For the third consecutive year, Portugal has been named the World’s Leading Destination at the World Travel Awards (WTA), which took place in Muscat, Oman last week.
Portugal faced tough competition, having edged out countries such as Brazil, Costa Rica, Mauritius, New Zealand, Greece and Vietnam to nab the top spot, repeating the feat of 2017 and 2018.
The award “proves the clear efforts that have been made by both public and private entities to make Portugal a true leading destination” and recognises the “excellence of Portugal and the Portuguese people”, said Rita Marques, Secretary of State for Tourism.
A dozen tourism Oscars
It was certainly a successful night for Portugal, picking up an impressive 12 awards at the world’s most prestigious tourism ceremony. Also known as the ‘tourism Oscars’, accolades were awarded to Lisbon, recognised as the World’s Leading City Break Destination, and Madeira, named the World’s Leading Island Destination.
Additionally, Turismo de Portugal picked up the award for World’s Leading Tourism Board, with national airline TAP receiving three awards: Leading Airline to South America and to Africa, and Leading Inflight Magazine for UP Magazine.
Two Portuguese hotels were also recognised at the ceremony – Dunas Douradas in Almancil (World’s Leading Golf & Villa Resort) and Olissippo Lapa Palace Hotel in Lisbon (World’s Leading Classic Hotel). The World’s Leading Boutique Hotel Operator went to the company Amazing Evolution.
For the second year, the Passadiços do Paiva walkways were distinguished as the World’s Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction. Finally, the prize for the World’s Leading Conservation Company went to Parques de Sintra.
“This is the result of a strategy that has been outlined over several years,” explains Rita Marques, adding that the aim is to make Portugal the “most sustainable destination in the world”.
Established in 1993 to celebrate excellence in travel, tourism and hospitality, the World Travel Awards are recognised as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence. Click here to see the full list of winners.
