Outside Magazine Launches Global Search for 2027 Travel Award Winners Highlighting Sustainable and Inclusive Outdoor Excellence

Outside Inc. has officially opened the nomination period for its 2027 Travel Awards, seeking to identify the most influential and innovative contributors to the outdoor travel industry. This annual initiative aims to honor the destinations, organizations, and individuals who are redefining the boundaries of adventure travel while prioritizing sustainability and social equity. The 2027 awards, which will be featured prominently in the magazine’s Spring 2027 print and digital editions, represent a comprehensive effort to curate a definitive guide for the modern, nature-forward traveler. As the global travel industry continues to evolve in the face of climate challenges and shifting demographic demands, these awards serve as a benchmark for excellence within the active-lifestyle sector.

The call for nominations, which commenced on July 16, 2026, invites the public and industry insiders to submit candidates across four primary categories: best places to stay, travel companies, trails, and trailblazers. This year’s selection process is characterized by a rigorous "Outside lens," focusing on experiences that are deeply immersed in the natural world and encourage active participation. By highlighting those who make the outdoors more inclusive and innovative, Outside continues its long-standing tradition of advocacy for environmental stewardship and accessible adventure.

The Chronology of the 2027 Travel Awards

The selection process for the 2027 awards follows a structured timeline designed to ensure thorough vetting and editorial review. Following the official announcement in mid-July 2026, the nomination window will remain open for approximately ten weeks. This period allows travelers, gear enthusiasts, and conservationists to provide detailed accounts of why their nominees deserve recognition.

The critical deadline for all submissions is set for September 30, 2026, at 11:59 P.M. EDT. Once the nomination period concludes, the editorial team at Outside will begin a multi-month evaluation process. This involves analyzing the merits of each nominee based on the criteria of sustainability, innovation, and adventure quality. Throughout the late autumn and winter of 2026, the publication’s experts will conduct internal reviews and consult with field contributors to narrow down the final list of winners.

The culmination of this process will be the release of the Spring 2027 Travel Issue. This flagship publication will not only list the winners but will also provide in-depth storytelling and photography that captures the essence of each awarded entity. Historically, the announcement of these awards has served as a catalyst for increased interest in the winning destinations and companies, often influencing travel trends for the subsequent calendar year.

Defining the "Outside Lens": Selection Criteria and Values

The 2027 Travel Awards are distinguished by a specific set of criteria that prioritize the "active" and "nature-forward" aspects of travel. Unlike traditional luxury travel awards that may focus primarily on amenities and high-end service, Outside evaluates candidates through a lens of environmental impact and experiential depth.

Sustainability remains a cornerstone of the evaluation. With the global tourism industry accounting for roughly 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Outside seeks to highlight companies and places that are actively working to reduce their carbon footprint, protect biodiversity, and support local communities. This includes accommodations that utilize renewable energy, travel companies that offer carbon-neutral itineraries, and conservation-focused organizations that protect the very landscapes they visit.

Innovation and inclusivity are equally vital. The "trailblazer" category, in particular, is designed to recognize individuals who are breaking down barriers to outdoor access. This includes people working to make the outdoors more accessible to underrepresented communities, as well as those developing new technologies or business models that enhance the outdoor experience. By focusing on inclusivity, Outside acknowledges the growing demographic of outdoor enthusiasts who demand that the industry reflect a more diverse and equitable society.

Supporting Data: The Growth of Adventure Travel

The 2027 Travel Awards come at a time of significant growth and transformation within the global travel market. According to recent industry reports, the adventure tourism market was valued at approximately $290 billion in 2023 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 15% through 2030. This surge is driven by a shift in consumer preferences away from passive sightseeing toward "transformative travel"—experiences that offer personal growth through physical challenge and cultural immersion.

Data indicates that nearly 60% of modern travelers now prioritize sustainable options, with a significant portion willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly practices. Furthermore, the demand for nature-based tourism has seen a 20% increase in bookings for national parks and remote wilderness areas since 2024. These statistics underscore the relevance of the Outside Travel Awards, as they provide a vetted roadmap for a consumer base that is increasingly conscientious and adventurous.

The impact of being named a winner is measurable. Previous winners of the Outside Travel Awards have reported significant increases in web traffic and booking inquiries following the publication of the results. For small-scale travel companies and remote lodges, such recognition can provide a vital boost to their local economies, often leading to increased funding for local conservation projects and infrastructure.

Categories and Scope of Recognition

The four categories for the 2027 awards are designed to capture the full spectrum of the outdoor travel ecosystem.

Places to Stay

This category focuses on accommodations that serve as gateways to the wilderness. From off-grid backcountry huts and sustainable eco-lodges to high-altitude base camps and innovative "glamping" sites, the awards look for stays that offer more than just a bed. The editorial team prioritizes locations that demonstrate a harmonious relationship with their surrounding environment and provide guests with direct access to outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, or paddling.

Travel Companies

Recognizing the organizers and outfitters who facilitate complex adventures, this category evaluates tour operators based on their expertise, safety records, and commitment to ethical travel. Whether it is a company specializing in polar expeditions or a local outfitter leading cycling tours through rural landscapes, the focus is on those who provide educational and low-impact experiences.

Trails

Trails are the arteries of the outdoor world. This category honors the development, maintenance, and preservation of both legendary long-distance routes and local hidden gems. The 2027 awards will look for trails that offer exceptional scenery, ecological significance, and thoughtful management. This includes recognition for trail organizations that work to maintain these paths against the challenges of over-tourism and climate-driven erosion.

Trailblazers

The "Trailblazers" category is the most human-centric of the awards. It celebrates the activists, athletes, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who are pushing the outdoor industry forward. These are the individuals who are pioneering new routes, advocating for public land protection, or creating gear and programs that make the outdoors more welcoming to all.

Broader Impact and Industry Implications

The 2027 Travel Awards serve a purpose beyond mere recommendation; they act as a signal to the broader travel industry regarding the standards of the future. By highlighting "awesome" and "sustainable" travel, Outside encourages a competitive environment where companies strive to improve their environmental and social performance to earn a spot on the prestigious list.

Industry analysts suggest that the emphasis on "nature-forward" travel in these awards aligns with a global movement toward "slow travel." This trend encourages travelers to stay longer in one place and engage more deeply with the local culture and environment, rather than checking off multiple destinations in a single trip. The 2027 winners are expected to reflect this shift, showcasing destinations that reward patience, curiosity, and physical effort.

Furthermore, the focus on innovation suggests that technology will play a larger role in the 2027 selections. From AI-driven conservation monitoring to advanced materials in gear and lodging construction, the awards will likely feature entities that leverage modern tools to protect ancient landscapes.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The 2027 Travel Awards represent Outside’s commitment to documenting the best of the outdoor world while advocating for its protection. By involving the public in the nomination process, the publication ensures a diverse range of perspectives and discovers off-the-beaten-path gems that might otherwise be overlooked by traditional travel media.

Interested parties are encouraged to submit their nominations via the official online form provided by Outside Inc. Submissions should include detailed justifications for why a nominee is noteworthy, specifically addressing their contributions to sustainability, innovation, and the overall quality of the outdoor experience. As the September 30 deadline approaches, the outdoor community is expected to provide a robust pool of candidates that will define the travel landscape for 2027 and beyond. For further inquiries or to review the 2026 winners for reference, the publication maintains an active digital archive and a dedicated travel editorial team accessible via their official communication channels.