In 2026, Paris will become the global epicenter of the hospitality world as The World’s 50 Best Hotels awards move to the French capital for the first time. The decision marks a key moment for the prestigious event, which has long been held in London, and highlights Paris’ growing influence in the luxury travel sector. The awards, which recognize the world’s top hotels for innovation, excellence, and guest experiences, will be held over a week-long celebration in the heart of France, drawing industry leaders from around the globe.

Historic Shift to Paris

The move to Paris represents a strategic expansion for The World’s 50 Best Hotels, which has grown into a global benchmark for hotel excellence. The French capital, known for its iconic luxury hotels and refined service, provides a fitting backdrop for the event. Organizers say the relocation highlights Paris’ role in shaping the future of the hospitality industry and offers a platform for international dialogue and collaboration.

The awards ceremony will be preceded by a week of events, starting with a ‘Welcome to Paris’ reception to introduce attendees to the city. This will be followed by an Opening Banquet, where representatives from the 100 hotels featured in the list will gather to network and celebrate the upcoming announcement of the top 50.

Leadership Forum and Industry Insights

A key component of the 2026 edition will be the #50BestTalks: Unpacked leadership forum, which will bring together hotel executives, travel professionals, and industry specialists. The forum will explore emerging trends, sustainability practices, and innovations shaping the modern hospitality landscape through interactive sessions and panel discussions.

The forum aims to provide actionable insights while encouraging cross-border collaboration. Topics will range from operational challenges to the role of technology in enhancing guest experiences. Industry leaders will have the opportunity to exchange ideas and strategies that could influence the future direction of the sector.

The week will culminate in a highly anticipated awards ceremony, featuring red-carpet arrivals, interviews, and a drinks reception. The official countdown to the announcement of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026 will be a highlight, followed by a press conference offering media insights into the winning properties and broader industry trends.

Expanded Voting and Recognition

The 2026 edition introduces a revised voting framework, expanding the eligibility period to three years. This allows voters to assess hotels based on their experiences over a longer timeframe, ensuring a more thorough evaluation of sustained excellence. Each voter will cast seven votes based on their personal experiences during the three-year period.

The ranking is determined by the 50 Best Hotels Academy, a panel of over 800 anonymous voters from 13 regions worldwide. Each region is overseen by an appointed Academy Chair, who ensures the voting panel is representative and balanced. Votes are cast individually through a secure system and remain confidential until the official announcement.

The 51-100 list, introduced in 2025, will again be published ahead of the ceremony, providing broader recognition for exceptional hotels beyond the top 50. This approach acknowledges the diversity of excellence in the global hotel industry and ensures that more properties receive recognition for their outstanding guest experiences.

Importantly, participation in the awards process and associated events requires no financial contribution from hotels. This ensures that recognition is based solely on merit, reinforcing the credibility and integrity of the awards. Hotels do not pay fees to be considered for the ranking, a policy that has been instrumental in maintaining the event’s reputation for fairness and transparency.

The World’s 50 Best Hotels has grown into a global standard for evaluating luxury hotel performance, guest satisfaction, and innovation. The 2026 edition in Paris is expected to further enhance the initiative’s reach and influence, offering industry leaders a unique opportunity to network, learn, and celebrate exceptional hospitality.

The event’s relocation to Paris is also expected to have a tangible impact on the local economy. According to the French Ministry of Tourism, the hospitality sector in Paris contributed over €12 billion to the national economy in 2023, with luxury hotels accounting for nearly 25% of that total. The influx of international visitors and industry professionals could further boost revenue and reinforce Paris’ status as a premier destination for luxury travel.

With its combination of a world-class host city, expanded voting process, and thorough programme of events, the 2026 edition is ready to not only recognize the finest hotels globally but also support meaningful dialogue around the future of travel and hospitality. As the awards move to Paris, the event is set to strengthen its role as a platform that highlights the most outstanding properties and the professionals behind them.