The new Conrad Algarve Hotel located in Quinta do lago will be going head to head for the title of ‘Europe’s Leading Hotel’, ‘Europe’s Leading Resort’ and ‘Europe’s Leading Golf Resort’.

Then there’s the exclusive Vila Joya Hotel located in Albufeira which is a contender in the categories of ‘Europe’s Leading Boutique Hotel’ and ‘Europe’s Leading Boutique Resort’ – the latter is an award that it has been winning every year since 2005.

The Martinhal beach Resort & Hotel in Sagres is competing for the ‘Europe’s Leading Family Resort’ and ‘Europe’s Leading Villa Resort’ awards.

Other nominees from the Algarve include the Club med da Balaia in Albufeira – ‘Europe’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort’ – the Sheraton Pine Cliffs Resort, also in Albufeira – ‘Europe’s Leading Resort’ – and the Dona Filipa Hotel & San Lorenzo Golf Resort in Vale do Lobo – ‘Europe’s Leading Golf Resort’; then there’s the Longevity Wellness Resort in Monchique – ‘Leading Spa and Wellbeing Resort’ – and the Quinta do Lago Hotel – ‘Europe’s Leading Golf Resort’.

The head of the Algarve Toursim Board – Desiderio Silva – commented that these many nominations are further ‘proof of the quality of our region – a region of excellence’.

Portugal was chosen as ‘Europe’s Leading Golf Destination’ in the 2012 World Travel Awards, and this year it is defending that award from very stiff competition coming from England, France, Germany, Scotland and neighboring Spain.

The other heavies that the Algarve is contending with in the ‘Leading Beach Destination’ awards are Cannes – France, Corfu – Greece, the Emerald Coast – Italy, Formentera – Spain, Marbella – Spain and Oludeniz – Turkey.

This year will be the 20^th anniversary of the World Travel Awards, and the awards are given by professionals from the travel and tourism sectors from around the world.