From food to culture and family connection: Celebrating experience-led luxury travel

From immersive food journeys to Indigenous-led tourism and multi-generational travel, this year’s Gold List Awards experience categories highlight how luxury travel is increasingly defined by connection, culture and a sense of place

As luxury travel continues to shift towards immersion and connection, the 2025 Gold List Awards will recognise outstanding experiences that stay with travellers long after the journey ends. This year’s experience categories celebrate food, culture, family travel and community – placing emphasis on thoughtful design and a strong sense of place.

Submissions are now open for the following categories:

Gourmet Luxury Tourism Experience – ANZ

From vineyard lunches in Central Otago to seafood tastings on the NSW coast, this category recognises exceptional food and wine experiences across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Entries are open to accommodations, tour operators and experience providers offering more than just a meal – this is about culinary storytelling through curated regional experiences.

Indigenous Experience

Open to operators globally, this category honours Indigenous-led tourism experiences that are rooted in community and knowledge-sharing. Eligible entries include guided cultural tours, on-Country experiences, storytelling-led activities or workshops where travellers can engage with Indigenous history and perspectives in a considered way.

Luxury Family Experience

Designed for those delivering high-quality family and multi-generational travel experiences, this category is for programs that genuinely engage all ages. Whether it’s a wilderness retreat with bush school programs, or a coastal lodge offering intergenerational cooking classes and nature walks, entries should show a clear understanding of how families travel today.

These categories are open to both domestic and international operators. Judges will assess entries based on creativity, cultural relevance, guest experience and alignment with modern luxury values.

Entries close 18 July 2025. 

Enter here. 

See previous winners here.