Portugal Resident: Algarve nominated for 44 European tourism ‘Oscars’

The Algarve is fielding 44 nominations in the European edition of the World Travel Awards, viewed as the pinnacle of tourism recognition and often described as the ‘Oscars’ of tourism.

Unsurprisingly, the region is once again in the running to be named Europe’s Leading Beach Destination – a title it has already been awarded nine times. The other aspiring destinations include Cannes (France), Corfu and Costa Navarino (Greece), Mallorca and Marbella (Spain), Porto Santo Island (Madeira, Portugal) and Sardinia (Italy).

The Algarve is also among the nominees in the new category of Europe’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination, along with the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira, Baden-Württemberg (Germany), Dubrovnik (Croatia), Edinburgh (Scotland), Mallorca (Spain), Pembrokeshire (Wales) and the Region of Attica (Greece).

“Tourism in the Algarve is currently a sector that is much more committed to sustainable development and these nominations are a result of the awareness of everyone about the need to implement good practices and change behaviours to make tourism a long-term economically viable activity,” Algarve tourism chief João Fernandes said.

“At the same time, the Algarve is seen as a more qualified and cosmopolitan destination compared to its main international competitors, as proven by the dozens of nominations in the region’s hotel sector in key categories,” he added.

Here is the full list of nominations received by the Algarve and its hotels and resorts:

• Europe’s Leading Beach Destination – Algarve
• Europe’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination – Algarve
• Europe’s Leading All Suite Hotel – Monte Santo Resort (Carvoeiro)
• Europe’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort – Clube Med da Balaia (Albufeira)
• Europe’s Leading Beach Hotel – AP Oriental Beach and Pestana Alvor Praia (Portimão)
• Europe’s Leading Beach Resort – EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel (Albufeira) and Hotel Quinta do Lago (Almancil)
• Europe’s Leading Boutique Resort – Vila Joya (Guia)
• Europe’s Leading Conference Hotel – Ria Park Hotel & Spa (Almancil)
• Europe’s Leading Family & Wellness Resort – EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel (Albufeira) and Vila Vita Parc (Porches)
• Europe’s Leading Family Resort – AP Adriana Beach Resort (Albufeira), Jupiter Albufeira Hotel – Family & Fun (Albufeira), Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort (Sagres), Penina Hotel & Golf Resort (Portimão), Ria Park Hotel & Spa (Almancil)
• Europe’s Leading Fully Integrated Resort – Monte Santo Resort (Carvoeiro)
• Europe’s Leading Green Hotel – Vila Galé Albacora (Tavira)
• Europe’s Leading Green Resort – Vila Vita Parc (Porches)
• Europe’s Leading Hotel Residences – Monte Santo Resort (Carvoeiro), Pine Cliffs Residence, a Luxury Collection Resort (Albufeira)
• Europe’s Leading Hotel Suite – Infinity Penthouse @ Conrad Algarve (Almancil)
• Europe’s Leading Landmark Hotel – Pousada Palácio Estoi (Estoi)
• Europe’s Leading Leisure Resort – Monte Santo Resort (Carvoeiro) and Pine Cliffs, a Luxury Collection Resort (Albufeira)
• Europe’s Leading Lifestyle Resort – Conrad Algarve (Almancil), Monte Santo Resort (Carvoeiro) and Vale do Lobo (Almancil)
• Europe’s Leading Luxury Beach Resort – Pine Cliffs, a Luxury Collection Resort (Albufeira) and Vila Vita Parc (Porches)
• Europe’s Leading Luxury Family Resort – Monte Santo Resort (Carvoeiro) and Pine Cliffs (Albufeira)
• Europe’s Leading Luxury Resort – Hotel Quinta do Lago (Almancil) and Pine Cliffs (Albufeira)
• Europe’s Leading Resort Villas – Dunas Douradas Beach Club (Almancil)
• Europe’s Leading Seafront Resort – Vila Joya (Guia)
• Europe’s Leading Sports Resort – Cascade Wellness Resort (Lagos)
• Europe’s Leading Villa Resort – Dunas Douradas Beach Club (Almancil) and Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort (Sagres)
• Europe’s Most Romantic Hotel – Jupiter Marina Hotel – Couples & Spa (Portimão)
• Europe’s Most Romantic Resort – Monte Santo Resort (Carvoeiro)
• Europe’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre – Centro de Congressos do Algarve (Vilamoura)
• Europe’s Leading Beach Club – Dunas Douradas Beach Club (Almancil)

Voting is open until August 20 online to everyone. The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony in Batumi, Georgia at the end of September.