Viator 2025 Experience Awards Reveals Travel Highlights
This year's prestigious awards highlight the top tours, activities, and experiences that celebrate culture, connection, and thrilling outdoor exploration.
Viator, the world's largest travel experiences marketplace, is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Viator Experience Awards, honoring the top travel experiences worldwide, as chosen by Viator's millions of global travelers.
Celebrating Unique Travel Experiences
The 2025 awards recognize over 450 exceptional tours, activities, and experiences, offering travelers access to some of the world's most unique and unforgettable adventures. This year's winners reflect the evolving interests of today's travelers, focusing on immersive, authentic, and meaningful experiences.
"We are thrilled to elevate the standards with Viator's Experience Awards, celebrating the extraordinary moments that make travel special," said Laurel Greatrix, VP of Marketing at Viator. "This year's winners are not just entries on a bucket list but represent the transformation in travel, where people seek deeper connections with the places they visit."
Current Trends in Travel
According to Viator's latest travel trends report, the year 2025 is characterized by immersive learning experiences, outdoor adventures, and culturally rich moments. These growing trends are evident in this year's Experience Awards, showcasing activities that facilitate deep engagement with local cultures, communities, and nature.
Immersive, Hands-On Classes
Today's travelers are more than mere spectators—they aspire to learn and engage. Whether mastering a local craft or acquiring a culinary skill, there is a rising demand for hands-on activities. The popularity of experiences such as craft workshops and cooking classes continues to soar, and this year's Experience Awards feature some of the finest immersive classes worldwide.
Some standout hands-on experiences include:
- Paris French Bakery Behind the Scenes Experience
- Pastamania - Florence Pasta Making Class
- 1-Hour Japanese Archery Experience in Kyoto
- Dance Class In a Secret Rooftop Of The Old City
- Small-Group Khinkali and Khachapuri Cooking Class
- Private Surfing Lessons in Waikiki
Outdoor Adventures
Outdoor adventures have gained immense popularity over recent years, and 2025 is no different. Almost half of this year's award-winning experiences occur in outdoor settings, featuring serene hiking trails and memorable wildlife encounters. These experiences provide travelers with a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature.
Some of the award-winning outdoor adventures include:
- Ubud: Monkey Forest, Jungle Swing, Rice Terrace, and Water Temple
- Rotorua Rafting: Kaituna River White Water Rafting
- Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Half-Day Hiking Tour
- Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon and Kerid Crater Tour from Reykjavik
- Monkey and Sloth Jungle Habitat Panama Tour
- Dubai Morning Desert Safari with Quad Biking
Cultural Experiences Redefined
Although cultural and historical visits have always attracted travelers, contemporary visitors are desiring more personalized interactions. Instead of passive sightseeing, there's been a shift towards interactive small group activities such as guided tours, which have surged in popularity. Exploring destinations through a more active lens provides a richer and more authentic experience.
A selection of culturally immersive experiences to explore includes:
- Prague Ghost and Legend of Old Town Walking Tour
- San Jose: Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour including Markets
- Hanoi By Night Motorbike Tours
- Guided Bike Tour of Amsterdam's Highlights and Hidden Gems
- Lion City Bike Tour of Singapore
- Tokyo Sumo Entertainment Show
Plan Your Next Adventure
With around 400,000 unique tours, activities, and excursions available—ranging from day trips to extreme adventures—Viator caters to every type of traveler. Whether seeking cultural encounters, off-the-beaten-path excursions, or profound connections with destinations, Viator has it all.
To begin your journey, visit www.viator.com or download the Viator app, available on both the App Store and Google Play.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Viator Experience Awards?
The Viator Experience Awards recognize top tours and activities as chosen by travelers, showcasing exceptional experiences worldwide.
How many experiences are recognized in the 2025 awards?
This year, over 450 outstanding tours, activities, and experiences are being recognized for their uniqueness and quality.
What trends define travel in 2025?
The travel trends for 2025 focus on immersive experiences, outdoor adventures, and culturally rich activities that connect travelers to local communities.
What type of experiences are highlighted in the awards?
The awards highlight hands-on classes, outdoor adventures, and cultural interactions that allow deeper engagement with destinations.
Where can I book these experiences?
You can book award-winning experiences and more at www.viator.com, offering a wide range of options for travelers.
