Portugal has been elected the number one country to travel to in 2013 by the Spanish edition of the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler magazine, one of the most important travel publications available in Spain.
It is the first time Portugal has taken the title, this year singled out for its “charm and friendliness.”
The decision was made by magazine readers who considered Portugal the best destination for 2013, ahead of five other competitors: Argentina, Spain, USA, Italy and Thailand.
In a statement to website Boas Notícias, the Portuguese Institute for Tourism stressed that “a special charm that is visible in Portugal’s traditions, in cities that combine modernity with history, landscapes and beaches” was responsible for it taking the top spot.
As well as what it offers tourists, Portugal was complimented in the prize-giving ceremony for its environmental richness, “which blends with nature”, and for the Portuguese people, “who seduce with their charm and friendliness.”
The national tourism board Turismo de Portugal is confident that “this distinction will reinforce Portugal’s visibility as a tourist destination of excellence within Spain, which is one of its main international markets.”
The fifth Condé Nast Traveler Awards attributed accolades in fifteen different categories, including hotels, resorts, spas, cities, transports, technological products and fashions and beauty accessories connected to tourism and travel, among others.
This year’s awards were delivered in a special ceremony that took place last Thursday in Madrid and saw Luís Matoso, administrator of Turismo de Portugal, accept the gong from Spanish writer Javier Moro.
