DFDS has been named Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator for the sixth year in a row at the World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony.

DFDS beat four rival ferry operators to the award, which recognises excellence in the travel and tourism industry.

The ferry operator won the title with thousands of votes from the public and travel industry professionals from 57 European countries.

Pete Akerman, DFDS marketing director, said: “We’re delighted to have once again won the approval of our guests and travel industry partners to claim the titles as Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator for a record sixth consecutive time.

“I’d like to thank all of our employees, who have worked so hard to provide excellent customer service to our guests and make travelling by ferry with DFDS an enjoyable and relaxing experience.

“From those who are front-of-house on board, to those working behind the scenes, it’s been a real team effort to retain this title.”

The World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.

This year’s European Gala Ceremony took place in St. Petersburg’s Marble Hall, Russian Museum of Ethnography.

DFDS operates a comprehensive passenger route network, which incorporates four routes from the UK to Europe, via Dover-Dunkirk, Dover-Calais, Newhaven-Dieppe and Newcastle-Amsterdam, offering passengers a gateway to Europe.

DFDS also operates a number of passenger ferry routes across the Baltic Sea, including a cruise ferry service between Copenhagen and Oslo.