Greece and Spain defeated. This European country was second to none

The World Travel Awards organization has identified this year’s leaders in global tourism. In addition to the best airlines and hotels, the following were selected: countries and regions worthy of interest. In Europe, where Greece triumphed last year, this time Portugal had no equal. The country with its capital in Lisbon was selected from a list of twelve nominees, including countries such as Italy, Spain and Norway.

Portugal instead of Spain

During this year’s World Travel Awards gala in Sardinia, the title of the best destination in Europe went to Portugal for the seventh time. The country located on the Iberian Peninsula regained the title it lost last year to Greece. In the race for first place, Portugal also beat Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey, which also qualified for the European category. “This distinction reflects the work, commitment and high qualifications of all professionals who make tourism one of the main pillars of our economy on a daily basis,” commented Pedro Machado, Secretary of State for Tourism, Trade and Services at Turismo de Portugal.

The Portuguese island is gaining popularity

The 32nd edition of the World Travel Awards recognized not only continental Portugal, but also its largest island – Madeira. Portuguese cities also aroused interest – awards in the categories of best city destination and best city break destination went to Porto and Lisbon, respectively.

Only the distant Azores had to acknowledge the superiority of another rival this year, because in the category of the best adventure destination the winner was the Spanish province of Huesca La Magia.