The World Travel Awards has unveiled the list of winners for the Europe region, revealing the most popular travel brands and destinations across the continent for 2012. Turkey and the UK were the clear winners, scooping most of the awards.

The World Travel Awards, also known as the Oscars of the travel industry, unveiled the winners for 2012 on October 6 in the Algarve, Portugal, following pre-selection of nominees in over 50 categories by travel industry experts. These include best travel destination, best airline and best hotel.

Members of the public were asked to vote on winners for each category. Europe's winners will go head-to-head with the winners from other regions and compete for the best of the world awards.

The World Travel Awards for Africa and South America have already been announced. The world winners will be announced at a ceremony in New Delhi, India, on December 12.

After its time in the Olympic limelight, London was voted as Europe's best city break destination, winning over Venice, St. Petersburg, Stockholm, Madrid, Prague and Paris. The EDF Energy London Eye, the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe, located on the banks of the river Thames, was voted as the best tourist attraction. Edinburgh, Scotland, was selected as the best tourist destination.

Family-owned Htel Le Bristol in Paris claimed the title of Europe's Leading Hotel. Located just two blocks from the Elyse Palace, the Hotel offers a roof-top swimming pool with views of Paris, a 3-Michelin star restaurant, The Epicure, and a renowned spa.

This year Turkey featured as the rising star, claiming awards for Europe's Leading Tourist Board, Europe's Leading Luxury Hotel (Mardan Palace), Europe's Leading Luxury Resort (Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa), Europe's Leading New Luxury Hotel (Angel's Peninsula), Europe's Leading Cruise Destination (Izmir) and Europe's Leading Presidential Suite (Mardan Palace Antalya Royal Suite).

Voters selected the German carrier Lufthansa as Europe's best airline and Swiss International Air Lines as the best business class carrier. EasyJet was voted as Europe's best low-cost carrier.

Other winners include

Europe's Leading Airport: Zurich Airport, Switzerland

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