For the third consecutive year, Portugal was voted the best destination in the world to visit. The country has won thirteen awards at the World Travel Awards (WTA), considered the "Oscars" of tourism. The 2019 edition, which took place in late November in Muscat, the capital of Oman, has consolidated the strong image that the destination has been building in recent years.
Lisbon was chosen as "The World's Leading City Break Destination". "The work developed in the requalification of heritage, the promotion of the destination and the improvement of the tourist, cultural and gastronomic offer has positioned the country's capital as a reference in terms of good practices and this is reflected in these distinctions," said Paula Oliveira, executive director of the Lisbon Tourism Association (ATL).
Among the award-winning places is Madeira, chosen as "The World's Leading Island Destination"; the Paiva Walkways, as "The World's Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction" and the Parks of Sintra, as "The World's Best Conservation Company".
In June 2019, Portugal had already been re-elected by the World Travel Awards as "The Best Destination in Europe". The election already indicated that appreciation for the country continued to increase worldwide.
"It is an honor to have received this award, which distinguishes the excellence of Portugal and the Portuguese," said the Secretary of State for Tourism, Rita Marques, in a statement. "We should all continue working to reinforce Portugal's international affirmation," she emphasized.
Turismo de Portugal was also chosen, for the third consecutive year, as the "World's Leading Tourist Board". According to Luís Araújo, president of the institution, this award "is nothing more than recognition of the success of the 'Tourism Strategy 2027' and the entity's commitment to achieving the objectives defined in this plan."
Among the places that were presented at the WTA awards, Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, won as "Best Business Destination in the World"; Moscow, Russia, has secured the title of "Best City in the World".
Santa Lucia, the paradisiacal island of the Caribbean, received the title of "Best honeymoon destination" and Kenya in Africa received the trophy for "Best Safari Destination in the World".
WTA was established in 1993 to recognize, reward and celebrate excellence in all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the brand is recognized globally as the main reference in quality, and the winners set the desired level for all companies operating in the industry.
