During the ceremony, which took place in Georgia, the city of Porto was distinguished as the Best European Destination for Urban Getaways, the Algarve was the winner of the Best Beach Destination in Europe, Lisbon was considered the Best City Destination in Europe, Madeira was the Best Island Destination in Europe and the Passadiços do Paiva, in Arouca (district of Aveiro), as Best Adventure Tourism Attraction.
In addition to the distinctions for cities and regions, airline TAP won in the categories of Best European Airline for Africa and South America, the port of Lisbon was the Best Cruise Port and DouroAzul won in the category of Best River Cruise Company.
There were also distinctions for several hotel establishments, including the Pestana Porto Santo All-Inclusive, in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, which won in the Best Inclusive Resort category, and the Verride Palácio Santa Catarina, in Lisbon, which won Best Boutique Hotel.
The award for Best Island Resort went to Saccarum, in Madeira, the Best Monument Hotel went to Bairro Alto Hotel (Lisbon), the Best 'Lifestyle' Resort went to the Vale do Lobo resort, in the Algarve, the award for Best Luxury Boutique Hotel went to the Valverde Hotel, in Lisbon, and the Best Luxury Business Hotel went to the Pestana Palace, also in Lisbon.
The Best New Tourist Attraction was awarded to Quake – Lisbon Earthquake Center, the Best Villa Resort went to Dunas Douradas Beach Club, in Almancil (Algarve), the Best Sports Resort was Cascade Wellness, in Lagos, the Best Villa Resort went to Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort.
The Best Hotel in the Wine Region was awarded to L'And Vineyards, in Montemor-o-Novo (Évora district), the Monte Santo Resort, in Carvoeiro (Algarve) was considered Most Romantic Resort, and the Dark Sky Alqueva (district of Évora) won the Responsible Tourism award.
Until Portugal becomes the victim of its own succes, and mass tourism spoils everything, something already happening. Ever been in Porto or Lisboa, or Albufeira this summer ? Even where I live, in Évora, there is too much tourism.
By Eric Coplo from Alentejo on 03 Oct 2023, 14:56