Are Media has announced the launch of the inaugural Gourmet Traveller Hotel and Travel Awards. The awards aim to celebrate the best hotel and travel experiences across Australia, with entries now open across a range of categories within the tourism industry. The winners will be revealed in May 2025, with one property set to be crowned Gourmet Traveller Hotel of the Year.

The awards will comprise three key categories: Hotel of the Year, Boutique Hotel of the Year, and Resort of the Year. In addition, the awards will recognise the country's Best New Hotel and Best Hotel Dining, as well as the Cruise Line of the Year. A panel of luxury travel experts, led by Gourmet Traveller Editor Joanna Hunkin, will judge the awards.

"Australia has its own style and perspective when it comes to luxury travel and we want to celebrate the properties that work so hard to capture that, delivering unique, singular experiences. The world is full of beautiful hotels that are indistinguishable from their international counterparts. That's not what these awards are about. We are looking for the hotels that create a sense of place and share an Australian sensibility, while still delivering world-class service," said Hunkin.

Gourmet Traveller readers will also have their say when the People's Choice Awards open in January, with categories including Airline of the Year, Best Loyalty Program and Favourite Hotel Brand. Winners will be announced in the special June 2025 issue of Gourmet Traveller. A list of Australia's best hotels will be published on gourmettraveller.com.au, with reviews written by the judging panel.

"We are thrilled to announce this prestigious new addition to Are Media's 2025 line up. Next year is set to be a huge one for Are Media's luxury group with the Gourmet Traveller Hotel and Travel Awards serving the first taste of what's to come. Our luxury titles are produced by people with decades of experience in their fields, people who are bound by a shared passion to uncover the new, now, next and best for our discerning audiences who are hungry for information. The luxury group speaks to this collective audience of over 1.1 million seeking prestige fashion, beauty, food, dining and luxury travel. The Gourmet Traveller Hotel and Travel Awards will attract an audience primed for high-end brands, presenting a unique way to deliver real value and drive results for our audiences and partners. Partnership opportunities available," said Nicky Briger, Are Media General Manager, Luxury.