After the regional awards awarded in the past months, they have been announced the final winners of the World Travel Awards, a sort of equivalent of the Oscars for the tourism industry. The laurels are awarded based on the votes cast by industry professionals and the public, who choose their favorites from a shortlist of nominees. The categories are numerous and very specificof particular relevance for operators (hotels, resorts, airlines, agencies, etc.), but there are several items that are also of interest to ordinary travelers.
As a top destination of the year the Maldives were crowned, confirming that the charm of tropical islands knows no subsidence. And not surprisingly, the Seychelles have been awarded as the most romantic destination, Saint Lucia as the best honeymoon destination, while Jamaica scores a hat-trick: best destination for cruises, family vacations and weddings.
Gold edition for South America that has collected awards: in the category adventure tourism wins Chile; Peru takes home the title for Best Food Destination, Best Cultural Destination and Best Tourist Attraction with Machu Picchu; Ecuador is awarded the palm of the best green destination. Flurry of trophies for Portugal: the Algarve is the best destination for beaches, the Paiva walkways the best adventure attraction, the Madeira archipelago the best destination among the islands, the Dark Sky Alqueva reserve wins the award for responsible tourism.
Excellent results also for Russia: St. Petersburg is the best city destination and the best cultural urban destination, Moscow the best city for a short break and for cultural heritage.
Following, here are other prizes awarded at the World Travel Awards, while here you can see the complete list:
– best emerging destination: Lyon
– best diving destination: Philippines
– best destination for business travel: Dubai
– best destination for cultural heritage: Armenia
– best destination for nature: Oman
– best destination for safaris: Kenya
– best destination for sports tourism: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
– best destination for sustainable tourism: Sir Bani Yas Island, United Arab Emirates