A prestigious new awards scheme which celebrates the best of travel and tourism around the world has opened nominations for its categories.

The International Travel & Tourism Awards, presented by WTM London, is a first-of-its-kind event that will recognise the success of national, regional and city tourist boards as well as outstanding private sector companies and individuals.

The Awards will feature 13 categories, with twelve judged by an independent panel of leading experts and senior figures in each sector.

The final award for outstanding contribution to the industry nominated by WTM London Media Partners will be the ultimate finale to these show-stopping awards, which will take place at a glittering awards ceremony in London on 6 November.

The illustrious awards scheme will be officially unveiled on 22 March 2018 at Awards partner London & Partners headquarters, with an invited audience of travel and tourism professionals.

Over 500 senior industry executives, including government ministers, will attend the awards ceremony at Tobacco Dock, a few stops on the Docklands Light Railway from WTM London’s ExCeL venue. Busses will also transport WTM London delegates to the awards ceremony.

A famous London landmark, Tobacco Dock is a Grade I-listed warehouse built in 1811 serving primarily as a store for imported tobacco. It now offers stunning timber beams and beautiful architecture, making it the perfect location for this stylish ceremony.

The awards will be co-chaired by UNWTO Sandra Carvao, Chief of Communications and Publications and Reed Travel Exhibitions Director Nick Pilbeam.

Judges will be from top tourism and industry bodies and organisations including Euromonitor International and public relations body PRCA.

Different categories will be judged by experts in those sectors, such as the Global Wellness Institute, World Food Travel Association and Out Now Consulting.