The 31st annual World Travel Awards was held at the Madeira, Portugal to acknowledge the excellence of star performers in the area of global travel and tourism. Portugal won 12 awards at the World Travel Awards 2023 and the year 2024 brings more success and recognition to the country. Portugal wins 19 World Travel Awards for the 2024 year. This shows the value of Portugal among travelers across the globe.
World Travel Awards 2024 – Famous Awards Portugal Wins
Here are the details of famous World Travel Awards that Portugal wins for 2024 year:
World’s Leading City Break Destination 2024
Lisbon has won the World’s Leading City Break Destination 2024 award by beating other famous city break destinations. Lisbon beat 18 other nominees to crown the title. Nominees for the World’s Leading City Break Destination for 2024 includes Lisbon, Acapulco, Athens, Cape Town, Dubai, Geneva, Guayaquil, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York City, Orlando, Porto, Rio de Janeiro, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo. The city has also won the Europe’s Best MICE Destination award in 2024.
World’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination 2024
Braga claimed the crown of World’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination 2024 award due its attractive profile. Braga defeated Ha Nam, Hobart, Huesca La Magia, Melaka, Okinawa and Valladolid. It is interested to know that Braga has won the World’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination in 2023 as well and that shows the ongoing popularity of Braga among tourists across the globe. The increasing demand of Braga among international tourists result in immense growth for various sectors including real estate and service sector.
World’s Leading Heritage City Destination 2024
There is no doubt about rich heritage of Portugal, particularly Lisbon. The capital of Portugal was nominated for World’s Leading Heritage City Destination for 2021, 2022 and 2023, however 2024 is the year when Lisbon crowned as World’s Leading Heritage City Destination. Lisbon became leading heritage city destination in 2024 by beating Bangkok, Barcelona, Beijing, Edinburgh, Lima, London, Paris, Porto, Prague and Vienna.
World’s Leading Seaside Metropolitan Destination 2024
If you want to visit the best seaside destination within urban dwellings, there is no other better option than Porto. Porto won the World’s Leading Seaside Metropolitan Destination 2024 by beating Cape Town, Dubai, Jakarta, Lisbon, Miami, Perth, Region of Attica and Shanghai. Porto is a blend of historical sites and modern day architecture. The stories of history inspired by innovation and sustainable infrastructure is a feast for eco-tourism lovers. Visitors love the culture, heritage, nature, food and contemporary design of Porto.
World’s Leading Island Destination 2024
Madeira is unbeaten for the past decade when it comes to World’s Leading Island Destination. Since 2015, Madeira is undefeated due to its attractions as the World’s Leading Island Destination and same is the case at the World Travel Awards 2024 held in Madeira as well. Bali was the last winner in 2014 to claim the World’s Leading Island Destination award. Nominees for World’s Leading Island Destination 2024 include Madeira, Bali, Barbados, Cook Islands, Cozumel, Crete, Fiji, Hawaii, Jamaica, Little Corn Island, Maldives, Mallorca, Mauritius, Philippines, Saint Lucia, Sardinia, Seychelles, Singapore, The Islands of Tahiti, Turks & Caicos Islands and Zanzibar.
Key Attractions of Madeira
The unique landscape, classified walking routes, forests, water falls and crystal clear waters of Madeira are all key ingredients for visitors attractions. The breathtaking views of untapped natural beauty, hidden traditions and local hospitality all are successful points to make Madeira the World’s Leading Island Destination for the past 10 years.
World’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination 2024
Azores Islands of Portugal has emerged as the leading adventure destination among international tourists. Azores Islands claimed World’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination award for 2024 and was also winner for 2023. What adventure lovers love about Azores Island of Portugal include surfing, fishing, yachting, canoeing, paragliding over blue waters, horseback riding, whale watching, golf playing and scuba diving.
Azores Islands won the World’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination 2024 award after beating Australia, Belize, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Fiji, Huesca La Magia, Spain, Indonesia, Japan, Madeira Islands, Mauritius, New Zealand, Ras Al Khaimah, Saint Lucia, Thailand and the USA.
World’s Leading Beach Destination 2024
The Algarve claimed back its crown of World’s Leading Beach Destination 2024 after a gap of two years. The Algarve won the World’s Leading Beach Destination award back in 2020 and 2021 while the Philippines was the winner of World’s Leading Beach Destination award for 2022 and 2023.
World’s Leading Beach Destination – Key Attractions of Algarve
Algarve is the favorite spot for beach lovers searching for sunshine, natural beauty and quality recreational facilities. The 300 kilometer coastline of Algarve includes some of the stunning features that covers all types of coves, cliffs and rocky beaches with mild climate 12 months a year. The mild temperature range of 15º C in winter through to 30º C in summer is mean you can surf in any season.
List of World Travel Awards 2024 Won by Portugal
Here is the complete list of World Travel Awards that Portugal, its cities or companies operating in Portugal won.
| Award No | Award Name | Winner Name |
| 1 | World’s Leading City Break Destination 2024 | Lisbon, Portugal |
| 2 | World’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination 2024 | Braga, Portugal |
| 3 | World’s Leading Heritage City Destination 2024 | Lisbon, Portugal |
| 4 | World’s Leading Seaside Metropolitan Destination 2024 | Porto, Portugal |
| 5 | World’s Leading Island Destination 2024 | Madeira Islands |
| 6 | World’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination 2024 | Azores Islands, Portugal |
| 7 | World’s Leading Beach Destination 2024 | The Algarve, Portugal |
| 8 | World’s Leading Airline to Africa 2024 | TAP Air Portugal |
| 9 | World’s Leading Airline to South America 2024 | TAP Air Portugal |
| 10 | World’s Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction 2024 | Passadiços do Paiva (Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark), Portugal |
| 11 | World’s Leading Classic Hotel 2024 | Olissippo Lapa Palace Hotel, Portugal |
| 12 | World’s Leading Conservation Company 2024 | Parques de Sintra – Monte da Lua, Portugal |
| 13 | World’s Leading Landmark Hotel 2024 | Bairro Alto Hotel, Portugal |
| 14 | World’s Leading Luxury Boutique Hotel 2024 | The Reserve, Portugal |
| 15 | World’s Leading Luxury Hotel 2024 | Savoy Palace, Portugal |
| 16 | World’s Leading Retreat 2024 | Saccharum, Portugal |
| 17 | World’s Responsible Tourism Award 2024 | Dark Sky Alqueva, Portugal |
| 18 | World’s Leading Boutique Hotel Operator 2024 | Amazing Evolution |
| 19 | World’s Leading Golf & Villa Resort 2024 | Dunas Douradas Beach Club, Portugal |
Portugal – A Destination for People from All Corners
Portugal has positioned it self as a land of opportunity for people from all ages and from all corners. The natural beauty, rich culture, safest country and welcoming of locals made the country an attractive option for people seeking a second home. Investors, retirees, young people, digital nomads and entrepreneurs see Portugal as a hope for their today and tomorrow.
Portugal Golden Visa for Non-EU Citizens
The government of Portugal attracts non-EU investors by offering Portugal residency for 5 years that is a pathway to Portugal citizenship. By investing €500,000 or more in various sectors, investors not only get right to live and work in Portugal but also earn return on their investment. EXO Private Equity Fund provides an opportunity for investors to get Portugal residency and move to the country with family.
Apart from Portugal Golden Visa, there are several other pathways for Portugal residency including Portugal D2 Visa for entrepreneurs, Portugal D7 Visa for people with passive income, and Portugal D8 Visa for remote workers and digital nomads.