The 12th edition celebrates excellence across the travel industry, honouring outstanding brands and destinations as trust becomes an increasingly valuable currency in travel.

Singapore, 2 November 2026 – Artificial intelligence has changed how the world discovers travel, putting countless itineraries, reviews and recommendations at travellers’ fingertips. Yet amid this abundance of information, one question matters more than ever: Who can travellers really trust?

Against this backdrop, the TripZilla Excellence Awards 2026 has announced its latest winners, honouring the travel brands, organisations and destinations that stand out for their exceptional experiences, quality offerings and dependable services. 

Now in its 12th edition, the awards have become a coveted mark of distinction for the travel industry. Winners across consumer-voted categories were selected through an extensive online voting exercise held from 9 to 23 October on TripZilla, a leading travel media platform reaching over 20 million travellers every month. With just one winner in each category, the awards recognise organisations that have earned a place among the industry’s best.

In an AI-Driven World, Trust Is the Real Differentiator

Travel inspiration has never been more abundant. AI-powered travel planners can create itineraries in seconds, while social media feeds serve up an endless stream of destinations, hotels and experiences. But as content becomes easier to generate and recommendations harder to distinguish, greater choice does not always translate into greater confidence.

For travellers, the stakes are particularly high. Holidays represent not just financial investments, but precious time and experiences that cannot be replaced. A hotel that disappoints, an unreliable tour operator or a poorly delivered travel experience can turn a much-anticipated trip into a lasting regret.

This is where trusted recognition matters. Beyond marketing promises and online visibility, travellers increasingly need credible signals that help them identify brands capable of delivering on expectations.

The TripZilla Excellence Awards serves this purpose by bringing travel brands into the spotlight through recognition that carries the endorsement of a travel community. For winners, it is an affirmation of the standards they uphold. For consumers, it offers another reason to book with confidence.

Winnie Tan, CEO of TripZilla, said:

“AI has opened up a world of travel possibilities, but it has also made trust more important than ever. Travellers are not simply looking for more options; they want the confidence that the brands they choose will deliver on their promises. That is what makes the TripZilla Excellence Awards meaningful. Behind every winning name is an organisation that has worked to earn that confidence. We are proud to recognise those setting the standard for exceptional travel experiences.”

Familiar Names and New Award Winners Share the Spotlight

The 2026 winners reflect an industry where established reputations continue to matter, even as emerging players find opportunities to make their mark.

In the online travel space, Traveloka emerged as a notable regional winner, clinching Best Online Travel Agency across Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Securing the same accolade in three markets underscores the strength of Traveloka’s regional presence and its appeal to travellers across Southeast Asia.

Singapore’s established travel agencies also demonstrated their staying power. EU Holidays, Nam Ho Travel, ASA Holidays and WTS Travel returned to the winners’ list, reinforcing their positions as trusted names in a highly competitive sector where service quality and customer relationships remain essential.

Travel insurance was another area where familiar names stood out. HL Assurance and Etiqa Insurance Singapore secured multiple awards, continuing their strong showing in a category where reliability and reassurance are especially important. Joining the ranks of winners was Allianz Insurance Singapore, earning its first TripZilla Excellence Award.

Meanwhile, Maya Mobile made its debut among the winners, reflecting the growing role of seamless connectivity in the modern travel experience.

From Iconic Attractions to Emerging Destinations

Beyond travel services, this year’s awards celebrate the attractions, hospitality experiences and destinations that make journeys memorable.

Universal Studios Singapore took home Best Iconic Experience, while its hugely popular Halloween Horror Nights was named Best Themed Attraction, demonstrating the enduring appeal of world-class entertainment experiences. Family favourite KidsSTOP™ also returned to the winners’ circle, reflecting its continued success in engaging young visitors.

The hospitality sector welcomed first-time winners PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore and Marriott Executive Apartments Penang, highlighting the breadth of accommodation offerings recognised this year.

Among destinations, Gangwon in South Korea earned its first TripZilla Excellence Award, while the Philippines secured multiple honours, including Destination of the Year, Best Dive Destination and Sustainability Leader of the Year. The country also celebrated its second consecutive win for Best Retirement Destination.

Together, the 2026 winners demonstrate that excellence in travel takes many forms, from exceptional hospitality and memorable attractions to reliable services and inspiring destinations. As travellers navigate an increasingly crowded world of choices, their achievements reinforce what the TripZilla Excellence Awards has championed for 12 years: excellence deserves recognition, and trust must be earned.

The full list of winners is available at https://www.tripzilla.com/excellence-awards/2026, with the complete list of award categories and recipients in Annex A.

Full List of TripZilla Excellence Awards 2026 Winners

From trusted travel agencies and online travel services to exceptional hotels, destinations and attractions, here are the brands and organisations recognised in this year’s awards.

Travel Agencies

Best for Australia: Chan Brothers

Best for Celebrity Tours: ASA Holidays

Best for China: Super Travels

Best for Europe: EU Holidays

Best for Exotic Tours: EU Holidays

Best for Japan: EU Holidays

Best for Korea: Nam Ho Travel

Best for Malaysia: WTS Travel & Tours

Best for Muslim Travel: Dreamcation Cruises and Tours

Best for Taiwan: Nam Ho Travel

Best for USA: Travel with Webuy

Best for Vietnam: WTS Travel & Tours

Online Travel Services – Singapore

Best Customer Service (Travel Insurance): HL Assurance

Best Global Roaming Services: Maya Mobile

Best Online Buying Experience (Travel Insurance): HL Assurance

Best Online Travel Agency: Traveloka

Best Travel App: Agoda

Best Travel Claims Experience: Etiqa Insurance Singapore

Best Travel Credit Card: Maybank Horizon Visa Signature Card

Best Travel Insurance (Annual): Allianz Insurance Singapore

Best Travel Insurance (Single Trip): Etiqa Insurance Singapore

Best Travel Wallet: YouTrip

Most Popular Travel Insurance Company: Etiqa Insurance Singapore

Online Travel Services – Philippines

Best Online Travel Agency: Trip.com

Best Travel App: 12Go

Best Travel Credit Card: Metrobank Travel Signature Visa

Best Travel Insurance (Annual): Pacific Cross Travelsafe

Best Travel Insurance (Single Trip): AXA Smart Traveller

Best Travel Wallet: GCash

Online Travel Services – Malaysia

Best Global Roaming Services: Maxis

Best Online Travel Agency: Traveloka

Best Travel App: AirAsia MOVE

Best Travel Credit Card: CIMB Travel World Elite Credit Card

Best Travel Insurance (Single Trip): MSIG Travel SafeGuard

Most Popular Travel Insurance Company: Allianz Insurance Malaysia

Online Travel Services – Indonesia

Best Online Travel Agency: Traveloka

Best Travel App: Traveloka

Best Travel Credit Card: DBS Visa Travel Signature

Best Travel Insurance (Annual): AXA SmartTravel

Best Travel Insurance (Single Trip): Zurich Travel Insurance

Most Popular Travel Insurance Company: AXA Insurance

Hotels – Singapore

Best Budget Hotel: YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road

Best Business Hotel: Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore

Best for Families: Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore

Best Luxury Hotel: PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore

Best New Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Singapore Robertson Quay

Best Serviced Residence: Great World Residences

Hotels – Singapore

Best Budget Hotel: Tune Hotel KLIA Aeropolis

Best Business Hotel: EQ Kuala Lumpur

Best for Families: Marriott Executive Apartments Penang

Best Luxury Hotel: Mandarin Oriental Desaru Coast

Destinations

Best City Destination: Fukuoka, Japan

Best Culinary Destination: Busan

Best Culinary Destination (Muslim-Friendly): Penang, Malaysia

Best Destination for Cultural Heritage Preservation: Sarawak

Best Dive Destination: The Philippines

Best Music Event Destination: The Rainforest World Music Festival

Best Muslim-Friendly Destination: Sabah

Best Nature Destination: Gangwon

Best Retiree Support Programme: Philippine Retirement Authority

Best Retirement Destination: The Philippines

Destination of the Year: The Philippines

Sustainability Leader of the Year: The Philippines

Activities & Attractions – Singapore

Best Animal Encounter: Singapore Zoo

Best Destination: Resorts World Sentosa

Best Family Attraction: Singapore Oceanarium at Resorts World Sentosa

Best Iconic Experience: Universal Studios Singapore

Best New Attraction: WEAVE at Resorts World Sentosa

Best Scenic Attraction: Supertree Observatory at Gardens by the Bay

Best Themed Attraction: Universal Studios Singapore Halloween Horror Nights

Best Yacht Experience: Esora Yacht

Most Popular Attraction for Children: KidsSTOP™

Activities & Attractions – Malaysia

Best Animal Encounter: Entopia

Best Attraction for Adrenaline Junkies: Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park

Best Family Attraction: LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort

Best Iconic Experience: Petronas Twin Towers Sky Xperience

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES