Portugal and Montenegro Top Winners at World Travel Awards

Europe’s top travel honors were bestowed in Kotor, Montenegro, at the World Travel Awards Europe Gala 2026 on October 17. This marked the awards program’s first visit to Montenegro since it was established in 1993. Portugal was named Europe’s Leading Destination.

Portugal Claims Top Destination Honors

In addition to the country title, Portugal secured several other accolades. The Algarve earned the distinction of Europe’s Leading Beach Destination, while the Azores Islands won Europe’s Leading Regional Adventure Tourism Destination. Dark Sky Alqueva was named Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction, and Lisbon took home the Europe’s Leading City Destination prize.

For the host nation, Kotor received Europe’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination, and Montenegro was named Europe’s Leading Nature Destination. These wins highlighted the country’s blend of coastal heritage and inland environments, featuring the historic town of Kotor and the mountainous terrain of Durmitor National Park.

Industry Leaders and Service Providers Acknowledged

Airline and resort recognition included Turkish Airlines being named Europe’s Leading Airline and Disneyland Paris receiving Europe’s Leading Theme Park Resort. Madrid was named Europe’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination, and The Convention Centre Dublin earned Europe’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre.

Intermediary and mobility sectors also saw winners, with Nordic Visitor selected as Europe’s Leading Tour Operator, Top Atlântico as Europe’s Leading Travel Agency, Europcar as Europe’s Leading Car Rental Company, and Mideast Travel Worldwide as Europe’s Leading Destination Management Company.

Hyatt Regency Hosts and Wins National Awards

Several Montenegrin hospitality operators were recognized in national categories. Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort, the venue for the gala, took Montenegro’s Leading Resort; Merit Starlit Hotel & Residence & Casino won Montenegro’s Leading Hotel; Villa Geba Boutique Hotel received Montenegro’s Leading Boutique Hotel; and Montenegro Concierge DMC won Montenegro’s Leading Destination Management Company.

According to event information, the host resort features 252 accommodation units and private villas, and plans to add 25 more apartments in April 2027. Its amenities include a private beach, marina, health and wellbeing retreat, spa, and event spaces. These facilities allowed the property to successfully host the awards presentation and the associated travel industry gathering.

Graham Cooke, founder of World Travel Awards, called the inaugural Montenegro edition a significant occasion and thanked the resort and local partners for their support. Hans Prins, general manager of Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort, stated that recognizing Kotor and Montenegro was a proud moment for his team and the destination.

The Montenegro ceremony concluded the regional stage of the World Travel Awards 2026 European program following events in Zanzibar, Dubai, the Maldives, and Jamaica. The organizers’ Grand Tour is set to finish with a global final in Tanzania. While the European results provide a guide to award-winning destinations and suppliers, it is important to note that awards reflect the program’s own selection and voting process rather than an independent guarantee of a specific travel experience.