The finest travel brands in Europe were unveiled at a star-studded gala ceremony in Madeira. The elite of the travel industry assembled for the World Travel Awards (WTA) Europe Gala Ceremony on the Atlantic island to find out who amongst them would be crowned best of the best.

Winners at the red carpet reception included the enchanting city of St. Petersburg, Russia, voted ‘Europe’s Leading City Destination’. Meanwhile Portugal reinforced its credentials as the country for everyone by emerging as ‘Europe’s Leading Destination’. Madrid was named ‘Europe’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination’, whilst the captivating mix of Belle Epoque meets contemporary splendour helped Batumi, Georgia, lift the title of ‘Europe’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination’.

Hundreds of the leading travel industries figureheads from across the continent attended the ceremony at Belmond Reid’s Palace, set in verdant gardens overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Graham E. Cooke, founder, WTA, said: “Our inaugural ceremony in Madeira has proved an incredible success. We have had the privilege of recognising the leading destinations, hotels, resorts, airlines and travel providers from across Europe and my congratulations to each of our winners.”

Hospitality winners included Hilton Hotels & Resorts, voted ‘Europe’s Leading Hotel Brand’ in this its centenary year, and InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, winner of ‘Europe’s Leading Business Hotel Brand’. In the newcomer categories, InterContinental Sofia, Bulgaria was named ‘Europe’s Leading New Hotel’ and L’oscar Hotel London voted ‘Europe’s Leading New Boutique Hotel’. Other winners included San Clemente Palace Kempinski, Venice (‘Europe’s Leading Luxury Wedding Resort’), Pestana Porto Santo All Inclusive Beach & Spa Resort, Portugal (‘Europe’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort’).