World Travel Awards: Portugal is the best tourist destination in Europe

Portugal won 22 tourism awards in 2023. It was elected Best Tourist Destination in Europe for the 6th time in seven years.

Portugal was named the best tourist destination in Europe at the World Travel Awards, whose award ceremony took place on Friday (September 29th) in Batumi, Georgia.

In the same ceremony, the city of Porto was recognized as the Best European Urban Getaway, the Algarve was awarded Best European Beach Destination, Lisbon was named the Best European City Destination, Madeira was awarded Best European Island Destination, and the Paiva Walkways in Arouca (Aveiro district) were recognized as the Best Adventure Tourism Attraction.

In addition to awards for cities and regions, the airline TAP won in the categories of Best European Airline to Africa and South America, the Port of Lisbon was named the Best Cruise Port, and DouroAzul won in the category of Best River Cruise Company.

There were also awards for various hotels, including the Pestana Porto Santo All-Inclusive in the Madeira Autonomous Region, which won in the Best All-Inclusive Resort category, and the Verride Palácio Santa Catarina in Lisbon, which was named the Best Boutique Hotel.

The Best Island Resort award went to Saccarum in Madeira, the Best Monument Hotel was awarded to the Bairro Alto Hotel in Lisbon, the Best ‘Lifestyle’ Resort award went to Vale do Lobo Resort in the Algarve, the Best Luxury Boutique Hotel award went to the Valverde Hotel in Lisbon, and the Best Luxury Business Hotel was Pestana Palace, also in Lisbon.

The Best New Tourist Attraction award was given to the Quake – Lisbon Earthquake Center, the Best Villa Resort award went to Dunas Douradas Beach Club in Almancil (Algarve), the Best Sports Resort was Cascade Wellness in Lagos, and the Best Villa Resort was Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort.

The Best Hotel in Wine Country award went to L’And Vineyards in Montemor-o-Novo (Évora district), Monte Santo Resort in Carvoeiro (Algarve) was named the Most Romantic Resort, and Dark Sky Alqueva (Évora district) won the Responsible Tourism award.

Source: Lusa, October 2, 2023