After being voted Europe’s top beach destination for the seventh time just a few weeks ago, the Algarve has now been named the World’s Leading Beach Destination at the World Travel Awards 2020, edging out world-famous destinations such as Miami Beach, the Galapagos Islands and Cancun.
The winners of the awards were announced last Friday and saw Portugal bringing home 14 coveted tourism ‘Oscars’ – three more than last year.
Madeira was voted the World’s Leading Island Destination, while Lisbon was graced with the title of the World’s Leading City Break Destination. But the list goes on.
In the Algarve, Albufeira’s Vila Joya was crowned the World’s Leading Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant, Quinta do Lago’s Conrad Algarve was hailed the World’s Leading Luxury Leisure Resort and Almancil’s Dunas Douradas was named the World’s Leading Golf & Villa Resort.
Elsewhere in Portugal, Dark Sky Alqueva was singled out as the World’s Leading Tourism Development Project, L’AND Vineyards was elected the World’s Leading Wine Region Hotel, Passadiços do Paiva was named the World’s Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction, Olissippo Lapa Palace was granted the title of the World’s Leading Classic Hotel and Parques de Sintra was hailed the World’s Leading Conservation Company.
Last but not least, national airline TAP brought home three accolades – the World’s Leading Airline to South America, Leading Airline to Africa and Leading Inflight Magazine (Up Magazine).
The 14-award achievement has been celebrated by Secretary of State for Tourism, Rita Marques.
“We have shown the world that we are a safe country, ready to welcome holidaymakers as soon as possible,” she said, thanking everyone who contributed to the outcome.
Algarve tourism boss João Fernandes has also celebrated the region’s latest accomplishment.
“Receiving this double distinction is, this year, more important than ever. Once confidence levels for travel start to increase, tourists will want to choose the destinations that offer the best guarantees,” he said in a statement to the press.
“The World Travel Awards is a prestigious quality seal recognised globally, so these awards prove invaluable for the Algarve,” added the president of the Algarve tourism board (RTA).
The World Travel Awards were established in 1993 to “acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries”.
The full list of winners can be found online at https://www.worldtravelawards.com/winners/2020
