Glasgow has been recognised as a world-leading tourism destination at a prestigious worldwide awards ceremony. 

The city has been voted as Europe’s Leading Festival and Event Destination for 2019 in the 26th annual World Travel Awards. 

Beating off other competition such as London, Cannes, Barcelona and Dublin, Glasgow received the most votes from travel and tourism professionals and consumers across Europe, recognising the commitment to excellence which the city has demonstrated.

The city’s nomination for this brand new award category was based on the array of world-class major sporting and cultural events which Glasgow has hosted over the last few years.

READ MORE: Oran Mor star Elaine C. Smith explains connection between women, gangsters

These include its visibility as a sporting city following the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the inaugual 2018 European Championships, which hosted around 500,00 people. 

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s director of events, said: “I’m delighted that Glasgow has been awarded the accolade of Europe’s Leading Festival and Event Destination 2019 at the World Travel Awards.

"From major sporting events to cultural festivals, Glasgow has continued to deliver events and festivals of great international significance, receiving the recognition of the industry worldwide. 

“This is testament to the hard work and dedication of all those who have planned, delivered and helped secure such high-profile events for Glasgow, ensuring Scotland maintains its enviable reputation as the perfect stage for events.”

READ MORE: Rangers hero Fernando Ricksen in heartbreaking video about ‘final night’

Glasgow's cultural event programme also played an integral role in the award win, with a focus on events such as world-leading music festival Celtic Connections and Glasgow Mela, which welcomed around 45,000 people to Kelvingrove Park last year. 

Other annual cultural events include the Merchant City Festival, Piping Live!, Glasgow Film Festival, Aye Write!, Glasgow International Comedy Festival, the World Pipe Band Championships and the biennial Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art.

Councillor David McDonald, chair of Glasgow Life, added: “Our city is among the finest in Europe and, indeed, the world, and it’s brilliant to see that reputation being honoured by such a prestigious programme as the World Travel Awards. 

Read more of today's top Glasgow stories. 

“To be the first winners of the Europe’s Leading Festival and Event Destination award is something we are very proud of – but we will continue to work hard and build on our previous successes to ensure Glasgow maintains its global reputation for hosting world-class events and festivals.”