Constanța Casino to Host the 2026 Destination of the Year Gala
The Constanța Casino, a recently restored historical monument, will host the Destination of the Year Gala on May 14, 2026, the central award ceremony for Romania’s most appreciated tourist locations. The choice of this emblematic space reflects the strategy to highlight national cultural heritage and coincides with the 120th anniversary of tourism activity in the Mamaia resort, emphasizing the strategic role of the coast in national tourism.
The event is organized in partnership with OMD Mamaia–Constanța and represents the finale of an annual competition based on public votes, a specialized jury, and industry experts. George Măndilă, president of OMD Mamaia–Constanța, stated that hosting the gala reconfirms the importance of the Romanian coast and the development direction of an internationally competitive destination. Mamaia resort, a winner in previous editions, will serve as a mentor for the tourist resorts category within the competition for the third consecutive year.
Beyond the official ceremony, the Gala functions as a networking platform, facilitating dialogue between destination managers from across the country to identify common development directions. The project is supported by an extensive consortium of institutional partners, including the Ministry of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, the Alliance for Tourism, ANAT, FIHR, and FAPT. Primary financial and logistical support is provided by companies such as BCR, AQUA Carpatica, METRO, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, and Travelminit.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where will the 2026 Destination of the Year Gala take place?
The event will be held on May 14, 2026, at the recently restored Constanța Casino.
What is the significance of the venue choice?
Hosting the gala at the Casino highlights Romania’s cultural heritage and marks 120 years of tourism in Mamaia.
How are the winners of the Destination of the Year competition selected?
Winners are chosen based on a combination of public votes, specialized jury evaluations, and expert opinions.