Panama to host the 11th Open Passport Award in February 2026

The Open Passport Award, the highest recognition granted by the World Travel Journalism Organization (WTJO), will celebrate its 11th edition in Panama during the first week of February 2026. The event will bring together journalists, communicators, academics, authorities, and representatives of the tourism sector from various countries, solidifying its place as one of the most influential gatherings in global travel journalism.

In September of this year, applications will officially open for submissions in the various categories, allowing professionals and media outlets from around the world to present their work and projects.

La Ciudad de Panamá, la Ciudad de Colón  and Costa Arriba de Colón / Portobelo will be the main venues for this international event, offering a historical, cultural, and natural setting that will enrich the experience of all participants.

The number 11 holds special meaning for this edition: it represents the continuity of a journey that began in 2017 and, at the same time, symbolizes a double open door to the future, inviting the expansion of responsible, creative, and sustainable tourism.

With this announcement, Panama begins preparations to welcome the international travel journalism community and to share its cultural, historical, and natural richness with the world, under the unifying spirit of the Open Passport Award.