World Travel Awards 2017

The 2017 nominations for the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA) were recently unveiled. Widely regarded as the “Oscars of the travel industry”, the World Travel Awards honor and reward excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry, and are recognized globally as a hallmark of excellence. One of the most hotly contested categories is the award for Europe’s Leading Destination. Here we take a look at the 12 nominees.

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Amsterdam, Netherlands

WTA Amsterdam-NetherlandsAmsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands. With over 700,000 inhabitants, it is also the country’s most populated city. What started out as a small fishing village in the 12th century, later developed to become one of the world’s key trading ports. Today, Amsterdam is recognized as one of the top financial centers in Europe, as well as being the cultural capital of the Netherlands and a popular leisure destination.

Click here to check out our guide to flying to Amsterdam.

Barcelona, Spain

WTA Barcelona, Spain

Located on the Spain’s northeastern Mediterranean coast, this beautiful city has a rich history and offers visitors the chance to enjoy European culture. With its lively mixture of outdoor markets, restaurants, shops, museums and churches, Barcelona is a wonderful place to explore on foot. The central area focused around the Ciutat Vella (“Old City”) provides enjoyment for visitors looking to experience the true Catalonian lifestyle, while the popular beaches along the coast are perfect for holidaymakers seeking sun and relaxation during the summer months.

Jetex has recently opened a new Ground Handling Station in Barcelona. Click here to find out more.

Berlin, Germany

WTA Berlin, Germany

Berlin is the largest city in Germany, and has a population of over four million. The German capital is well-known around the world for its vibrant culture and arts scene. Visitors can explore endless galleries and museums, and admire the historic architecture found throughout the city. Berlin is popular with tourists, and has become the third most visited destination in Europe. The city is renowned for its lively nightlife, tolerant atmosphere and sense of internationalism.

Click here to read our visitor guide.

Geneva, Switzerland

WTA: Geneva, Switzerland

Situated on the shore of Europe’s largest Alpine lake, Geneva is Switzerland’s second-largest city. Famous as the home of many governmental and nongovernmental international organizations, the city offers plush hotels, exquisite international cuisine, luxury jewelers and chocolate shops. Visitors can meander around the lakeside promenades and view the iconic fountain, or enjoy a walk around the cobbled streets of the Old Town.

Jetex recently enjoyed a successful trip to Geneva for the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition. Read all about it here.

Lisbon, Portugal

WTA: Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is Portugal’s largest city. Located on the western Iberian Peninsula, it is the only European metropolis that faces the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities, including surfing and sailing. Those who prefer to stay ashore can simply relax and enjoy the sunset on the pleasant sandy beaches along the coast. Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, and home to a combination of historic and modern neighborhoods.

Click here to find out more about this charming destination.

London, England

WTA: London, England

London is the United Kingdom’s most diverse and densely populated metropolis. The British capital city is home to over 8.6 million residents, who speak more than 300 languages. This historic yet modern city is considered one of Europe’s cultural capitals, and remains a top tourist destination. With 2,000 years of rich history to explore, visitors can take in countless iconic attractions.

Read our city guide and find out about flying to London here.

Moscow, Russia

WTA: Moscow, Russia

Located on the banks of the Moskva River in western Russia, Moscow is the nation’s cosmopolitan capital. Home to around 13 million, it is the second most populous city in Europe. With almost 900 years of history, Moscow has played an important role in the cultural and economic development of both Russia and the world. Visitors flock to soak up the city’s unique atmosphere and explore attractions such as the Kremlin, Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral.

Our article on Russian National Unity Day contains some handy tips on operating into Moscow.

Paris, France

WTA: Paris, France

The French capital is one of the most enduringly popular cities in the world. Celebrated as a global center for art, culture, fashion and cuisine, Paris boasts a dramatic 19th-century cityscape with wide tree-lined boulevards, which is intersected by the River Seine. Beyond the famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum and Notre-Dame cathedral, the city is well-known for its cafe culture and countless designer boutiques.

The Jetex FBO Terminal at Paris Le Bourget Airport offers a luxurious VIP lounge, and is ready to cater to all trip support requirements for your next visit to Paris. Click here to learn more.

Rome, Italy

WTA: Rome, Italy

Rome is the biggest and most populous city in Italy. Home to almost three million residents, the Italian capital has a rich history as both the heart of the Roman Empire and the seat of Catholicism. It is considered one of the world’s most significant artistic and cultural centers. The city offers visitors a wealth of archaeological and artistic treasures to explore, including several UNESCO heritage sites. Rome is also a capital of the fashion world, and is well-known for its shopping opportunities.

To find out more about visiting Rome, please visit our blog page.

St. Petersburg, Russia

WTA: St. Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg is Russia’s second city, with over five million inhabitants. Situated on the Neva River, it is an important Russian port on the Baltic Sea. The city is often referred to as the cultural capital of Russia, and is known as a home of intellectuals, artists, canals, and romance. The historic city center is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and contains many architectural marvels. Popular attractions include the Hermitage, one of the world’s largest art museums.

The principle airport serving St. Petersburg is Pulkovo Airport. Check out what you need to know about flying into the city here.

Venice, Italy

WTA: Venice, Italy

Venice is one of the most unusual and enchanting places in the world. Virtually unchanged over hundreds of years, the city is built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Venice has no roads, only canals lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces. Piazza San Marco is the central square where the famous St. Mark’s Basilica can be found, as well as the Campanile bell tower which offers stunning views over the red rooftops of the city.

Planning a trip to Venice? Jetex has recently announced a move into the Italian market, with its first FBO in the country opening soon in Rome. Full details can be found here.

Vienna, Austria

WTA: Vienna, Austria

Vienna is the capital of Austria. Situated on the banks of the Danube River, the city is the country’s main economic and cultural hub. Vienna is among the wealthiest cities in the European Union (EU). Viennese culture is rooted in classical music, opera, theater and the fine arts. This popular destination is one of Europe’s most visited cities, with almost 15 million overnight stays recorded in 2016.

Find out more about this historic destination by clicking here.

Vote for Your Favorite European Destination in the World Travel Awards

The winners of the World Travel Awards are determined through online voting, with thousands of travel industry professionals and consumers around the world getting involved.

You can find out who has triumphed in the Europe’s Leading Destination category on September 30, 2017, at the glittering World Travel Awards ceremony held in St. Petersburg, Russia.

In the meantime, voting is now open at www.worldtravelawards.com and will close on August 6, 2017. Don’t forget to take part by voting for your favorite destination!