive to be the best in their given areas. Together we build an amazing industry and events like this give us the platform to show off all of our hard work (and they’re bloody good fun too!)
award categories
Best Travel Agency – Recognising outstanding travel agencies of all sizes delivering exceptional service and expertise.
Best Adventure Destination – Awarded to a regional destination that delivers outstanding adventure tourism and visitor appeal.
Best Transport – Recognising transport providers that play a vital role in connecting travellers with exceptional tourism experiences.
Best Accommodation – Celebrating accommodation providers that deliver outstanding guest experiences, service and facilities.
Best Multi-Day Tour/Activity – Recognising exceptional guided tours or adventure experiences operating over two or more days.
Best Day Tour/Activity – Awarded to an outstanding single-day tour or activity that delivers memorable visitor experiences.
Cultural Award – Celebrating tourism experiences that authentically showcase and preserve cultural heritage, stories and traditions.
Best Night Out – Celebrating venues, experiences and operators providing unforgettable nightlife and evening entertainment.
Eco-Tourism Award – Recognising operators demonstrating leadership in sustainability, conservation and responsible tourism practices.
Innovation Award – Awarded to a business introducing innovative ideas, products, technology or practices in the tourism industry.
Best Newcomer – Celebrating a new business, product or experience that has launched since July 1st 2025.
Industry Legend Award – Recognising an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to adventure and youth tourism.
Lifetime Achievement Award – Honouring an individual whose career has had a lasting and significant impact over decades.
People’s Choice Award – Awarded to the nominee receiving the highest level of public votes during the awards program.
