To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the World Travel Awards, the best four-season destination award winners gathered for a spectacular three-day event in the seaside city of Batumi, Georgia.
At the 30th World Travel Awards (WTA) Europe 2023 gala, Portugal emerged as a dominant force. Not only did Portugal win the title of “Europe’s Leading Destination,” but one of its beautiful islands, Madeira, also stood on the winners’ podium after being awarded “Europe’s Leading Island.” Lisbon’s new earthquake center, the Quake, received the accolade of “Europe’s Leading New Tourist Attraction.”
Huesca La Magia, the adrenaline capital of Spain, claimed the title of “Europe’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination,” placing the Aragonian city in the forefront of Europe.
In the realm of hospitality, Istanbul’s Çırağan Palace Kempinski was named “Europe’s Leading Hotel,” while Forte Village in Sardinia earned the title of “Europe’s Leading Resort.” Dublin’s Convention Centre was recognized as “Europe’s Leading Conference and Event Centre.” Among the brand winners, Spain’s Kaizen Hoteles received the award for “Europe’s Leading Independent Hotel Group.”
In the newcomer categories, the Armenian Seven Visions Hotel, The Dvin, was named “Europe’s Leading New Hotel,” while Greece’s Domes Noruz Kassandra was designated “Europe’s Leading New Resort.”
In the aviation sector, Air France was awarded “Europe’s Leading Airline,” and Zurich Airport was named “Europe’s Leading Airport.” Lufthansa earned the title of “Europe’s Leading Airline – Business Class,” while Virgin Atlantic claimed the award for “Europe’s Leading Airline – Economy Class.” The “Europe’s Leading Airline Lounge” distinction went to Brussels Airlines and THE LOFT by Lexus @ Brussels Airport.
There was no Hungarian representation among the destinations this year but Hungarian-based Wizz Air was recognized with an award, as reported in the following separate article.
Batumi, as the host city for the World Travel Awards 2023, rightfully made headlines as a unique destination that blends an extraordinary heritage and culture with a pioneering vision supported by ambitious investment plans, environmental conservation, emerging technologies, and innovation.
It has been a privilege to host our 30th anniversary celebrations in Batumi for an historic event that will last long in everyone’s memory. One of the rising stars of world tourism, this remarkable city has played a starring role in welcoming the figureheads of our industry. Our winners represent stellar examples of tourism excellence, and I congratulate each and every one for helping to raise the collective benchmark to even greater heights
– stated Graham Cooke, the founder of WTA.
The capital of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, Batumi, enjoys envy-inducing year-round weather on the Black Sea coast, with the incredible snow-covered Ajara Mountains in the background.
We are honoured to have hosted the 30th anniversary World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony in Batumi, Georgia. It is our privilege to have welcomed tourism leaders from around the world. We are proud to have had you here with us, grateful for the opportunity to build together a greater future for our tourism industry and delighted to share with you the very best of Georgian hospitality.
– said Tornike Rijvadze, the Chairman of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara.
The complete list of winners can be found on the World Travel Awards’ official website.
