ToursByLocals Announces 2026 Golden Guide Award Winners, Celebrating the People Redefining Modern Travel
Annual awards recognize exceptional local guides whose expertise, passion, and personal connection create unforgettable travel experiences around the world
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 22, 2026
ToursByLocals today announced the winners of its 2026 Golden Guide Awards, honouring the outstanding local guides who help travellers experience the world through deeper connection, richer understanding, and unforgettable moments.
Now in its second year, the Golden Guide Awards celebrate guides whose dedication, expertise, and care have elevated the travel experience for thousands of travellers worldwide. The awards recognize excellence across a range of categories, from traveller-nominated honours and travel advisor recognition to achievements in innovation, service, and tour delivery.
As travellers increasingly seek meaningful experiences over checklists and deeper engagement over sightseeing alone, local guides are playing a more important role than ever in shaping how people experience a destination.
"Travel has the power to connect us to places, cultures, and one another—but it's often the guide who makes that connection possible," said Lisa Chen, CEO and President of ToursByLocals. "Our Golden Guide Award winners embody the very best of what guided travel can be. They bring destinations to life through their stories, expertise, and genuine care for the people they host. We're incredibly proud to celebrate these remarkable individuals and the impact they have on travellers every day."
Highlights from the 2026 Golden Guide Awards
Debut Experience - Françoise Baby, Montreal Canada
This award recognizes the year's most creative new tour experience. Inspired by the internationally acclaimed novels of Louise Penny and developed with the author's support, Françoise's literary journey through Montreal offers travellers a chance to step into the world of Chief Inspector Armand Gamache while discovering the city's rich culture and character.
Lifetime Achievement Award – Francisco Morales, Barcelona, Spain
After 15 years with ToursByLocals and more than 1,700 groups guided through Barcelona and beyond, Francisco's dedication to sharing the culture, history, and spirit of his home region has earned him this year's highest honour.
Ultimate Pathfinder Award – Simona Mariotti, Rome, Italy
Recognized as the platform's busiest guide of the year, Simona delivered more tours than any other ToursByLocals guide worldwide, introducing countless travellers to the history, culture, and everyday life of Rome.
Shining Star Award – Jenny Malikouti, Athens, Greece
Earning more five-star reviews than any other guide on the platform in the past year, Jenny's warmth, local expertise, and ability to create memorable experiences earned her the admiration of travellers from around the globe.
Travel Advisor's Choice Award – Eva Sefrhansova, Prague, Czechia
Chosen by members of the travel advisor community, this award recognizes a guide whose professionalism, flexibility, and exceptional service consistently deliver outstanding experiences for advisors and their clients.
Additional awards recognize excellence in tour innovation, customer experience, community impact, and destination expertise, showcasing the diverse talents of ToursByLocals' global guide community.
Celebrating the Guides Behind the Journey
While destinations may inspire a trip, it is often the people travellers meet along the way who leave the most lasting impression. From helping visitors trace family roots in ancestral villages to sharing generations of local knowledge, the guides on ToursByLocals create moments of connection that transform travel into something more meaningful.
The complete list of 2026 Golden Guide Award winners and their stories can be found at:
https://www.toursbylocals.com/golden-guide-awards/2026
About ToursByLocals
Founded in 2008, ToursByLocals connects travellers with expert local guides for private, customizable experiences in over 2000 destinations in 177 countries around the world. With a focus on meaningful human connection and personalized travel, the company empowers local guides to deliver exceptional experiences that turn vacations into treasured memories.
