Saint Petersburg in Russia was named Europe’s Leading Destination for “its exceptionally rich history, centuries-old traditions and bright future”.  Lufthansa, meanwhile, took the title of Europe’s Leading Airline for fifth consecutive year.

The award winners are all voted for by travel agents around the world.

The European winners will now go forward to the World Travel Awards grand final, with the winners to be announced at a ceremony at Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, El Jadida, Morocco, on 12 December.

In the individual country awards, The G Hotel and Spa was named Ireland’s leading boutique hotel; Hilton Dublin was judged the leading business hotel; Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort was named leading hotel and leading spa resort; Inis Meáin took the award for leading hotel residences; and the Conrad Dublin was named the leading luxury hotel, while its presidential suite was judged to be the leading hotel suite.