Batumi was the ideal host for Europe’s VIP tourism event of the year. The destination is making headlines as the must-see destination of 2023 with its blend of unique heritage and culture married to a pioneering vision of the future supported by ambitious investment plans in tandem with environmental conservation, emerging technologies and innovation.
Travel royalty gathered in this year’s most talked about European destination for a spectacular three-day event to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the World Travel Awards. All eyes were on Batumi, Georgia for Friday night’s showpiece World Travel Awards (WTA) Europe 2023 Gala Ceremony as the world discovered the continent’s hottest travel brands and products.
Portugal made headlines by winning the ultimate title of “Best European Destination”. Madeira also made it onto the winners’ podium after being voted “Best Island Destination in Europe”. The adrenaline capital of Spain Huesca La Magia was named “Europe’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination”, placing the city of Aragon in first place in Europe.
In the hospitality sector, Istanbul Çırağan Kempinski Palace was elected “Best Hotel in Europe”, while that of Sardinia Fort Village won the “Europe’s Leading Resort” award. Dublin Convention Center declared “the leading meeting and conference center in Europe”. Brand winners included Kaizen Hotelswhich has earned the title of “Europe’s Leading Independent Hotel Group”.
In the newcomer categories, Armenia Hotel Seven Visions, Le Dvin won the coveted title of “Best New Hotel in Europe”, while the Noruz Kassandra Domes has been hailed as “Europe’s new leading hotel complex”, the new seismic center of Lisbon, Earthquakewas named “Europe’s First New Tourist Attraction”.
Graham Cookefounder of the WTA, declares: “It was a privilege to host our 30th anniversary celebrations in Batumi for a historic event that will long be remembered by all. One of the rising stars of global tourism, this remarkable city has played a leading role in welcoming the leading figures of our industry. Our winners represent excellent examples of tourism excellence, and I congratulate each of them for helping to raise the collective benchmark to even greater heights. ».
The capital of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara, Batumi enjoys an enviable all-season climate on the shores of the Black Sea, with the incredible snow-capped Ajara Mountains as a backdrop.
Torniké RijvadzePresident of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara, declares: “We are honored to have hosted the World Travel Awards Europe 30th Anniversary Gala Ceremony in Batumi, Georgia. It is our privilege to have hosted tourism leaders from around the world. We are proud to have you among us, grateful for the opportunity to build a better future for our tourism industry together and excited to share the best of Georgian hospitality with you.
The breadth and depth of Georgia’s growing travel and tourism economy has been reinforced by several key awards. Batumi was rightly recognized as “Europe’s first all-season destination”, the unique flora and beauty of the Batumi Botanical Garden was recognized by the vote of “Europe’s first botanical garden”. Other winners included Martvili Canyon (“Georgia’s top tourist attraction”); Kolkheti National Park (“the main national park of Georgia”); Le Méridien Batumi (“The best hotel in Georgia”); Crowne Plaza Borjomi (“The leading hotel complex of Georgia”); Hilton Batumi (“the best conference hotel in Georgia”); Sheraton Batumi Hotel (“The best luxury hotel in Georgia”); Golden Tulip Design Tbilisi (“The best design hotel in Georgia”); Presidential Suite @ The Grand Gloria Hotel (“Leading Hotel Suite in Georgia”); Europcar (“Georgia’s leading car rental company”); Travelfy (“Georgia’s Leading Tour Operator”); and Voyager 365 (“Georgia’s leading travel agency”).
In the airline sector, Air France has been designated “Europe’s leading airline”, while Zurich Airport was elected “Europe’s leading airport”. Lufthansa collected “Europe’s Leading Airline – Business Class” and Virgin Atlantic won the title of “Best Airline in Europe – Economy Class”. The exhibition of the first airline in Europe went to THE LOFT by Brussels Airlines And Lexus at Brussels airport.
Theodore is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews’ long-term opportunities.
