WTA Recognizes Europe’s Best Tourism Destinations and Companies
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World Travel Awards (WTA), the brand created especially to recognize some of the biggest accomplishments in the niche, held a gala event in Portugal’s Conrad Algarve resort. The special celebration was dedicated to awarding European tourism achievements.
WTA’s event saw the attendance of senior tourism industry officials and representatives from 35 different countries. The event is often called Oscar Awards in the world of tourism because of the significance of the distinctions. The winners were determined on the basis of the votes of tourism industry representatives and executives.
In 2011, nearly 720,000 industry professionals and consumers participated in the selection of the most important representatives of the sector.
The event started with an opening speech by Chris Frost, WTA vice-president. Frost said that the fact the event took place in Portugal and more particularly in Algarve meant that the country’s contribution to European tourism was notable. Algarve is well known for the beautiful coastline and for the luxurious tourism facilities.
Frost’s words were confirmed by the fact that Portuguese resorts, destinations and tourism companies won 12 of the distinctions.
Algarve was named Europe’s best beach destination and Portugal won an overall award for the best European golf tourism destination. Several additional WTA awards were handed out to Bairro Alto Hotel in Lisbon, Ela Clark boutique hotel and Dunas Douradas Beach Club. Algarve tourism board president Antonio Pina received the distinctions on behalf of the Portuguese winners.
“It is with enormous pride that the Algarve is hosting such a prestigious event as the WTA. This is a unique opportunity to promote the region as a first-class destination, with exceptional facilities and an enviable climate like no other country in Europe,” Pina commented upon receiving the awards.
Hilton Vilamoura was named the best hotel in Portugal. Vila Joya received international recognition because it got the best European boutique hotel award. Martinhal Beach Resort and Hotel in Sagres became the best villa resort of the continent. Algarve’s Sheraton hotel excelled in the niche for family resorts. Conrad Algarve became the top hotel in Portugal’s luxury accommodation niche.
Conrad Algarve general manager Joachim Hartl attended the event, as well, The host of the WTA received a recognition for best new luxury hotel in Portugal and best new resort in Europe. He said that Algarve was a must-visit destination for every traveler that was looking for luxury and sophistication.
WTA recognized the distinctions of hotels and companies in countries across Europe. One of the most important recognitions, the award for the best luxury hotel in Europe, went to Turkey’s Angel Peninsula Hotel.
Sky Airlines was recognized as the best charter airline in Europe and EasyJet received the award for best low-cost aviation company on the continent. Thompson & Cruise.co.uk became the best tourism agency.
London became the best city break destination in Europe. It defeated serious competition like St. Petersburg, Venice, Prague, Stockholm and Madrid. Eddinburg received one of the most important awards of the night – the recognition for leading European destination. Hotel le Bristol in Paris became the best hotel on the continent. Izmir in Turkey was named the most attractive cruise destination on the continent. Copenhagen, on the other hand, bragged the best cruise port in Europe.
The Chateau Mcely in the Czech Republic was named best green resort. Swissotel in Zurich was recognized as the best meetings and conference hotel in Europe. Additionally, Switzerland’s Zurich Airport is the best airport in Europe.
Other winners of the night included Disneyland Paris, the Norwegian Cruise Line and Lufthansa.
Stephen Joynes, founder of Hoar Cross Hall, received the lifetime achievements award.
The WTA event in Portugal is part of the brand’s search for the best tourism companies and facilities across the globe. Similar gala-awards are to take place in other parts of the world, as well. The fourth and final regional event for Asia, Australia and the Indian Ocean took place in Singapore shortly after the European ceremony. The winners from all the regions will compete against each other in the grand final ceremony that is to take place in India’s New Delhi on December 12, 2012.
WTA was established back in 1993 and the brand will celebrate its twentieth anniversary next year. Its long history and the participation of renowned tourism experts in the selection of the most prominent tourism sector members turn the WTA into one of the most important establishments in the niche.
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Published in: Guide to Portugal / Portuguese Life / Travel