Aloft by Marriott Kathmandu Thamel has been named Nepal’s Leading Hotel 2026 at the World Travel Awards 2026, earning international recognition for its contribution to Nepal’s hospitality and tourism industry. The prestigious recognition was announced during the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026, held on September 27 at CROSSROADS Maldives.
The ceremony brought together leading travel and tourism organizations, hospitality businesses and industry representatives from across Asia, Oceania and the Indian Ocean region. The award recognizes Aloft by Marriott Kathmandu Thamel’s continued focus on contemporary hospitality, distinctive guest experiences and its role in Kathmandu’s evolving tourism and lifestyle landscape.
Bringing Contemporary Hospitality to Kathmandu
Since opening in 2019, Aloft by Marriott Kathmandu Thamel has established a distinctive presence in Nepal’s capital by bringing the Aloft brand’s contemporary and design-focused hospitality concept to the country. The hotel combines modern architecture and spaces with elements of Nepali art, music, food and culture. Through this approach, it has sought to create experiences that appeal to both international visitors and domestic travelers. Its location in Thamel, one of Kathmandu’s major tourism and hospitality hubs, has also positioned the property within one of the city’s most active areas for tourism, dining, entertainment and cultural experiences.
Recognition Highlights Contribution to Nepal’s Tourism Industry
The World Travel Awards recognition comes at a time when Nepal’s tourism industry continues to recover and expand following various challenges affecting the sector. Commenting on the recognition, Vikram Singh, General Manager of Aloft by Marriott Kathmandu Thamel, said the award was a proud moment for the entire team and reflected the dedication of its employees toward creating memorable guest experiences.
He also used the occasion to highlight the continuity of tourism activities across much of Nepal despite recent flooding in certain areas of the country. According to Singh, hotels, restaurants and tourism businesses in many destinations continue to operate and serve travelers, with services continuing as usual. He expressed hope that the international recognition would further highlight the resilience of Nepal’s tourism industry and the destinations that continue to welcome visitors.
Focus on Culinary, Music and Wellness Experiences
Over the years, Aloft by Marriott Kathmandu Thamel has expanded its presence through a range of hospitality and lifestyle initiatives. The hotel has developed programs and experiences around culinary offerings, music, cultural programming, wellness, events and community initiatives. It has also collaborated with different organizations and stakeholders to connect the property with Kathmandu’s wider tourism and lifestyle ecosystem. These activities have contributed to the hotel’s identity as a contemporary lifestyle property rather than focusing solely on conventional accommodation services.
World Travel Awards Recognizes Tourism Excellence
Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards recognizes achievements across the global travel and tourism industry. The 2026 Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony brought together representatives from various segments of the tourism industry, with awards presented across categories covering destinations, hotels, resorts, airlines, airports, tour operators and other tourism organizations. For Aloft by Marriott Kathmandu Thamel, the title of Nepal’s Leading Hotel 2026 adds another milestone to the property’s growing portfolio of national and international hospitality recognitions.
About Aloft by Marriott Kathmandu Thamel
Aloft by Marriott Kathmandu Thamel is a contemporary lifestyle hotel located in Thamel, Kathmandu. The property features 167 rooms and suites, along with dining and entertainment venues, wellness facilities, event spaces and the rooftop Nylgiri. The hotel combines modern design with Nepali art, music and contemporary hospitality experiences. It is part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio and represents the global Aloft brand in Nepal. The latest World Travel Awards recognition further places the hotel among the hospitality properties representing Nepal on an international tourism platform.
