VOA Worldwide Founder Jonathan Stoker Named Two-Time Entrepreneur of the Year

The global vacation ownership and travel industry gathered once again at one of its most anticipated events of the year—GNEX (Global Networking Expo)—where the 2026 Vacation Industry Awards recognised the very best in innovation, service, and leadership across the industry. This year’s event also sparked engaging discussions about travel’s future and how the industry will continue to evolve.

Widely regarded as one of the most prestigious honors in hospitality and vacation ownership, the GNEX Awards highlight companies and leaders who are shaping what the future of travel can become.

2026 GNEX Vacation Industry Award Winners

This year’s standout winners included:

• Best Business Product – arrivia
• Best Customer Experience – Monterey Financial
• Best Customer Service Team – ResortCom
• Best Financial Services – FNTC
• Best Innovation – arrivia
• Best Legal Services – Travel + Leisure
• Best Management Team – Vacatia
• Best Marketing Team – Karma Group
• Best Membership Program – Condominium Travel Club
• Best Overall Company (500+ Employees) – arrivia
• Best Overall Company (Under 100 Employees) – BluWater Capital
• Best Place to Work – ResortCom
• Best Print or Online Media – The Luna Agency
• Best Property Management Company – Vacatia
• Best Consumer Product – arrivia – Westgate Cruise & Travel Collection
• Best Sales Team – Karma Group
• Best Strategic Partnership – Resort Data Processing
• Best Technology – ONE
• Industry Game Changer Award – Travel + Leisure
• Rising Star Award – Karma Group

Entrepreneur of the Year: A Defining Moment for VOA Worldwide

The highlight of the evening was the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, presented to Jonathan Stoker, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of VOA Worldwide. This recognition signals a bright future for the travel sector.

This recognition marks a major milestone—not only for Jonathan personally, but for the continued evolution of VOA as a global brand.

With this win, Jonathan Stoker becomes a two-time Entrepreneur of the Year recipient, having previously earned the award in 2023.

What This Means for VOA Members

For VOA Worldwide members, this recognition reinforces a simple but powerful truth:

You are part of a brand that is leading the industry forward and creating momentum in the future of travel.

VOA was built on a different philosophy—one that moves beyond traditional travel clubs and into true vacation ownership portfolio management. This award validates that vision.

It reflects:

• A commitment to innovation and transparency
• A focus on real value, not just discounts
• A dedication to elevating the member experience globally

As the industry continues to evolve, VOA remains at the forefront—helping members navigate, understand, and maximize every aspect of their travel portfolio while they adapt to the future of travel.

The Future of Travel Is Being Redefined

The 2026 GNEX Awards made one thing clear: the vacation ownership industry is transforming rapidly, illustrating new possibilities for travel’s future.

From technology and loyalty platforms to customer experience and global partnerships, the companies recognized this year are setting a new standard for what travel should look like in the context of travel’s future.

At the center of that transformation is a shift toward:

• Membership-based ecosystems
• Personalized travel experiences
• Integrated portfolio management across hotels, flights, and rewards

VOA Worldwide is proud to be part of this movement—and even more proud to be recognized as a leader within travel’s evolving future.

A Message to Our Members

To our members around the world, thank you.

Your trust, engagement, and belief in what we are building is what makes achievements like this possible and inspires us as we look toward the future of travel for all.

We remain committed to helping you:

• Travel smarter
• Experience more
• Live better

About VOA Worldwide

VOA Worldwide is a global leader in vacation ownership portfolio management, helping members unlock the full value of their travel assets, including resorts, hotels, cruises, and loyalty programs. The company’s innovative solutions anticipate the future of travel and member needs.

With a presence in over 160 countries and a growing global footprint, VOA continues to redefine what it means to travel with purpose, consistently shaping travel’s future.