World Travel Awards elects Portugal as the best European Destination

For the third consecutive year, Portugal was elected Europe’s best travel destination by World Travel Awards

In a press release, the office of the Portuguese Minister of Economy maintains that this award “consolidates Portugal’s international prestige as a top touristic destination”. In total, Portugal has won 39 awards this year ‐ 3 more than in 2018.

In addition, Lisbon was elected Europe’s Leading City Break destination and Europe’s leading cruise port. Madeira was given the award of the leading island destination. The biggest surprise of the night was, however, the Passadiços do Paiva, declared Leading Adventure Touristic Attraction of the year of 2019.

The Minister of Economy, Pedro Siza Vieira, said it is with “great satisfaction” that Portugal welcomes these awards, adding that “being considered Europe’s leading responsible destination (Dark Sky Alqueva)”, “was particularly relevant.” According to Vieira, such recognition represents “a step towards becoming the world’s most sustainable touristic destination.”