The city of Viana do Castelo was distinguished as the third most welcoming city in the world by Booking.com, becoming the first Portuguese city to be awarded by Booking.com’s Traveler Review Awards, after an analysis of 309 million comments made on Booking.com platforms.
“The fact that this is the first time that a Portuguese city appears in the top three of the most welcoming cities in the world is not only a source of pride for Viana do Castelo and the entire country, but also a sign of confidence that validates the commitment that Portugal has achieved sustainable and integrated tourism development in the country. The fact that we are not the ones saying it, but rather the users themselves, after an analysis of 309 million comments, makes this award even more special”, highlighted Ana Abade Gil, head of Public Affairs at Booking.com for Portugal and Spain. “If tourism is, par excellence, the art of welcoming, few hugs taste better than those from the Portuguese”, she highlighted.
At the ceremony, the Vivian mayor considered that this is “a reward for everyone”, highlighting “what we are, as a territory, as an identity” and stating that “it is good to receive this recognition from those who visit us”.
“This is the result of everyone’s dedication, involvement, participation, in a cohesive and consistent way, where everyone works to add something, contributing to this axis of tourism and to enhance the territory”, he further highlighted.
Luís Pedro Martins, President of Porto and North Tourism, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Tourism, considered that this is “a recognition” of Viana do Castelo and also of Portugal.
Source: cm-viana-castelo.pt
