Portugal brings home 20 tourism ‘Oscars’ from World Travel Awards
The Algarve has been named the World’s Leading Beach Destination at the 2024 edition of the World Travel Awards (WTA), overcoming the competition of 22 other beach destinations around the globe.
“This really is an incredible honour. We have won Europe’s Leading Beach Destination 10 times but to win the World’s Leading Beach is another level altogether when you consider the number of countries that have great beaches,” Algarve tourism chief André Gomes told Breaking Travel News (BTN) after the event.
“We are lucky to have a broad variety of beaches from small coves backed by colourful limestone cliffs to long, sandy beaches. The west coast beaches in the protected Vicentina Natural Park are incredibly scenic, uncrowded and are a go-to destination for surfers,” he said.
“Our coastline and proximity to the sea has influenced our culture and gastronomy. Beyond the beaches, visitors can enjoy the freshest sea food that can be enjoyed in everything from small quayside eateries to Michelin-Starred restaurants,” Gomes added.
The president of the Algarve’s tourism board (RTA) and association (ATA) also used the opportunity to promote the region as a dream destination for divers.
“We are also highlighting the region for diving with three great spots for this, including Pedra do Valado Marine Natural Park, one of the first protected marine parks in Portugal and the largest coastal reef in the region; the EDP Art Reef by Vhils, an underwater exhibition with 13 sculptures made from old pieces of power plants, installed more than 10 meters deep off Albufeira, plus the Ocean Revival Underwater Park, off Portimão. This park includes four sunken decommissioned navy ships, creating the world’s largest artificial reef,” said Gomes.
Portugal also celebrated other big wins at the World Travel Awards, often described as the ‘Oscars’ of the tourism industry.
Madeira was hailed the World’s Leading Island Destination, Lisbon was named Leading City Break Destination, Porto was crowned Leading Seaside Metropolitan Destination, Braga claimed the title of Leading Emerging Tourism Destination, and the Azores archipelago brought home Leading Adventure Tourism Destination.
Arouca’s Passadiços do Paiva walkways have once again been awarded the title of Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction, while Dark Sky Alqueva received the Responsible Tourism Project award for the third time since 2022 and TAP was once again recognised as the Leading Airline for flying to Africa and South America.
Portugal’s full list of winners is as follows:
- Leading City Break Destination: Lisbon
- Leading Heritage City Destination: Lisbon
- Leading Beach Destination: Algarve
- Leading Island Destination: Madeira
- Leading Seaside Metropolitan Destination: Porto
- Leading Adventure Tourism Destination: Azores
- Leading Emerging Destination: Braga
- Leading Sustainable Cruise Terminal in the World: Madeira
- Leading Luxury Hotel: Savoy Palace
- Leading Retreat: Saccharum
- Leading Luxury Boutique Hotel: The Reserve
- Leading Adventure Tourism Attraction: Passadiços do Paiva
- Leading Responsible Tourism Project: Dark Sky Alqueva
- Leading Conservation Company: Parques de Sintra-Monte da Lua
- Leading Classic Hotel: Olissipo Lapa Palace
- Leading Landmark Hotel: Bairro Alto Hotel
- Leading Golf and Villa Resort: Dunas Douradas Beach Club
- Leading Airline for Africa: TAP
- Leading Airline for South America: TAP
- Leading Boutique Hotel Operator: Amazing Evolution
The full list of winners can be consulted on the WTA website.
