The most highly regarded cities, spa resorts, authentic villages, regions and natural attractions in Romania will be honoured on Thursday during the 'Destination of the Year 2026' Gala, hosted at the Constanta Casino.

The competition, which has become one of the most important projects promoting Romanian tourism, brings together this year more than 250 destinations proposed by the public, local authorities, destination management organisations and tourism specialists.

Following the selection process, the finalists were divided into the competition's 11 categories.

The 'Cities that Inspire' category is dedicated to cities with strong tourism recognition and substantial investment in developing the urban visitor experience. The destinations competing for the main trophy are Cluj-Napoca, Iasi, Sighisoara, Suceava and Timisoara, each with a strong tourism identity and active local community. After Sibiu won the Destination of the Year 2024 title, it remains to be seen whether the trophy will go this year to one of these cities or whether there will be a dramatic upset, as Constanta and Craiova are not far behind, organisers said. The winner of the 2025 edition was Oradea.

The 'Spa Resorts' category is dedicated to resorts recognised for their natural therapeutic resources and health tourism infrastructure. Spa tourism is making a strong comeback among Romanian travellers, with the current contest led by Baile Saate Ocna Mures, Borsec, Calimanesti-Căciulata, Slanic Moldova and Techirghiol. These are destinations with long-standing traditions as well as recent examples of revitalisation through investment and modernisation, making this one of the most unpredictable categories. In 2025, the equivalent category, 'Spa and Climatic Resorts', was won by Sovata.

The 'Tourist Resorts' category includes resorts of local or national interest offering diverse tourism experiences throughout the year, from relaxation to outdoor recreational activities. This category highlights established destinations such as Baile Felix, Borsa, Jurilovca, Rasnov, Sinaia and Vatra Dornei, each with a distinct profile, from classic mountain resorts to rapidly developing leisure centres.

The 'Enchanted Lands' category includes geographical areas or localities combining nature, history and tradition. The tourist regions category is once again among the most spectacular. Currently leading are the Bran-Moieciu-Fundata area, Clisura Dunarii, Tara Dornelor, Tinutul Raraului and Tinutul Transapuseana, territories telling different stories about Romania's nature and identity. In 2025, the Danube Delta was named Destination of the Year in this category.

Meanwhile, the 'Storybook Villages' category is dedicated to rural communities preserving authentic architecture, traditions and local lifestyles, while offering meaningful rural tourism experiences. Authenticity remains one of Romanian tourism's greatest strengths, with Banpotoc, Barsana, Rasinari, Saschiz and Viscri leading the rankings. Last year's winner was Rimetea.

The 'Urban Hubs' category includes boulevards, squares, streets, promenades and central areas that have become tourist attractions through their atmosphere, events and community life. Newly introduced this year, the category features direct competition between the Casino Promenade & Tomis Tourist Port (Constanta), Piata Mare (Sibiu), Piata Sfatului (Brasov), Piata Unirii (Oradea) and Piata Unirii (Bucuresti). These symbolic locations define their cities' identities and attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

The 'Play and Adrenaline' category is dedicated to recreational, sports and adventure destinations aimed at families and active visitors. It is one of the most dynamic categories, featuring destinations such as Arsenal Park, Complex Agrement Arinis, Dinosaur World Transylvania, Durau Park and Magic Parc Rasnov among the frontrunners. The popularity of such experiences has grown steadily in recent years, and the competition remains open. In 2025, the equivalent category, 'Fun and Adventure', was won by Dino Parc Rasnov.

The 'Sanctuaries of History' category is reserved for historical and spiritual heritage sites showcasing architecture, traditions and historical legacy. Some of Romania's most important historical landmarks are competing here, including Mocioni Castle, Peles Castle, Alba Iulia Citadel, Suceava Fortress and Sighisoara Citadel. This is a category where the renown of monuments plays an important role, although public mobilisation may decisively influence the outcome. The category is newly introduced in the competition's current structure.

The 'Realm of Knowledge' category belongs to educational attractions promoting knowledge, science, art and culture through collections, exhibitions and interactive programmes. Interest in educational tourism and cultural experiences is reflected by the presence among the leaders of the Constanta Dolphinarium, Bucovina Museum, National Museum of the Union, Brukenthal National Museum and Grigore Antipa National Museum of Natural History. These institutions attract large audiences every year, including families and school groups. In 2025, the equivalent 'Culture and Education' category was won by the ASTRA Museum.

The 'Natural Treasures' category covers protected natural areas, geological formations and nature attractions arranged for visitors, offering authentic outdoor experiences. Currently leading are Cheile Nerei, Lake Balea, Lake Ursu, Salina Turda and the Danube Delta at Sfantu Gheorghe.

Finally, the 'Landmarks' category is dedicated to emblems of cultural tourism distinguished by their artistic, architectural and symbolic value. Leading the category are the Constantin Brancusi Sculptural Ensemble, Maria Terezia Bastion in Timisoara, Biserica Neagra/Black Church (Brasov), Constanta Casino and the 'Cazinoul Bailor' Museum Centre (Vatra Dornei), some of the most recognisable landmarks of Romanian heritage.

In addition, the 2026 edition includes special distinctions such as the Best Promotion Award, Destination of the Year in the Republic of Moldova, Hotel of the Year powered by Travelminit, County of the Year and the Grand Prize Destination of the Year 2026, completing the recognition of excellence in Romanian tourism.

Winners will be selected through an evaluation system combining public voting, assessment by a national jury of tourism specialists, results from a national sociological survey on destination awareness and analysis of tourism development and sustainability criteria.

The 'Destination of the Year 2026' Gala will bring together representatives of destinations from across the country, tourism professionals, authorities, partners and local communities to celebrate the places inspiring Romanians to rediscover Romania.

Destination of the Year is a national-interest competition organised in partnership with the Ministry of Economy, Digitalisation, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, the Alliance for Tourism, the National Union of County Councils of Romania, the Institute for Visionary Cities (IOV) and the National Tourism Office of the Republic of Moldova.

The event is organised in partnership with OMD Mamaia-Constanta, in a year of special significance for the destination, as Mamaia marks 120 years of tourism history.

Partners also include the National Association of Travel Agencies in Romania (ANAT), the Cred in Romania/I Believe in Romania Association, the Romanian Hotel Industry Federation (FIHR), the Federation of Tourism Promotion Associations in Romania (FAPT), RoBoost, Antreprenoresti, Re-Patriot, Urlaub in Rumanien, the Bucharest University of Economic Studies, the Association of Ecotourism in Romania (AER), Eco-Romania, Constanta & Mamaia, Aerosoli, Subaru, Metro and Enterprise Rent-A-Car as mobility partner. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Mariana Nica; EN - writing by: Cristina Zaharia)