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Algarve nominated for 44 European tourism ‘Oscars’

Algarve in running for Best Beach Destination and Sustainable Tourism Destination

The Algarve is fielding 44 nominations in the European edition of the World Travel Awards, viewed as the pinnacle of tourism recognition and often described as the ‘Oscars’ of tourism.

Unsurprisingly, the region is once again in the running to be named Europe’s Leading Beach Destination – a title it has already been awarded nine times. The other aspiring destinations include Cannes (France), Corfu and Costa Navarino (Greece), Mallorca and Marbella (Spain), Porto Santo Island (Madeira, Portugal) and Sardinia (Italy).

The Algarve is also among the nominees in the new category of Europe’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination, along with the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira, Baden-Württemberg (Germany), Dubrovnik (Croatia), Edinburgh (Scotland), Mallorca (Spain), Pembrokeshire (Wales) and the Region of Attica (Greece).

“Tourism in the Algarve is currently a sector that is much more committed to sustainable development and these nominations are a result of the awareness of everyone about the need to implement good practices and change behaviours to make tourism a long-term economically viable activity,” Algarve tourism chief João Fernandes said.

“At the same time, the Algarve is seen as a more qualified and cosmopolitan destination compared to its main international competitors, as proven by the dozens of nominations in the region’s hotel sector in key categories,” he added.

Here is the full list of nominations received by the Algarve and its hotels and resorts:

Voting is open until August 20 online to everyone. The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony in Batumi, Georgia at the end of September.

By Michael Bruxo
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