Portugal – Best Destination at the World Travel Awards

Portugal won the award for Europe’s Leading Tourism Destination at the World Travel Awards, the most prestigious tourism awards, during a ceremony held in St. Petersburg, Russia.

The fact that Portugal won this award for the first time is evidence of the progress Portugal has made in terms of visibility and prestige as a quality destination. Only during 2017 Portugal received more than 2,300 prizes and distinctions.

The diversity of landscapes, the strengthening of air accessibility, the ease of travelling within the country and the friendliness and welcoming spirit of the Portuguese were definitely some of the arguments that motivated this distinction.

Portugal was also the country that received the most awards in this gala, with 37 distinctions ranging from Europe’s Leading Cruise Port (Lisbon), Europe’s Leading Island Destination (Madeira Islands) and Europe’s Leading Beach Destination (Algarve). Turismo de Portugal was considered Europe’s Leading Tourist Board. Portugal won 37 of the Oscars of Tourism, 13 more than in 2016, which reinforces its position as the 3rd most peaceful country in the world and the 14th most competitive country. Portugal receives every year over 21 million visitors.

Established In 1993, the World Travel Awards™ acknowledges, rewards and celebrates excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Thousands of industry professionals identify the selection of nominees at an international level and choose their favourites every year.

Other than the World’s Leading Destination, Portugal also won World’s Leading Tourist Board, for Turismo de Portugal, and World’s Leading Tourism Authority Website, for visitportugal.com.

Luís Araújo, President of Turismo de Portugal, mentions that “this is the first time, after 10 years of Turismo de Portugal’s history, we have been recognised with global awards. Not only is Turismo de Portugal distinguished as the World’s Leading Tourist Board, as the official destination information portal is considered the World’s Leading Tourism Authority Website, on an international level. These distinctions are only possible thanks to the efforts and dedication of a cohesive team, which professionalism, rigor and organizational ability prevail. It is with pride that we see our tourism strategy distinguished and gives us an increased motivation in pursuit of our goals until 2027, in order to affirm Portugal as a tourist destination of excellence.”

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