Madeira has once again been recognised as the World’s Leading Island Destination at the 32nd global ceremony of the World Travel Awards (WTA), held this Saturday evening at the Exhibition World Bahrain, in Bahrain. This marks the 11th consecutive year in which the Region has received the prestigious accolade, after also winning the award for Europe’s Leading Island Destination at the European WTA ceremony on 22 October.
The archipelago competed against 14 other internationally renowned destinations, including Bali, Barbados, Fiji, Hawaii, Seychelles, Zanzibar, Mauritius and Tahiti, further consolidating its reputation as a global tourism benchmark.
In a press release from the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Environment and Culture, Eduardo Jesus, Regional Secretary, highlights that this new recognition reflects “the consistent work carried out over recent years, in partnership with the sector and with all those who promote and believe in the Region.” He also recalls that, since 2013, the Madeira destination has collected 25 awards across the European and global galas of the so-called “Tourism Oscars”.
In the same statement, the Regional Secretary underscores the diversity of the categories in which Madeira was nominated — Leading Adventure Destination, Leading Festival and Event Destination, Leading Beach Destination (Porto Santo), Leading Island Destination, Leading Tourist Board (Madeira Promotion Bureau) and, for the first time, Leading Regional Beach (Prainha, Caniçal) — showcasing what he describes as the “versatility and authenticity” of Madeira’s tourism offering. Eduardo Jesus further stresses that this achievement “is the result of the commitment of the entire sector” and serves as motivation to continue investing “in quality, innovation and sustainability”.
Created in 1993, the World Travel Awards are regarded as the world’s foremost benchmark for recognising excellence across the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. The programme takes place annually through a Grand Tour of regional gala events, culminating in a Grand Final that brings together winners from each region. Last year, Madeira hosted this event for the first time, strengthening its presence on the international calendar.
The WTA ceremonies are known for bringing together leading decision-makers, influencers and industry professionals, attracting extensive media and digital coverage across multiple global platforms.
Madeira’s recent distinctions at the World Travel Awards:
Europe’s Leading Island Destination: 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025
World’s Leading Island Destination: 2015–2025 (11 consecutive years)
Europe’s Leading Beach Destination (Porto Santo): 2024
Europe’s Leading Tourist Board (Madeira Promotion Bureau): 2024, 2025
This latest distinction further strengthens Madeira’s position as one of the most recognised and admired tourist destinations worldwide.
