Often referred to as the "Oscars of the travel industry", the World Travel Awards recognise excellence across the global tourism sector, from hotels and resorts to airlines and destinations. Winners are decided through an online vote by both the public and travel industry professionals, with votes from verified travel professionals carrying greater weight.

Among this year's nominees are two of the Algarve's best-known luxury hotels. EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel and Hotel Quinta do Lago are both competing for the title of Europe's Leading Beach Resort, taking on some of Europe's best-known beach resorts in Greece, Italy, Spain, Cyprus, Malta and Türkiye. Hotel Quinta do Lago is no stranger to the awards, having won the title five consecutive times between 2015 and 2019.

The Algarve also has a particularly strong presence in the Europe's Leading Family Resort category. The shortlist includes Domes Lake Algarve, Autograph Collection, Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa, Jupiter Albufeira Hotel – Family & Fun, Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort, Quinta do Lago, Ria Park Hotel & Spa and Sheraton Cascais Resort, alongside resorts from several other European countries.

Conrad Algarve and Vale do Lobo have been nominated for Europe's Leading Lifestyle Resort, while EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel, Vila Vita Parc and White Shell Beach Villas are shortlisted in the Europe's Leading Family & Wellness Resort category.

The nominations don't stop there. In the Europe's Leading Hotel Residences category, W Algarve is also representing Portugal, while the Portugal's Leading Luxury Resort category features Domes Lake Algarve, Autograph Collection, Pine Cliffs, Viceroy Ombria Algarve, Vila Vita Parc and W Algarve.

The Algarve also features strongly in the national awards. Hotels including EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel, Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa, Hotel Quinta do Lago, Monte Santo Resort, Pestana Vila Sol, Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort and Quinta do Lago are competing for the title of Portugal's Leading Resort. Elsewhere in the country, hotels from Lisbon, Cascais, Madeira and the Douro Valley are also nominated across a range of hotel, resort and lifestyle categories.

The wide range of nominations reflects the diversity of Portugal's tourism offering. From beachfront resorts and family-friendly hotels to luxury spa retreats, golf resorts and hotel residences, Portuguese properties continue to compete alongside some of Europe's best-known names.

Voting for the European edition of the World Travel Awards remains open until 28 August, with the winners due to be announced in October.

Anyone wishing to support one of the nominated hotels or resorts can vote through the official World Travel Awards website.

Vote here: https://www.worldtravelawards.com/vote