Portugal brought home a total of 37 awards from the 2017 edition of the World Travel Awards, in the Europe category.
The World Travel Awards began in 1993, set to recognize the work developed in the tourist industry at a global level, in order to stimulate the competitiveness and quality of Tourism. The selection of nominees is performed worldwide by thousands of industry professionals, who each year choose their favorites.
This year's edition took place in St Petersburg, Russia and Portugal was represented by the Secretary of State for Tourism, Ana Mendes Godinho.
Portugal was distinguished with 37 awards (30% of the total prizes), 13 more than last year's edition, and, for the first time, was voted as the Best European Destination, one of the most coveted awards. The Secretary of State for Tourism commented that this is a result of the "commitment of all to make Portugal a tourist destination of excellence, with a diversity of unique offers that extends throughout the territory" and that this award is “a clear indication that we are on the right track, one that shows the diversity we have to offer, from north to south, from the coast to the interior."
Among all the prestige awards, Portugal accounts for Europe’s leading cruise port (Lisbon), best beach destination (Algarve), the best island destination (Madeira) and best ‘touristic development project’ (Passadiços do Paiva, in the Arouca UNESCO Global GeoPark).
Europe's Leading Airline to Africa 2017 - TAP Portugal
Europe's Leading Airline to South America 2017 - TAP Portugal
Europe's Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2017 - Pestana Porto Santo All Inclusive Beach & Spa Resort
Europe's Leading Beach Destination 2017 - The Algarve
Europe's Leading Beach Resort 2017 - Hotel Quinta do Lago
Europe's Leading Boutique Hotel 2017 - Vila Joya
Europe's Leading Boutique Resort 2017 - Vila Joya
Europe's Leading Cruise Port 2017 - Porto de Lisboa
Europe's Leading Design Hotel 2017 - Altis Belém Hotel & Spa
Europe's Leading Destination 2017 - Portugal
Europe's Leading Inflight Magazine 2017 - Up Magazine (TAP Portugal)
Europe's Leading Landmark Hotel 2017 - Bairro Alto Hotel
Europe's Leading Lifestyle Resort 2017 - EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel
Europe's Leading Luxury Business Hotel 2017 - Pestana Palace Lisbon
Europe's Leading Luxury Lifestyle Resort 2017 - Conrad Algarve
Europe's Leading Meetings & Conference Hotel 2017 - Ria Park Hotel
Europe's Leading MICE Hotel 2017 - EPIC SANA Lisboa Hotel
Europe's Leading Tourist Board 2017 - Turismo de Portugal
Europe's Most Romantic Resort 2017 - Monte Santo Resort
The national awards, "Portugal's Leading", in turn distinguished 14 other companies:
Portugal's Leading Boutique Hotel 2017 - Pestana CR7 Funchal
Portugal's Leading Business Hotel 2017 - InterContinental Lisbon
Portugal's Leading Car Rental Company 2017 - Sixt
Portugal's Leading Conference Hotel 2017 - Ria Park Hotel
Portugal's Leading Design Hotel 2017 - Altis Belém Hotel & Spa
Portugal's Leading Family Resort 2017 - Pine Cliffs Resort, a Luxury Collection Resort
Portugal's Leading Green Hotel 2017 - Galo Resort Madeira
Portugal's Leading Hotel 2017 - Belmond Reid's Palace
Portugal's Leading Hotel Residences 2017 - Troia Design Hotel, a Blue and Green Hotel
Portugal's Leading Hotel Suite 2017 - Presidential Suite @ Belmond Reid's Palace
Portugal's Leading Lifestyle Hotel 2017 - Lisboa 1908 Hotel
Portugal's Leading Resort 2017 - Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa
Portugal's Leading Serviced Apartments 2017 - Altis Suites
Portugal's Leading Villa Resort 2017 - Dunas Douradas Beach Club
If we needed more proof the world is starting to recognize Portugal as a great travel destination, this is probably it. Join the many tourists that fall in love with Portugal every year and discover the best European destination!