Greek hotels, tourism businesses, and destinations secured dozens of awards at the European edition of the World Travel Awards (WTA) Europe 2025, often dubbed the “Oscars” of the global travel industry.
The prestigious awards, established in 1993 as the ultimate benchmark for excellence in global tourism, were presented yesterday, Wednesday, October 22, at a glamorous, red-carpet ceremony held at the Forte Village Resort in Sardinia. The event marked the fourth European leg of the WTA’s Grand Tour 2025 award presentations held around the world.
Greece showcased a resounding presence in European tourism excellence this year, collecting 20 major European distinctions alongside another 35 national awards.
Top European distinctions for Greece
Several Greek destinations and organizations earned top honors across the continent:
Athens was named among the best in Europe for 2025 as the Europe’s Leading Cultural City Destination 2025.
This is Athens-Convention & Visitors Bureau secured the award for Europe’s Leading City Tourist Board 2025.
The Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace was recognized as the year’s top up-and-coming destination: Europe’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination 2025.
Greek hotels, resorts, chains, and brands dominated several European resort categories, showcasing Greece’s strength in luxury and leisure travel:
Europe’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025 | Ikos Odisia
Europe’s Leading Beach Destination 2025 | Costa Navarino
Europe’s Leading Lifestyle Resort 2025 | W Costa Navarino
Europe’s Leading Beach Resort 2025 | Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas
Europe’s Leading Boutique Resort 2025 | Santo Pure Oia Suites & Villas
Europe’s Leading Conference Resort 2025 | Grand Resort Lagonissi
Europe’s Leading Luxury Island Resort 2025 | Grand Resort Lagonissi
Europe’s Leading Family Resort 2025 | Sani Resort
Europe’s Leading Honeymoon Resort 2025 | Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection
Europe’s Leading Leisure Resort 2025 | Domes Zeen Chania, a Luxury Collection Resort
Europe’s Leading Luxury Family Resort 2025 | Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection
Europe’s Leading Luxury Hotel Villa 2025 | Three Bedroom Waterfront Villa with Private Pool @ Minos Beach Art Hotel
Europe’s Leading Luxury Resort 2025 | Domes Miramare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Κέρκυρα
Europe’s Leading Luxury Villa Resort 2025 | Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas
Europe’s Leading New Resort 2025 | One&Only Kéa Island
Europe’s Leading Resort Brand 2025 | Domes Resorts
Europe’s Leading Seafront Resort 2025 | Elounda Bay Palace
The “best of the best” in Greece
The awards also highlighted the year’s “best of the best” within Greece across various categories:
Greece’s Leading Authentic Island Destination 2025 | Thassos
Greece’s Leading Island Destination 2025 | Ionian Islands
Greece’s Leading Mainland Destination 2025 | Mani
Additionally, in the service sector, Avis was named the top car rental company, Bookgreece.com the leading Online Travel Agency, and Mideast Travel Worldwide was recognized as both the best Destination Management Company and the best Travel Management Company.
The WTA brand is globally recognized as the ultimate hallmark of quality, setting the standard for excellence that all other industry players aspire to achieve. The regional gala ceremonies held annually serve to acknowledge and celebrate both individual and collective success within each geographical market.
