Black Platinum Gold, the luxury travel auction platform connecting travellers with exceptional hotels, resorts, private islands, villas and experiences worldwide, has been named a Silver Stevie® Award winner in the Hospitality & Leisure category at The 23rd Annual International Business Awards®.
The recognition follows a highly competitive international judging process. The 2026 International Business Awards® received more than 3,400 nominations from organizations in 82 nations and territories, spanning companies of all sizes and virtually every industry.
Judges highlighted Black Platinum Gold’s distinctive position within the luxury travel sector, its auction-based business model and the integration of social responsibility through BPG ARK, the company’s initiative supporting animal welfare, wildlife conservation and rescue.
One judge described Black Platinum Gold’s entry as “a spectacular, gold-standard nomination,” praising the company’s evolution into “a powerful force for global good” and describing the integration of BPG ARK into its business model as “a phenomenal industry benchmark.”
A Different Model for Luxury Travel
Founded in Amsterdam, Black Platinum Gold has built an alternative to the conventional luxury travel booking model by bringing carefully selected high-end stays and experiences to travellers through time-limited digital auctions.
Travellers compete to secure curated experiences at luxury hotels, resorts, private islands, villas and other distinctive properties around the world, while hospitality partners gain access to an international audience through a model built around discovery, exclusivity and the excitement of bidding.
Since its launch, Black Platinum Gold has attracted more than 2.3 million visitors and developed partnerships with luxury hospitality brands internationally.
The model’s differentiated position was specifically recognized during the International Business Awards® judging process, with judges highlighting Black Platinum Gold’s strong luxury positioning, international partnerships and innovative approach to connecting premium hospitality experiences with travellers.
One judge noted that the auction model differentiates Black Platinum Gold from traditional luxury travel platforms by introducing “exclusivity, discovery, and potential value for customers seeking premium experiences.”
From Luxury Travel to Positive Impact
Black Platinum Gold has continued to evolve beyond its original auction model, most notably through the introduction of BPG ARK, its initiative connecting luxury travel with support for animal welfare, wildlife conservation and rescue.
Through participating auctions, a percentage of the winning bid is donated by Black Platinum Gold to an eligible animal-focused organization at no additional cost to the winning bidder. Winners are able to select the cause they wish to support, with donation confirmations providing transparency around the contribution.
The integration of philanthropy directly into the luxury travel auction model emerged as one of the strongest themes in the judges’ assessment of the company.
Judges praised Black Platinum Gold for combining luxury travel, digital innovation, community engagement and social responsibility, recognizing a business model that seeks to create impact beyond commercial success.
“This Silver Stevie® Award is particularly meaningful because it recognizes both the business we have built and the direction in which we are taking it,” said Viola Palescandolo, Founder and CEO of Black Platinum Gold. “We created Black Platinum Gold to bring a different model to luxury travel, and with BPG ARK we have taken that vision further by connecting exceptional experiences with positive impact. To see both recognized by an international panel of business leaders is an important milestone for us.”
International Recognition
Stevie Award winners were determined through an independent judging process involving more than 200 business professionals worldwide, who evaluated nominations across specialized judging committees.
“The 2026 International Business Awards winners represent the very best in business achievement from organizations of all sizes and across virtually every industry,” said Stevie Awards President Maggie Miller. “This year’s winners have demonstrated exceptional innovation, leadership, resilience, and results in a highly competitive global field. We congratulate every Stevie Award winner and look forward to celebrating their achievements together in Paris on October 28.”
Winners of the 2026 International Business Awards® will be celebrated at a gala event in Paris on Wednesday, 28 October 2026.
Details about The International Business Awards® and the complete list of 2026 Stevie® Award winners are available at IBA.StevieAwards.com.
