In a statement, Portos da Madeira indicates that, over the course of three editions, Portugal has always been awarded, since, after Lisbon's victory in 2021, Madeira was distinguished twice.

In addition to Madeira, the list of nominations included Athens, Barcelona, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Lisbon, London, Monte Carlo, Nice, Oslo and Rome.

The Regional Secretary of Economy, who oversees the ports of Madeira, was proud of the distinction.

“This distinction is a source of great pride for us, and for the region, reflecting the success of the strategy carried out by the Regional Government of Madeira, through APRAM, S.A., rebuilding the confidence of cruise tourists, stimulating demand and maintaining the region at the top of international cruise tourism preferences”, stated Rui Barreto.

In the opinion of the government official, the award is “a stimulus and recognition” of the work that has been done by agents in the sector.

“It is also a prize for Madeirans who eagerly follow the presence of cruise tourism in our region, especially at times like the end of the year, when records for visits and stays are traditionally broken”, highlighted Rui Barreto.

The World Cruise Awards were awarded for the first time in 2021. The event is considered a 'sister' of the World Travel Awards, created in 1993 and presented as the “tourism Oscars”, in which Madeira has already won the award for Best Island Destination in Europe and, seven times, the Best Island Destination in the World.