World Travel Awards, the biggest and the most prestigious awards programme in the travel industry, unveiled its Europe winners at an event in Antalya, Turkey.

The 2011 Europe Ceremony of the World Travel Awards was hosted at Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa.

More than 500 organisations across Europe, spanning more than 125 categories, entered the competition for the most influential accolade in travel.

Lufthansa was one of the big stars on the night, walking off with the blue riband category “Europe’s Leading Airline”, while Le Bristol Paris was voted “Europe’s Leading Hotel”, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts won “Europe’s Leading Hotel Brand”, Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa named “Europe’s Leading Luxury Resort” and Dubrovnik Palace Hotel, Conference Centre and Spa picked up “Europe’s Leading Resort”.

Winners from Turkey included Istanbul (“Europe’s Leading City Break Destination”); Turkish Ministry of Culture & Tourism (“Europe’s Leading Tourist Board”). Antalya hotels winning top awards included Cornelia Hotels Golf & Spa, Mardan Palace and Adam & Eve Hotels.

Graham E Cooke, president and founder, World Travel Awards said: “During times of economic uncertainty world-class brands come into their own, continuing to grow market share whilst competitors flounder. Turkey in particular has showed its credentials as a world-class tourism brand, demonstrated in the number of top honours won by the nation’s top hotels and travel organisations.

“Antalya in particular represents brand Turkey at its finest. Its winning mix of heritage, sun-kissed beaches, state-of-the-art facilities and superb value has propelled it into the league of one of the world’s great destination cities,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service