Skift Take
Since its inception five years ago, the Skift IDEA Awards have been the most sought-after accolades for travel industry professionals who are pushing the boundaries of design, creativity, and innovation. The awards recognize and celebrate the achievements of travel brands, agencies, and tech companies that are shaping the future of travel.
We’ll name finalists and winners in 18 categories across four distinct criteria groups: Industry Innovators, Change Makers, Creative Thinkers, and Problem Solvers. Check out the full category descriptions, entry criteria, and deadline information here.
Why Enter?
- Exposure and possible recognition of your innovative project with Skift’s editors and our VIP judges
- Coverage on Skift.com, marketing channels, and brand exposure at Skift Global Forum 2023
- Complimentary ticket to Skift Global Forum 2023 once chosen along with brand exposure during the opening night event
- Personalized branding kit for winners to promote their achievements through their own channels, to customers, and the press
- Credit towards Skift’s premium subscription products
Don’t miss out on being a part of some of the industry’s most forward-thinking design and purpose-driven creativity across travel. Read more on 2022’s IDEA Award winners here.
Entry Dates and Fees
- Early Deadline: March 31 – $349 per entry
- Regular Deadline: May 2 – $449 per entry
- Final Deadline: June 20 – $549 per entry
- Winners to be announced on August 1
2023 Categories
This year’s program has 18 categories across four 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.
HOTELS: Projects defining the future of hotels and the guest experience.
SHORT TERM RENTALS: Projects defining the future of short-term rentals.
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: Presented by AIRLINE WEEKLY. Projects defining the future of aviation, airlines, and the traveler experience.
AIRPORTS: Presented by AIRLINE WEEKLY: Projects defining the future of 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.
Change Makers
Organizations elevating the Travel Industry’s role as a force for good by affecting meaningful change.
SUSTAINABILITY: Projects creating a positive impact for the planet.
PEOPLE & COMMUNITY: Projects leading to social change or benefiting communities.
LEADERSHIP: Highlighting a specific leader whose career has been dedicated to creating a positive impact in 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.
PRODUCT 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.
COMMUNICATIONS: A B2B communications team or company that guides brands and industry leaders forward through media and strategy.
DATA PROVIDER: A B2B research or analytics company that provides critical data and analysis to the industry.
TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY: A B2C solution that drives experiential outcomes – including payments, consumer apps, smart tech, and anything else along the travel journey.
Entries are now open for the 2023 awards program.
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