Each year the World Travel Awards celebrate excellence in the global travel industry. In keeping with tradition, the categories reward different aspects of the sector, from the best airports to the most romantic destinations. Discover some of the categories and Latin American destinations nominated for this 32nd edition.
Enchanting destinations

In the category of South America’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination, Chile is once again nominated after a winning streak of 9 consecutive years, while countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Uruguay are also on the board. Each offers a unique blend of culture, nature and hospitality that makes them worthy of this recognition.
Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama and Belize stand out for their paradisiacal beaches, biodiversity and cultural richness. Another destination with a strong history and colonial culture is Cuba, which is among the nominees for Caribbean’s Leading Cultural Destination.
Metropolises that inspire
Cities do not stay behind, especially those that are considered cultural centers of the region. Bogota, Buenos Aires, Lima, Quito, Rio de Janeiro and Santiago de Chile are home to national museums, major theaters, historic universities and cultural festivals, making them strong contenders for the title of South America’s Leading City Destination.
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In Central America, Mexico in particular, is more present than ever with eight cities nominated for the Leading City Break: Acapulco, Cancun, Mazatlan, Mexico City, Oaxaca, Playa del Carmen and Tijuana reflect the country’s cultural diversity and tourist attractions.
Meanwhile, Machu Picchu, after winning Leading Tourist Attraction both in South America and globally, has once again been nominated in this same category alongside the Tayrona National Natural Park, the Christ the Redeemer statue, the Iguazu Falls, the Perito Moreno Glacier, among others.
Whether it’s a honeymoon or a romantic getaway, Latin America does not disappoint as a destination. Brazil stands out as one of the most romantic countries, with Rio de Janeiro, Paraty and Fernando de Noronha all nominated. It’s also worth noting that love can also be born of a connection with nature, as the Galapagos Islands and the Atacama Desert, with their unforgettable starry nights, are also among the nominees.
Nature and Sustainability

And when it comes to connecting with nature, countries like Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay continue to be a very good option for those travelers looking for green destinations characterized by breathtaking landscapes and biodiversity.
Likewise, for whale lovers there is a special category for whale watching where again Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru and Ecuador appear.
Tourism Ambassadors
Behind every enveloping city or natural paradise there is a team that believes in its potential and every day thinks of new strategies to promote the local culture, while creating memorable experiences. Hence the importance of the Leading City Tourist Board category, where this year the Cartagena Tourism Corporation, the Bogota District Tourism Institute, Visit Buenos Aires, Quito Tourism, the São Paulo Visitors Bureau and the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic, among many others, stand out. Each plays a key role in connecting the world with the best of Latin America.
To learn more about the nominations and vote for your favorites, visit the official World Travel Awards website. Voting is open until August 3.
The World Travel Awards clear the way for the discovery of new destinations. These awards can also be seen as an invitation to explore the cultural, natural and human richness that Latin America has to offer.
Photos: Visit Brasil/Bruna Prado | INPROTUR | Visit Belize | Visit Iguaçu