Interviews for the 2026 National Travel Industry Awards begin from 24 August, marking the second stage of judging for most NTIA Most Outstanding categories after finalists were assessed on written and video submissions.
Judging combines submissions with live interviews
Finalists have already been scored by independent university-level assessors against defined criteria in the first judging stage. The interview stage puts finalists in front of panels of industry judges, who assess the combined strength of each written submission and live interview to determine category winners.
ATIA said this year’s first-stage results showed a higher standard of entries than previous years, with several categories separated by only fractions of a mark. Assessors reported stronger use of evidence and measurable results, more polished video submissions, and entries that engaged more directly with published judging criteria compared with last year.
Rigour underpins award’s industry standing
Jenny Le, ATIA’s national manager of events, said the interview stage lets judges test finalists’ claims further. “In a field this strong, the interview stage gives our industry judges the opportunity to test that case further. Finalists need to demonstrate not only what they achieved, but the thinking, leadership and impact behind those results,” Le said.
For ATIA members and the wider trade, the NTIAs’ judging process is designed to keep the award’s recognition meaningful, with the credential carrying weight for agencies, advisors and operators competing for future business. Winners will be announced at the NTIA Gala later this year.
