Portugal is the Best European Destination in 2022

Portugal was elected, once again, the best European destination, according to the World Travel Awards. The prestigious travel industry award, known as the “Oscar” of tourism, recognizes every year the leaders in the tourism, airline and hotel sectors. In the European edition, Portugal shone, winning 30 awards in several categories, and being considered the best destination in the continent, for the fifth time in the last six years. The country had already achieved this feat in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020.

The award for Best Beach Destination in Europe went to the Algarve, as had already happened in previous editions. The trophy for Best City Destination, which in recent years went to Moscow, Russia, went to Porto, in the north of the country. The Azores also kept the highlight as Adventure Destination. The Portuguese capital, Lisbon, won in the categories Best Coastal Metropolitan Destination, Best City Break Destination and Best Cruise Destination. In addition, the work developed by the National Tourist Authority, one of those responsible for promoting the country as a travel destination, was also highlighted in the awards, taking the “Oscar” for Best Tourism Authority in Europe.

The World Travel Awards have been held since 1993, and are divided among ten world regions, with the aim of stimulating competitiveness and quality in tourism. The 29th European edition took place in a ceremony in Mallorca, in October this year. The world award ceremony is scheduled for November 11, 2022, in Oman. It is worth noting that in last year’s world edition, Portugal won 12 awards. It is expected that this number will be surpassed this year.

Tourism in Portugal continues to grow

In August 2022, Portuguese tourist accommodation welcomed 3.4 million guests and recorded 9.9 million overnight stays, according to the INE (National Statistics Institute). These are the highest figures ever recorded in the country. In the first eight months of the year, 19.4 million guests and 52.8 million overnight stays were recorded, meaning increases of 122 percent and 121.6 percent, respectively. The data confirms that tourism in Portugal is back to pre-pandemic levels and is an extremely coveted destination right now.

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Awards won by Portugal at the World Travel Awards Europe 2022:

• Best Destination – Portugal
• Best City Destination – Porto
• Best Beach Destination – Algarve
• Best Destination for Adventure Tourism – Azores
• Best City Break Destination – Lisbon
• Best Metropolitan Coastal Destination – Lisbon
• Best Cruise Destination – Lisbon
• Best Cruise Port – Lisbon
• Best All Inclusive Resort – Pestana Porto Santo
• Best Beach Hotel – Pestana Alvor Praia
• Best Design Hotel – 1908 Lisboa Hotel
• Best Resort of the Island – Vila Baleira Resort
• Best Monumental Hotel – Vila Galé Collection Braga
• Best Leisure Resort – Pine Cliffs
• Best Lifestyle Hotel – Pestana CR7 Lisboa
• Best Lifestyle Resort – Conrad Algarve
• Best Luxury Boutique Hotel – Valverde Hotel
• Best New Resort – Domes Lake Algarve
• Best Sports Resort – Cascade Wellness Resort
• Best Villa Resort – Dunas Douradas Beach Club
• Best hotel in a wine region – L’AND Vineyards
• Best Romantic Resort – Monte Santo Resort
• Best Tourist Attraction – Passadiços do Paiva (Arouca Unesco Global Geopark)
• Best Attraction of Adventure Tourism – Passadiços do Paiva
• Responsible Tourism Award – Dark Sky Alqueva
• Best Tourism Authority – Turismo de Portugal
• Best Airline to Africa – TAP
• Best Airline to South America – TAP
• Best Boutique Hotel Operator – Amazing Evolution
• Best Hotel Management Company – Amazing Evolution

Here is the complete list of winners from around the world.