Nariño hosted the 10th Edition of the Open Passport Award

On the night of August 26, 2025, the city of Nariño, Colombia, was dressed in celebration to host the 10th edition of the Open Passport Award,an international recognition that honors journalists, media outlets, destinations, projects, and individuals who contribute to building a more human, sustainable, and transformative form of tourism.

During the ceremony, 14 awards were presented across various categories, reflecting the diversity and commitment of journalism and the global tourism industry. The winners were:

1. Social relevance: Turismo masivo, el dilema de la sostenibilidad en un mundo conectado, Juan de Dios Valentín (República Dominicana).

2.  Acknowledging others: Pioneros del Turismo, Irina Grassmann (Alemania).

3. Originality: Un viaje turístico por el maravilloso mundo de las plantas en RD, María Mercedes (República Dominicana).

4.Journalistic investigation: Influencers, “sinvergüencers”, “fakevergüencers” y demás personajes de la promoción turística, Adrián R. Morales (República Dominicana).

5.Outstanding travel media outlet: agendaturistica.com (Colombia).

6.Event of the Year: Festival de Música de Cuerda Pedro Ramírez (Colombia).

7.Best Tourism Proposal: Descubre el Paraíso Escondido de Playa Los Frailes en Ecuador, Daniel Puenayán (Ecuador).

8.Emerging Destinations: Valle Encantado (Argentina).

9.Committed Tourism Entrepreneurs: Intermundial (México).

10.Teamwork: WalkingTime Tours (Colombia).

11.Collaborating Organization: Corporación Turística Nueve Ríos (Colombia).

12.Lifetime achievement: Yubelkys Mejía (República Dominicana).

13.Grand Open Passport Award: Lucía Sant (Argentina).

14.Grand Open Passport Award: 10th Edition: Yalina Pérez Sánchez (Panamá).

Special mentions:

• Donde la piedra sueña: Guatapé, un destino que habla desde lo alto, John Acosta (Colombia).

• unencuentroconmipaisrd.com (República Dominicana)

The ceremony also included a special moment to honor journalist Salvador Batista, from the Dominican Republic, who became the second professional to be inducted into the World Travel Journalism Honor Gallery, a space reserved for those who have left an indelible mark on tourism communication.

With this commemorative edition, the Open Passport Award reaffirms its role as the most important global recognition in travel journalism, highlighting stories, initiatives, and careers that inspire the continued building of tourism with a positive impact.