Europcar, Adam & Eve Hotels, Carlson Wagonlit Travel and Virgin Atlantic were amongst companies that triumphed at the World Travel Awards European Ceremony, staged in the luxurious Marriott Praia D’El Rey in Portugal on 17th October.

The awards, described by the Wall Street Journal as the ‘Oscars’ of the global travel and tourism industry, revealed who are the “best of the best” in the region.

Lufthansa won the title “Europe’s Leading Airline” and Marriott Hotels Resorts & Suites won “Europe’s Leading Hotel Brand”. Meanwhile “Europe’s Leading Destination” went to Lisbon, whilst Carlson Wagonlit Travel took home “Europe’s Leading Travel Management Company” while Viajes Iberia picked up “Europe’s Leading Travel Agency”.

Virgin Atlantic Airways won Europe’s Leading Marketing Campaign for its “25 Years Still Red Hot” campaign. A number of national category awards were also presented throughout the evening.

The full list of winners for the World Travel Awards Europe can be found by logging on to www.worldtravelawards.com.

Increasingly, the awards are known as raising the bar for ultimate customer service and overall business performance. Growing numbers of travel companies, airlines, operators and resorts compete to walk away with one of the coveted titles. Organisers say research has shown that winners increase international brand recognition, building consumer loyalty.

Nearly 1,500 travel companies were nominated in 177 categories in the prestigious ceremony, held in partnership with Marriott Praia D’El Rey, Bom Sucesso, TAP Portugal and Turismo Do Oeste. Senior management and decision makers of Europe’s travel and tourism industry came together to celebrate their achievements during the ceremony.

Graham Cooke, President, World Travel Awards commented: “The past 12 months have brought several challenges, namely the economic downturn and the outbreak of swine flu, which has impacted travel and tourism worldwide; today’s winners have remained focused on their long term objectives, and continued to deliver above and beyond the call of duty, setting an industry example.”

These inspirational organisations will continue to reap profile and commercial benefits over the next year.

Cooke explained: “This year’s winners can display the official World Travel Awards symbol with pride on their sales and marketing literature, offering travellers a cast-iron assurance that what they are buying is a guarantee of travel excellence.”

Each winner has automatically been put forward for the spectacular WTA Grand Final which will take place at the five-star Grosvenor House, a JW Marriott Hotel in London on November 8th immediately before World Travel Market.

Throughout the evening, winners were presented with their prestigious awards by key industry figures, with live entertainment which included performances from disco legend George McCrae, whilst comedian Bobby Davro hosted the gala evening.