Where is the best destination in Europe? The winners of the World Travel Awards 2016 are revealed!

When asked “Where is the best destination in Europe?” the usual answers that may pop up in your mind - London, Paris, Barcelona, and so on. But have you ever thought about Russia?

The winners of the World Travel Awards 2016 have been released, with St Petersburg in Russia, surprisingly being voted Europe’s best destination in the annual awards.

Lufthansa was named as the continent’s leading airline, with Zurich being awarded for the best airport for the 12th consecutive year. The German airline also came away with winning the best economy award.

British Airways won the best airline for first class.

Each year the World Travel Awards jury, who are made up of travel experts, vote to name the best across the tourism and hospitality industry. The jury award titles on a worldwide level, and on an international region level. Many awards are given over a variety of categories, including airline, hotel, car-hire company, and travel agency.

Portugal came away with a number of awards, including Europe’s Leading Island Destination, Europe’s Leading Cruise Port, and The Best Beach Destination.

France also walked away with several award, including Lyon being named as Europe’s Leading City Break Destination, and The Ritz Paris, being awarded Europe’s Leading City Hotel.

Britain was also awarded a handful of titles, including the Hilton at London Heathrow, winning Europe’s Leading Airport hotel, and Visit London, winning Europe’s Leading City Tourist Board.

Thomas Cook won Europe’s Leading Tour Operator Category, while Disneyland Paris, was awarded with the title of Europe’s Leading Themed Resort.

Europe’s Leading Online Travel Agency was awarded to Booking.com, while Europcar won Europe’s Leading Car Rental Company.

As well as the top winners in Europe, the other regional winners can be found on the World Travel Awards official website here https://www.worldtravelawards.com/