The Algarve took the title of Europe’s Leading Beach Destination at the World Travel Awards

The annual World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony, hosted at the new Conrad Algarve, turned into a golden affair for Portugal earlier, with the destination picking up seven awards.

The Algarve region, the golfing industry and five specific hotels were among the winners at the prestigious event.

Portugal scooped the accolades for Europe’s Leading Golf Destination, while the Algarve took the title of Europe’s Leading Beach Destination.

Alongside this the Conrad Algarve claimed the title of Europe’s Leading New Resort; Vila Joya Resort was named Europe’s Leading Boutique Resort; Dunas Douradas Beach Club was named Europe’s Leading Villa & Apartment Residences; Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel received the award for Europe’s Leading Villa Resort and Quinta do Lago Hotel was elected Mediterranean’s Leading Hotel.

Filipe Silva, director of Turismo de Portugal commented: “This level of international recognition is fantastic to receive.

“Portugal’s product offering is diverse, of a high quality and excellent value, all of which are clearly highlighted in the accolades received.

“It was an honour to have the awards here in Portugal and I hope it will inspire those who attended to visit our destination again in the future.”

This year has been an excellent year for Portugal, with UK visitors increasing in the first half of the year.

From January to July 2012, Portugal accounted a 4.1 per cent improvement when comparing with the same period in 2011.

The Alentejo and Northern regions also performed well, complementing the traditionally strong destinations of the Algarve, Madeira and Lisbon.

The UK’s air service to Portugal is also set to increase in 2012: easyJet launched its hub in Lisbon which will have an important impact on the destination.

Also scheduled leisure airline Monarch is set to launch new direct flights from London Gatwick and Birmingham International to Madeira (Funchal) on October 15th - the flights will run three times a week from Gatwick and twice from Birmingham.

On the October 18th this year, TAP Portugal will increase its service from Manchester to Lisbon to seven days a week.

For summer 2013, FlyBe will increase its capacity to the Algarve, flying from Exeter and Southampton.