Portugal takes top travel ‘Oscar’ for Best European Destination

For the first time, Portugal has taken the prestigious title of Best European Destination in what have become known as the ‘Oscars’ of the travel industry, the World Travel Awards, which were held last weekend in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Portugal pipped a dozen other contenders including Austria, Greece, Norway and Turkey to the post to be crowned Best European Destination 2017.

It was one of 37 awards bestowed on the country in what was the 24th World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony, held Saturday 30 September, at the Russian Museum of Ethnography.

Portugal’s State Secretary for Tourism, Ana Mendes Godinho, was at the awards ceremony and said the title is “ a great pride and honour” and shows that “the entire country is an incredible asset that needs to be seen.”

In her view, Portugal being voted the best destination in Europe is the result of “the commitment of all to make Portugal a tourist destination of excellence, with diverse and unique offerings that extend throughout the land.”

Overall Portugal scooped up nearly a third of all awards on offer, taking 37 in total, which was 13 more than last year.

