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Now moving into its seventh year, the Skift IDEA Awards continue to be one of the travel industry’s most coveted awards for industry professionals who are pushing the boundaries of design, creativity, and innovation. The awards recognize and celebrate the achievements of brands, agencies, and tech companies that are shaping the future of travel.
We’ll name finalists and winners in a range of categories across seven distinct criteria groups: Industry Innovators, Change Makers, Creative Thinkers, Problem Solvers and two new categories for 2025, Short-Term Rentals and Meetings & Events.
Why Enter the Skift IDEA Awards?
Exposure and recognition of your innovative project with Skift’s editors and our VIP judges.
Coverage on Skift.com, Skift marketing channels, and brand exposure at Skift Global Forum 2025.
A moment of celebration at Skift Global Forum 2025.
Complimentary ticket to our largest event, Skift Global Forum, plus 25% off additional tickets.
Personalized branding kit for finalists and winners to celebrate their achievements through their own channels, to customers, and the press.
Credit towards Skift’s premium subscription products.
A physical trophy, to take home to your team.
Pro tip: Get the best of both worlds when you submit early – the lowest entry cost, plus the ability to edit through the final deadline. Simply choose your category, give your entry a name, click through to the confirmation page and hit submit.
2025 Categories
This year’s program has 31 categories across seven 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 that drive a sector forward and make an impact with consumers.
HOSPITALITY: Projects defining the future of hospitality 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: Ground-breaking ideas and innovative technologies that anticipate the challenges and trends of tomorrow across any sector of travel.
Change Makers
Organizations elevating the Travel Industry’s role as a force for good by affecting meaningful change.
SUSTAINABILITY: Presented by Skift’s Climate Hub. Projects creating a positive impact for the planet, powered by Skift Climate Hub.
PEOPLE & COMMUNITY: Projects that lead to social change or benefit communities.
LEADERSHIP: Highlighting a specific leader whose career has been dedicated to creating a positive impact in travel.
RISING STAR: Recognizing an individual whose career within the industry is on an upward trajectory.
DEI CHAMPION: Celebrating individuals, teams and organizations who inspire a more inclusive and equitable experience within 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.
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.
Problem Solvers
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.
Travel Technology
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.
Short-Term Rentals – NEW FOR 2025
Recognizing the individuals and organizations that are shaping the future of the short-term rental industry.
BEST PROPERTIES: Short-term rental properties that cater to varied traveler needs and preferences.
GUEST EXPERIENCE: Solutions that enhance traveler satisfaction and deliver exceptional guest experiences.
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT: Solutions Initiatives that contribute to efficient and successful property management.
Meetings & Events – NEW FOR 2025
Presented by Skift Meetings. Celebrating the business events industry’s most respected and innovative suppliers.
HOTELS: Hotels that offer comprehensive and industry leading services to facilitate meetings and events.
CONVENTION CENTERS & OTHER VENUES: Spaces that consistently demonstrate excellence in providing facilities and services for business events.
DESTINATION MARKETING ORGANIZATIONS: Organizations providing services to encourage and facilitate meetings and events at their destinations.
EVENT TECHNOLOGY: Innovative technological solutions that are guiding the meetings and events industry forward.
Don’t miss out on being a part of some of the industry’s most forward-thinking design and purpose-driven creativity across travel. Take a look at last year’s winners here.
Entry Dates and Fees:
Early Deadline: $449 per entry – Ends March 13, 2025
Regular Deadline: $549 per entry – Ends May 8, 2025
Final Deadline: $599 per entry – Ends June 13, 2025
Winners to be announced in August 2025.
