It’s Fado…. Portugal, the world’s favourite tourist destination

Portugal continues to be recognised internationally in terms of tourism, having been honoured this month in Berlin at the 31st edition of the World Travel Awards in 31 categories.

Considered the “Oscars” of tourism, the World Travel Awards have been presented by professionals in the sector on a global scale since 1993.

In fact, these awards distinguished 2023 as the best year ever for the national tourism sector, with several demand indicators breaking records.

But what were the biggest Portuguese highlights at this gala?

Madeira, Porto Santo, Lisbon and Oporto were voted the best destinations in Europe in the Best Island Destination, Best Beach Destination, Best Urban Destination and Best Metropolitan Seaside Destination categories, respectively.

Braga won the Emerging Destination award, and the Azores were considered the Best Adventure Destination. The Paiva Walkways were honoured once again with the award for Best Tourist Attraction in the World in the Adventure segment.

But a number of other distinctions were won by hotels, companies and national projects.

We would like to highlight three of these distinctions from hotels located in different parts of the country:

Best Lifestyle Hotel in Europe and Portugal: W Algarve – Located in Albufeira close to Evaristo beach and the Castle, this modern five-star hotel is not yet two years old and is already winning awards for the modernity and modularity of its facilities.

Best Tourist Attraction: Dark Sky Alqueva – In the middle of the Alentejo area, the marvellous Alqueva sky looks like dark velvet covered in an immense blanket of stars, where you can observe a large number of celestial objects with the naked eye. However, there is one moment when you want to close your eyes: during the blind wine tasting under the stars. There’s also a mini-museum where you can learn more about the world of space and touch a real meteorite.

Best Luxury Hotel: Savoy Palace – Located in Funchal, on the island of Madeira, this five-star hotel has been receiving this award since 2021, described as “A place to stay. A palace to dream in”.

And as it is believed that tourism will grow more in Portugal in 2024, this unit, located on the island that many call the “Atlantic jewel”, will host the prestigious World Golf Awards event for the first time in November, bringing together the leading names in international golf, which promises to be a unique and exclusive experience.

Joel David Caprichoso

Communication Department

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