Tourest 2026

Estonian Tourism and Travel Association (ETFL) annually recognizes and announces the receipents of The Best Tourism Establishment of the Year and The Best Tourism Promoter of the Year. Traditionally, the official announcement and congratulatory ceremonies for the awardees take place at the Tourest tourism fair.

The Burman Hotel, Saaremaa Zoo, and Wagenküll Hotel and Theme Park were nominated for The Best Tourism Establishment of the Year 2025 Award. The Best Tourism Establishment of the Year award is presented to a company operating in the tourism sector that is characterized by widespread recognition, impeccable customer service, customer safety, the environmental friendliness of its services or products, innovation, originality, and effective marketing.

The nominees for The Best Tourism Promoter of the Year 2025 Award are Ain-Alar Juhanson—organizer of Ironman Tallinn; Eero Pärgmäe—Member of the Board of Tallinn Airport Ltd, Target Market Developer; and Kristel Peikel—head of the Hiiumaa Tourism Cluster. The Tourism Promoter of the Year Award is presented to an organization or individual whose activities have significantly influenced the development of Estonia’s tourism industry, by engaging directly in tourism-related business or educational work, possessing recognition and authority in tourism circles and an impeccable reputation, and successfully launching and developing new projects.

Heli Tooman is being honored for her Lifetime Achievement in recognition of her more than 50-year contribution to the development of tourism education and service culture in Estonia. Under her leadership, the tourism curricula at Pärnu College were created and developed, and more than 2,000 future tourism professionals from across Estonia have studied under these programs. Heli’s consistent work as a lecturer, curriculum developer, member of expert committees, and author of professional literature has influenced the professional development of the entire Estonian tourism sector.