A new destination joins the WTJO global map and marks a milestone for 2027

The World Travel Journalism Organization (WTJO) officially confirmed the first events on its 2027 agenda, doing so with an announcement that marks a turning point in its history: for the first time, Uruguay will host its international activities.

The South American country will make its debut as host of two key WTJO events in March 2027: the 13th edition of the International Open Passport Award and a new International Congress of Travel Journalism, consolidating its entry into the global circuit of destinations that promote tourism through specialized communication.

The activities will begin on Monday, March 15, 2027, with the opening of the international congress, complemented by an agenda that will include training sessions, professional exchange opportunities, and territorial experiences. Within this same framework, the traditional Open Passport Awards gala will take place, one of the most relevant recognitions in travel journalism worldwide.

The program also includes visits to some of the country’s main tourism departments, including Montevideo, Maldonado, Rocha, Canelones, and Colonia, allowing participants to experience firsthand Uruguay’s cultural, heritage, and natural diversity. 

The award ceremony is scheduled for March 18 at approximately 9:00 p.m. at the Centro de Eventos de la Plaza de Toros Real de San Carlos ,in Colonia,an iconic venue that will add strong symbolic and heritage value to the closing of the event.

With this confirmation, Uruguay becomes a new key player on the WTJO international calendar, opening a stage of regional and international projection that strengthens the link between tourism, communication, and destination development.