Discover the top travel experiences for 2025 as Norway’s finest names and destinations shine at the Grand Travel Awards in Oslo.
As Norway continues to captivate travellers with its natural beauty and cultural charm, the annual Grand Travel Awards offers insights into the top names shaping the travel industry.
Trondheim, Norway. Photo: David Nikel.
Organized by Travel News, these awards have become a hallmark of excellence, bringing together industry professionals to celebrate outstanding achievements and innovation in travel.
Finalists were selected by a nomination committee, while employees from Norwegian travel agencies and tour operators voted for the winners.
Havila Voyages, Strawberry Hotels, and Norwegian Air were among the big winners at this year’s event, held on 9 January, 2025, at Wallmans in Oslo. Now, let’s take a closer look at this year’s winners.
Best Hotels in Norway
Norway’s hotel scene continues to set new standards for excellence, blending luxury, history, and innovation to create unforgettable stays for visitors from around the world.
Hotel of the Year in Norway: Sommerro. Sommerro, located in Oslo’s vibrant Frogner district, opened in 2022. Housed in a restored Art Deco building, it features luxurious rooms, an acclaimed rooftop spa, and a rich cultural history.
Hotel Chain of the Year in Norway: Strawberry. Formerly known as Nordic Choice Hotels, the group underwent a rebranding to Strawberry to reflect its fresh vision for hospitality.
The company encompasses several brands, including Comfort Hotel, Quality Hotel, Clarion Hotel, and Clarion Collection, as well as a number of independent hotels. Strawberry has a significant presence in Oslo, where it operates 13 hotels.
Hotel Chain of the Year in the Nordics: Strawberry. Extending its reach beyond Norway, Strawberry’s reputation resonates across the Nordic region where it has a total of more than 200 hotels.
Hotel Chain of the Year Internationally: Marriott. One of the world’s leading hotel chains, Marriott operates more than 8,000 properties across 139 countries. Known for its signature luxury and diverse brand portfolio, Marriott caters to a wide range of travellers, from business professionals to leisure seekers.
Best Airlines
Air travel remains a cornerstone of global connectivity, and these airlines lead the way with outstanding service, innovative offerings, and reliable operations for both domestic and international travellers.
Domestic Airline of the Year: Norwegian. After a tough few years, Norwegian has refocused its business model on Norway and Scandinavia. And it shows. The new Norwegian excels in providing reliable and efficient domestic flights across Norway.
European Airline of the Year: Norwegian. With competitive pricing and wide-reaching routes, Norwegian also stands out among European carriers.
Intercontinental Airline of the Year: Emirates. With its hub at Dubai International Airport, Emirates connects travellers to over 150 destinations across six continents. Known for its luxurious cabins and exceptional in-flight service, the airline consistently raises the bar for long-haul travel.
Other Norway Travel Awards
Ferry Operator of the Year: Havila Voyages: Havila Kystruten combines sustainable travel with authentic Norwegian coastal experiences. They operate four ships on Norway’s coastal express and have now won the award for two consecutive years.
“Winning this award for the second year in a row, against such well-established and renowned brands, and being recognized by colleagues in our own industry, is something we value immensely,” says CEO Bent Martini of Havila Voyages.
Destination Management Company of the Year: Basecamp Explorer. Basecamp Explorer’s sustainable and immersive adventures showcase the best of Svalbard. As they say: “Traveling by dogs, boat or snowmobile between our remote outposts will feel a bit mad. And it is. But in the hands of our guides, you will be perfectly safe.”
Experience Provider of the Year (Norway): Dyreparken. Dyreparken, located in Kristiansand, is a beloved family destination that combines a zoo, amusement park, and water park. Visitors can explore wildlife exhibits, enjoy thrilling rides, and immerse themselves in themed attractions inspired by Norwegian folklore.
With year-round activities and unique accommodations, including lodges overlooking animal enclosures, Dyreparken offers an unforgettable experience for all ages. unique attractions and family-friendly experiences make it a top choice for memorable outings.
Car Rental Company of the Year: Hertz. Hertz’s consistent reliability and service excellence secure its place as a leader in car rental. Speaking of which, if you’re planning a road trip, check out our guide to car rental in Norway.
International Travel & Tour Operators
Highlighting the industry’s global leaders, this category celebrates excellence among tour operators, airlines, and rental companies that elevate the travel experience for explorers worldwide.
Foreign Tourist Office of the Year: Spain. A perennial favourite among Norwegians looking for some year-round sunshine, Spain’s effective promotion of its rich culture and vibrant destinations earned it this year’s top spot.
Tour Package Provider of the Year: Apollo. Apollo is celebrated for offering comprehensive travel packages that cater to diverse traveller needs.
Specialized Tour Operator of the Year: Vista. Vista’s bespoke itineraries and attention to detail make it a standout choice for specialized travel experiences.
Tourist Destination of the Year Winner: Thailand. Known for its tropical allure and hospitality, Thailand continues to attract travellers from around the globe.
For Norwegians, Thailand offers a warm escape from winter, affordable luxury, and rich cultural experiences. The availability of direct flights from Oslo to Bangkok enhances its appeal.
Best Cruise Lines
From luxurious small ships to grand ocean liners, the best cruise lines offer unforgettable voyages that combine world-class service, innovative amenities, and breathtaking global destinations.
Cruise Line of the Year (Large Ships): Royal Caribbean. Royal Caribbean’s innovative ships and expansive itineraries make it a favorite for large-ship cruising. The company’s global reach includes destinations across the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia.
Its newest ship, Icon of the Seas, redefines what an ocean vacation can be, offering groundbreaking amenities and experiences for travellers seeking unforgettable voyages.
Cruise Line of the Year (Small Ships): Explora. Explora delivers intimate and luxurious cruising experiences, winning over discerning travellers. The company is known for its small yet elegantly designed ships, which offer personalised service, exceptional dining, and unique itineraries to lesser-known destinations worldwide.
River Cruise Line of the Year Winner: Viva River Cruises. Viva River Cruises provides exceptional journeys on Europe’s iconic waterways.
With such outstanding winners, 2025 promises to be an incredible year for travel, both within Norway and beyond. Whether you’re planning a cozy staycation or an adventurous getaway, these award-winning names ensure exceptional experiences.