Portugal elected ‘Best Tourism Destination in the World’ by WTA again

 In Tourism

Portugal elected ‘Best Tourism Destination in the World’ by WTA again

Portugal once again picked up the distinction of being the best destination in the world at the World Travel Awards.

After netting a record six trophies in 2017 and four in 2016, the ‘Best Destination in the World’ trophy was handed out at a ceremony which took place on Saturday at the Pátio da Galé in Lisbon.

In order to hold the title for the second year running, Portugal pipped 16 competitors to the post – South Africa, Brazil, Spain, the US, Greece, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco , New Zealand, Kenya, Ruanda, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

At the awards ceremony, which took place for the very first time in Portugal, Portugal bagged 16 awards, a record after last year.

Lisbon won the ‘World’s Leading City Destination’ and the ‘World’s Leading City Break Destination’ while the World’s Leading City Hotel is Lisbon’s Corinthia Hotel. The World’s Leading Classic Hotel’ award went to the Olissippo Lapa Palace Hotel, Lisbon. Portugal’s national carrier, TAP also bagged two awards as ‘World’s Leading Airline to South America’ and ‘World’s Leading Airline to Africa.’

In June, Portugal had already been reelected as the Best Tourism Destination in Europe. In a message sent by Portugal’s tourism minister, Ana Mendes Godinho said, “It is with enormous pride to once again receive this distinction”.

“To be champions of the world in tourism for the second consecutive year is a sign of Portugal’s international affirmation thanks to the efforts of all the Portuguese. Portugal is in fact must-visit destination. This is, above all, an award for all of the Portuguese,” she said.

Portugal’s tourism office, Turismo de Portugal was once again voted the ‘Best Official Tourism Organisation in the World’.

The President of Tourism de Portugal, Luís Araújo, said, “This new ‘oscar’ is an great reason to be proud” recognising “all of the staff who daily overcome challenges to complete project after project and always with a specific goal in mind: to spearhead the tourism of the future.”