Greece Takes the Crown as Wanderlust Readers’ Most Desirable Country in Europe

Dimitris Fragakis, Secretary General of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) with Wanderlust Travel Awards 2022 ceremony presenter Simon Reeve. Photo source: Wanderlust Travel Awards.

Greece won significant distinctions at the Wanderlust Travel Awards 2022, including the gold honor for Europe’s Most Desirable Country, marking another year of success in the tourism industry.

The awards, organized for the 21^st year by UK travel magazine Wanderlust, took place at the Tower of London in association with WTM London and with hundreds of global travel representatives in attendance.

During the ceremony, the Greek islands received a big round of applause as they were announced this year’s 3^rd Most Desirable European Region (bronze award) while Crete was named Europe’s 3^rd Most Desirable Island (bronze award).

Wanderlust, which launched in 1993, each year asks its thousands of globe-trotting readers to choose all the destinations, people and travel brands that captured their imagination and helped them create priceless memories.

Photo source: Wanderlust Travel Awards.

Accepting the awards, Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) Secretary General Dimitris Fragakis expressed his satisfaction on what has proven to be a milestone year for Greek tourism.

“Our careful planning and hard work these last two years are once again recognized… This new achievement gives us strength to face the new challenges that lie ahead,” Fragakis said.

During the awards ceremony, Wanderlust’s editor in chief and CEO, George Kipouros, underlined that Greece had always been a popular destination but now has developed into “a year – round desirable holiday hotspot” of rich culture, natural beauty and culinary excellence going beyond its renowned islands.

Knossos, Crete. Photo surce: @Visit Greece

Wanderlust readers voted Costa Rica as their Most Desirable Country (Rest of World) while New Orleans won the Most Desirable City (Rest of World) honor.

Dubrovnik, Croatia was named Europe’s Most Desirable City and Normandy, France Europe’s Most Desirable Region.

The Wanderlust Travel Awards 2022 ceremony was hosted by TV presenter Simon Reeve announcing the top ten winners in 15 award categories.