Portugal claims top European honours at the World Travel Awards

Portugal has cemented its status as a premier getaway by being named Europe’s Leading Destination at the World Travel Awards 2026, while Visit Portugal was simultaneously recognised as Europe’s Leading Tourist Board. 

The announcement was made during a gala ceremony hosted at the Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort in Montenegro, according to a travel industry media report. The gathering marked the very first time Montenegro has welcomed an event in the awards programme’s 33-year history, drawing travel industry leaders from across the continent.

Celebrating excellence across Europe at the World Travel Awards 2026

The ceremony delivered widespread recognition for destinations, airlines, hotels, and tourism businesses spanning the European continent. Portugal secured major titles across beach holidays, city tourism, adventure travel, and prominent visitor attractions.

Regionally, the Algarve triumphed by winning Europe’s Leading Beach Destination, building upon previous international accolades for its coastline, which includes Praia da Falésia featuring prominently in recent TripAdvisor rankings. 

[See more: New Lisbon airport target set for 2034 by government]

Meanwhile, Lisbon captured the title of Europe’s Leading City Destination, and the Azores received recognition as Europe’s Leading Regional Adventure Tourism Destination. Adding a unique dimension to the country’s portfolio, Dark Sky Alqueva was named Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction for its astrophotography workshops, stargazing, and immersive nighttime canoeing experiences.

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards continue to acknowledge excellence across the global travel and tourism sector, with winners determined by votes cast by industry professionals and travellers worldwide.

Host country Montenegro also celebrated significant domestic success during the evening. Kotor was honoured as Europe’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination, and Montenegro itself was named Europe’s Leading Nature Destination.

Elsewhere across Europe, Turkish Airlines was awarded Europe’s Leading Airline, Athens claimed Europe’s Leading City Break Destination, and Disneyland Paris was recognised as Europe’s Leading Theme Park Resort. Dubrovnik secured the title of Europe’s Leading Seaside Metropolitan Destination. 

[See more: Portugal’s Algarvensis UNESCO Global Geopark receives official accreditation]

In the business tourism sector, Madrid won Europe’s Leading Meetings and Conference Destination, the Convention Centre Dublin took the corresponding venue award, and Cannes was celebrated as Europe’s Leading Festival and Event Destination.

The Montenegro gathering served as the final regional ceremony of the World Travel Awards Grand Tour 2026, following earlier successful events held in Zanzibar, Dubai, the Maldives, and Jamaica. The global series will ultimately conclude with its Grand Final in Tanzania.