Portuguese tourism destination awards

Portuguese tourism destinations and national organizations have continued to receive significant international recognition. At the 33rd World Travel Awards Europe, held in Montenegro, Portugal was named ‘Europe’s Leading Destination 2026’, and Turismo de Portugal was recognized as ‘Europe’s Leading Tourist Board 2026’.

Lisbon secured two major titles: ‘Europe’s Leading City Destination’ and ‘Europe’s Leading Cruise Destination’. The latter title follows previous wins in 2021 and 2024, marking the city’s third win in that category. Porto was also recognized with the title of ‘Europe’s Leading Cultural City Destination’. António Valle, Director-General of the Lisbon Tourism Association, stated that these distinctions reflect a collective effort to enhance the city’s tourism offerings and identity.

In the Madeira region, the destination maintained its long-standing success, being awarded ‘Europe’s Leading Island Destination’ for the 12th time since 2013. Furthermore, the Madeira Promotion Association (AP-Madeira) earned the title of ‘Europe’s Leading Tourism Entity’ for the third consecutive year.

Additional regional honors were awarded to the Algarve, which was named ‘Europe’s Leading Beach Destination’, and the Azores, which received the title of ‘Europe’s Leading Regional Destination for Adventure Tourism’. Expanding on these regional successes, the Dark Sky Alqueva project in Alentejo was honored with both ‘Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction’ and ‘Europe’s Leading Responsible Tourism Award’.