MADEIRA NAMED EUROPE'S LEADING ISLAND DESTINATION
The archipelago has once again won a prestigious title at the World Travel Awards 2026.
Madeira has once again been named Europe’s Leading Island Destination at the World Travel Awards. The gala ceremony for the European edition of the awards took place on 17 October in Kotor, Montenegro.
This year Madeira picked up this prestigious accolade for the twelfth time since 2013. The award is further confirmation of the archipelago's international standing and recognition of its exceptional natural and cultural assets, as well as its wide range of things to see and do.
Other popular European island destinations were also in the running, including the Azores, the Canary Islands, Crete, the Cyclades, Cyprus, Ibiza, Mallorca, Malta, Sardinia and Sicily, as well as Guernsey and Jersey.
A success for the whole region and its tourism industry
Eduardo Jesus, Regional Secretary for Tourism, Environment and Culture and President of the Madeira Promotion Bureau, stressed what this latest award means for the region.
"Winning this award once again, for the twelfth time since 2013, confirms that Madeira is able to maintain a strong and recognisable position in the European tourism market. Nature, cultural identity, heritage and the variety of experiences available all year round remain our destination's greatest strengths," said Eduardo Jesus.
He added that the award recognises not only the region itself, but also everyone, people and organisations alike, involved in developing local tourism.
" These awards are a source of pride for the whole region and for all the professionals who contribute to the growth of tourism. They also motivate us to keep raising the quality of what we offer, diversify our markets and strengthen our commitment to sustainability. Our goal is to make sure tourism brings tangible benefits to the regional economy and the local community," he emphasised.
He also pointed out that effective tourism promotion takes long-term effort, a good understanding of the markets, innovation and consistently showcasing what makes the region unique. In his view, the nomination in the European edition of the World Travel Awards, as well as in the equivalent category of the global edition, is recognition of the work of the entire Madeira Promotion Bureau team, which carries out its promotional activities in cooperation with the tourism industry.
Madeira among the World Travel Awards winners
The World Travel Awards are among the best-known international awards in the tourism industry. Held since 1993, they recognise excellence in travel, tourism and hospitality.
Madeira has been picking up awards year after year, strengthening its position in the international tourism market.
The region's key World Travel Awards wins:
- Europe’s Leading Island Destination: 2013, 2014, 2016-2021 and 2023-2026.
- Europe’s Leading Tourist Board - Madeira Promotion Bureau: 2024 and 2025.
- World’s Leading Island Destination: 2015-2025.
- Europe’s Leading Beach Destination - Porto Santo: 2024.
