The fifth annual World Tourism Award was presented to World Monuments Fund (WMF) on 10 November at the World Travel Market.

The 2003 award, given to organisations or individuals who show "outstanding accomplishment in the travel industry" was presented to WMF for its role in protecting endangered historical and architectural heritage across the world.

The award was accepted by WMF president, Bonnie Burnham, while Janet M. Libe, from award co-sponsor American Express, explained the reasons for the WMF receiving the award: praising the organisation's "leadership role in the rescue and preservation of the world's imperiled works of art and architecture, monuments and sites" which meant prolonged preservation of "the world's rich and diverse cultural heritage for generations to come."