Athens has been awarded the title of “World’s Leading Cultural City Destination” for 2024 by the World Travel Awards (WTA), surpassing 14 major global cities, including London, Paris, New York, and Rome. The announcement was made at the Grand Final Gala Ceremony on November 24 in Madeira, Portugal.

The recognition highlights Athens’ rich cultural heritage and diverse visitor experiences. Mayor Haris Doukas emphasized the city’s commitment to cultural initiatives that celebrate its historic and contemporary identity, while Ioannis Georgizas of the Athens Development and Destination Management Agency (ADDMA) credited the award to strategic efforts in promoting Athens as a global destination.

WTA winners are chosen through votes by tourism professionals and the public, honoring excellence in the travel and hospitality sectors since 1993.

Tourism in Athens is surging, with a record 7 million international arrivals in 2023 and projections for a 20% increase in 2024. Greece overall saw 33 million visitors last year, with culture, gastronomy and seaside experiences driving high satisfaction rates.

This article was previously published in Greek at ekathimieri.com