This year’s World Travel Awards, hosted at the new Conrad Algarve Resort, turned into a golden affair for Portugal with the destinations picking up seven awards. The Algarve region, the golfing industry and five specific hotels were amongst the winners.
Portugal scooped the following top accolades; Europe’s Leading Golf Destination and Europe’s Leading Beach Destination, which saw the Algarve win the top award.
Alongside this the Conrad Algarve Resort claimed the title of Europe’s Leading New Resort; Vila Joya Resort was named Europe’s Leading Boutique Resort; Dunas Douradas Beach Club was named Europe's Leading Villa & Apartment Residences; Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel received the award for Europe’s Leading Villa Resort and Quinta do Lago Hotel was elected Mediterranean's Leading Hotel.
Pedro de Mello Breyner, director of Turismo de Portugal for the Benelux commented; “This level of international recognition is fantastic to receive. Portugal’s product offering is diverse, of a high quality and excellent value, all of which are clearly highlighted in the accolades received. It was an honour to have the awards here in Portugal and I hope it will inspire those who attended to visit our destination again in the future.”
2012 has been an excellent year for Portugal, with Belgian visitors increasing in the first half of the year. From January to July 2012, Portugal accounted a 7.5% improvement when comparing with the same period in 2011. The Northern and Centro regions and the Azores Islands also performed well, complementing the traditionally strong destinations of the Algarve, Madeira and Lisbon.
