Portugal wins a third of all prizes at Tourism Oscars

cruiseship2For the first time, Portugal has been voted as the 'Best European Destination' in the latest round of Tourism Oscars at the World Travel Awards ceremony in St Petersburg, Russia.

Present at the boondoggle was Secretary of State for Tourism, Ana Mendes Godinho, who commented that receiving this unprecedented distinction "is an honour” and shows that "the whole country is an incredible asset and a 'must' to visit."

Godinho said the prize is the result of the "commitment of all to make Portugal a tourist destination of excellence, with a diversity of unique offers that extends throughout the territory" and that winning the prize was “a clear indication that we are on the right track, one that shows the diversity we have to offer, from north to south, from the coast to the interior."

Portugal received the most awards, 30% of all prizes, 13 more than in 2016.

Also at the ceremony, Turismo de Portugal, was elected the best official European tourism body for the fourth consecutive year. Luís Araújo, president of Turismo de Portugal, expressed the "enormous pride" he felt, as the tourist board is only ten years old.

"If Turismo de Portugal enjoys unparalleled reputation and reputation today, it is due to all those who daily strive to overcome challenges and to overcome records, bearing in mind a common goal: to lead tourism of the future," he waffled, adding that it is not by chance that the Portugal is already considered an international case study.

The port of Lisbon was voted "Best Cruise Port in Europe" for the quality of the infrastructure available to tourists who visit the city.

Last year, 522,000 cruise tourists landed in Lisbon, the preferred port of the government which has made sure that Portimão has been starved of the necessary investment to extend the quayside and dredge the entrance to accept larger cruise ships.

In May, the Minister of the Sea said that the new Lisbon cruise terminal in Santa Apolónia would be operating during the summer, after long delays. Ana Paula Vitorino welcomed the arrival of the first passengers at the new terminal - which was shut down the next day so work could be completed.

Wins for 2017 were:

River cruise company - Douro Azul

Tourist Board - Turismo de Portugal

Airline to Africa - TAP

Airline to Latin America - TAP

In-flight magazine - TAP

All-inclusive resort - Pestana Porto Santo Beach & Spa Resort

Beach resort - Hotel Quinta do Lago

Boutique Hotel - Vila Joya, Albufeira

Boutique Resort - Vila Joya, Albufeira

Design Hotel - Altis Belém Hotel & Spa, Lisbon

Landmark Hotel - Bairro Alto, Lisbon

Lifestyle Resort - Epic Sana Algarve Hotel, Albufeira

Luxury Business Hotel - Pestana Palace, Lisbon

Luxury Lifestyle Resort - Conrad Algarve, Quinta do Lago

Meetings and Conference Hotel -  Ria Park Hotel, Almancil

Most Romantic Resort: Monte Santo, Lagoa

MICE Hotel - Epic Sana Hotel

 

The World Travel awards were created in 1993 and are awarded after votes are received from thousands of industry professionals worldwide and the general public.

Top Awards 2008 to 2017

Europe's Leading Beach Destination 2017

Europe's Leading Destination 2017

Europe's Leading Tourist Board 2017

Europe's Leading Beach Destination 2016

Europe's Leading Tourist Board 2016

Europe's Leading Beach Destination 2015

Europe's Leading Tourist Board 2015

Europe's Leading Tourist Board 2014

World's   Leading Golf Destination 2013

Europe's Leading Beach Destination 2013

Europe's Leading Golf Destination 2013

Europe's Leading Beach Destination 2012

Europe's Leading Golf Destination 2012

Europe's Leading Tourist Board 2008