September 22, 2026, 7:16 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
For the fifth time, it was: “And the winner is…” – because at the TRAVELBOOK Award, prominent guests from the travel and tourism industry once again gathered this year at the Axel Springer building above the rooftops of Berlin to attend Germany’s most inspiring tourism award ceremony. We highlight the evening’s events–and reveal who the shining winners are.
During the dinner evening with embassy representatives and prominent guests from the tourism industry, the TRAVELBOOK editorial team selected the best trend travel destinations in the world. As in previous years, the evening was hosted by the well-known TV presenter Chris Wackert (Sat.1).
The TRAVELBOOK Award 2026: Exciting Trend Travel Destinations, Record-Breaking Votes
TRAVELBOOK celebrated the winners and nominees in a total of five categories, focusing on the trend travel destinations for 2027. The community primarily decided the winners. For the first time, not only TRAVELBOOK readers but also the BILD community participated.
Users on Facebook and Instagram named their favorites, while editors and travel experts contributed their expertise–resulting in a shortlist of the most exciting candidates. Readers then cast their votes to decide which countries, regions, and cities would receive the coveted titles. In total, more than 150,000 votes were cast across all categories–more than ever before.
All categories of the TRAVELBOOK Award 2026 at a glance:
- The most hospitable state in Germany
- The most hospitable state in Austria
- The most hospitable canton in Switzerland
- Best hidden gem travel destination in Central and South America
- Most extraordinary city beach in the world
- Most beautiful wine region in Europe
- Most beautiful village in Germany
The Most Hospitable State or Canton in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
With their numerous votes, TRAVELBOOK readers this year decided on the most hospitable states in Germany and Austria, as well as the most hospitable canton in Switzerland. The winners are Bavaria in southern Germany, Tyrol in the Austrian Alps, and Graubünden in southeastern Switzerland.
The Best Hidden Gem Travel Destination in Central and South America
The islands of Boca Chica in Panama were awarded as the “Hidden Gem Travel Destination in Central and South America.” The region captivates with nearly untouched nature, tropical forests, and secluded beaches in the Gulf of Chiriquí. Visitors can expect diverse nature experiences, from hiking and island hopping to snorkeling and fishing trips, as well as watching dolphins, sea turtles, and humpback whales.
The Most Extraordinary City Beach in the World
In this category, English Bay Beach in Vancouver won. It exemplifies the connection between urban life and nature. With views of the Pacific, the North Shore Mountains, and the city’s skyline, visitors can enjoy wide sandy areas, a popular waterfront promenade, and numerous recreational opportunities from swimming and kayaking to walks during spectacular sunsets.
The Most Beautiful Wine Region in Europe
The Ahr Valley impresses as the “Most Beautiful Wine Region in Europe.” The region combines steep vineyards and the landscape along the Ahr with a long winemaking tradition and is particularly known for its Pinot Noir. In addition to wine tastings, the region offers numerous opportunities for hiking and cycling. In the summer of 2021, one of the worst natural disasters in post-war German history turned entire towns into a landscape of rubble, with more than 100 people losing their lives. Many winemakers were also hit hard by the disaster. Today, five years later, this region has made an impressive comeback.
“With excellent wines, a unique landscape, hospitable people–and with a story that goes far beyond vines and wine cellars. It shows that a wine region can be more than a travel destination. It can create identity. It can connect people. And it can develop new strength even after the most severe setbacks,” explained BILD wine expert Michael Quandt in his laudation.
Crowned! This Is the Most Hospitable Canton in Switzerland
Crowned! These Are the Best Trend Travel Destinations Worldwide
The Most Beautiful Village in Germany
Nieblum on the North Frisian island of Föhr was voted the “Most Beautiful Village in Germany” by TRAVELBOOK readers. Thatched captain’s houses, cobblestone streets lined with linden trees, and the historic “talking gravestones” give the place its special charm. Just a few minutes’ walk away are wide sandy beaches, making Nieblum one of the most beautiful travel destinations on the North Sea.
“This award belongs to the people of Nieblum, all those who ensure every day that we love our village. We accept the award with great joy, but also with great responsibility. Because we want to preserve what makes Nieblum special,” said Boy Rethwisch, the mayor of Nieblum, in his acceptance speech.
There Were Only Winners!
Even though only the top contenders in each category were honored at the TRAVELBOOK Awards 2026, all the nominated travel destinations of the evening are winners. They all made it to the shortlist of their categories–which the TRAVELBOOK editorial team compiled based on numerous suggestions from readers and experts–naturally focusing on trend travel destinations.