Algarve had an unforgettable night at this year’s World Travel Awards ceremony in Antalya, Turkey, where it gained five European awards.
Besides being recognised as Europe’s leading beach destination, the region’s quality offering was recognised with four more awards, considered by many as the ‘Oscars’ of tourism. Vila Joya won Europe’s leading boutique resort, Conrad Algarve was considered the best luxury resort, Quinta do Lago was distinguished as the number one golf resort and Martinhal was prized as the best villa resort.
Nationally, the Algarve also accounted for best business hotel and conference hotel (Ria Park Hotel & Spa), best family resort (Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel), best golf resort (Hilton Vilamoura), best resort (Hotel Quinta do Lago) and best spa resort (Blue&Green Vilalara Thalassa Resort).
In total, the region received six out of 10 possible distinctions.
Nominated for 41 awards, Portugal was considered the best destination for golf. Lisbon now holds the honour of best break destination, while Madeira won best island destination and is home to the best design hotel (The Vine in Funchal).
The distinctions were awarded according to an online poll open to the general public, but in which tourism workers’ votes were doubled.
The country will now await the international World Travel Awards, which will take place on December 12 in New Delhi, India. In the previous edition, Portugal won three awards and expectations are higher than ever after the successful performance at the European event.
