World Travel Awards Lisbon 2018

On the 2nd of December, the World Travel Awards (WTA) Final took place at the stunning Pátio da Galé venue in Lisbon. This star-studded, red carpet event honours and recognises excellence across the worlds tourism sector. As such, the awards are globally accepted as a ‘Hallmark of quality’ with the evening attracting government ministers, industry leaders, national and international journalists and TV network broadcasters.

It was an excellent night for Portugal’s tourism industry, as in his opening speech, the founder of the WTA, Graham Cooke stated what an incredible evening it promised to be in the magnificent city of Lisbon, and his words couldn’t have been more accurate as Portugal and its territories brought home no less than sixteen coveted awards, nine more than last year and twelve more than in 2016, proving Portugal’s on-going commitment to tourism. Portugal won the ‘Best Destination’ award beating many countries including South Africa, Brazil, Spain and the Maldives. While Madeira took home the ‘Best Island Destination,’ yet again proving that the island is a strong competitor on the global stage.

Portugal’s Regional Director of Tourism, Dorita Mendonça, represented Madeira in the reception of these Awards, stating that it was an important distinction and attributing it ‘to not only those working in the tourism sector but the entire population of Madeira and Porto Santo, and to each of the professionals who, on a daily basis, contribute to affirm the difference, quality and identity of the destination.’

The President of Portugal shared his delight by saying ‘The Portuguese people are to be congratulated because the country has received 16 world awards, highlighting’ Best City Destination ‘and’ Best City Break Destination ‘(Lisbon),’ Best Adventure Attraction ‘(Passadiços dos Paiva),’ Best Island Destination (Madeira Island) to name but a few. The Prime Minister of Portugal, António Costa tweeted ‘Congratulations to all the Portuguese who have contributed so much to this victory, particularly those who work in the tourism sector. ‘

Portugal’s World Travel Awards are listed below:

Best destination - Portugal

Best island destination - Madeira

Best city destination - Lisbon

Best destination for a city break- Lisbon

Best design hotel - The Vine Hotel (Madeira)

Best city hotel - Corinthia Hotel Lisbon (Lisbon)

Best Classic Hotel - Olissippo Lapa Palace Hotel (Lisbon)

Best restaurant of high gastronomy - Vila Joya Hotel Restaurant (Albufeira)

Best Luxury Leisure Resort - Conrad Algarve (Loulé)

Best adventure tourist attraction - Passadiços do Paiva (Arouca Global Geopark of UNESCO)

Best conservation company - Parks of Sintra - Monte da Lua, Portugal