DFDS Seaways has been named Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator at the European leg of the 2012 World Travel Awards in the Algarve, Portugal.

It is the sixth year running the ferry company has won a World Travel Award, last year winning both Europe’s and the World’s Leading Ferry Operator. 

The cruise ferry firm fought off competition from rival UK firms as well as ferry companies from Norway, Ireland, Spain, Estonia and Greece to claim the trophy.

The 2012 World Travel Awards are recognised worldwide as the Oscars of the travel industry and the premier industry awards programme, with the winners decided by votes from travel industry professionals and consumers.

John Crummie, UK passenger director for DFDS Seaways said: “Our customers demand great value from us but they also expect exceptional service and winning a World Travel Award six years running is a great endorsement of the high standards we set ourselves.

“We have made a significant investment in our cruise ferries and continue to focus on providing excellent customer service across the business which helps to ensure a journey with DFDS Seaways is where our customers’ holidays begin.”

The World Travel Awards, founded in 1993, acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel, tourism and hospitality industry.