The Destination Excellence Awards recognize outstanding contributions to destination management in Texas.
New this year: Awards for 2026 will be solely juried by an impartial panel of nationally recruited tourism industry experts.
WHY PARTICIPATE?
Studies show recognition has a positive influence in the work space and can boost motivation, increase engagement, strengthen team relationships, enhance job satisfaction and improve employee retention.
The 2026 Destination Excellence Awards is the perfect way to showcase your team's efforts this last year. And, every member DMO gets one FREE submission with code TEXASDE26, so there is really no reason not to participate! Cost is $60 per nomination.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
DMO members only in good standing and current on their annual dues. Affiliate members are not eligible to win awards, however they can connect with their partner DMO and encourage them to submit a nomination.
WHEN ARE NOMINATIONS DUE?
Nominations need to be both purchased and have the corresponding nomination forms submitted by 5:00pm CT Friday, July 3rd.
HOW IT WORKS:
The process is a little different this year! Here's how it works...
- STEP 1: Click on the "Secure My Nomination" link below.
- STEP 2: You will be redirected to purchase your category submissions first, and you may add more than one category to your cart. *Don't forget to use code TEXASDE26 to redeem your first submission FREE!
- STEP 3: After purchase, the link to the nomination forms will be included in your confirmation e-mail. This is where you will submit your nomination information and your submission is not considered complete without it!
Also worth noting:
- Only one entry per DMO for each category is allowed.
- On the form, select the budget category that corresponds to your organization's total annual budget.
- Your submission is not complete until the entry form has been fully completed and submitted.
NEW Budget Categories FOR 2026
Budget categories correspond to the DMO's 2026 fiscal year annual budget.
- Under $500,00
- $500,000 - $999,999
- $1 Million - $3 Million
- Over $3 Million
SECURE MY DESTINATION EXCELLENCE NOMINATION
2026 Submission Categories
Digital Innovation
This award recognizes tourism businesses that are pushing boundaries through digital innovation. From cutting-edge websites to game-changing digital tools, this category celebrates those who are transforming the visitor experience through technology.
Leisure Tourism Promotion
Promotion may be directed at niche markets or a general travel audience. Promotions may also relate to special events, crisis management programs or overall tourism initiatives. Results should include impressions, results, pick-up and social media (if applicable).
Meeting & Convention Promotion
Promotion must be geared towards bringing a meeting/convention to your town. Results should include impressions, results, pick-up, and social media.
Sports Promotion
Marketing promotions or campaigns, events, or initiatives that successfully promote sports tourism and showcase a destination as a premier location for athletic events, tournaments, and sports-related experiences.
DMO of the Year
Two awards in this category will be awarded this year: Under $1 Million and $1 Million Plus
This category seeks to recognize destinations that have made a significant impact within the travel industry this year. That could include but is not limited to significantly increasing tourist numbers, achieving substantial recognition across industry or in the media, releasing a new successful campaign, hosting a significant event, or a combination of many of these and more.
Judging
An impartial panel of industry experts sourced nationally will select winners and runners-up in each awards category, and in each budget category. There will be no "people's choice" or open voting period.
Awards
The 2026 Destination Excellence Awards will take place at the Annual Conference in Plano on Wednesday, September 2nd as a part of the 2026 Texas Tourism Awards Program. Trophies will be awarded to all first-place winners and certificates to runners-up.