Italy 'is one of the best holiday destinations'

More and more Brits are likely to be booking ferries to Italy, as the Mediterranean country has been voted one of the best holiday destinations in the world.

This was at the Conde' Nast Traveller Readers' Awards - and Italy took first place in the Favourite Country category ahead of France, the US and Spain in second, third and fourth respectively.

Further boat travel is likely to be in high demand among visitors to the region, as Sicily was elected Favourite Island.

It came ahead of plenty of exotic locales - including the Greek and Spanish isles of Bali and the Maldives - which ran behind Sicily in second and third respectively.

This is a highly prestigious award that is one of the most well respected in the leisure and travel industries - and it is collated from data gathered by a questionnaire on readers' holiday preferences and experiences.

Indeed, the long-running ceremony is currently into its 15th year - and a presentation was held at the British Museum on September 6th 2012.

Demand for the country has always been high - and there is no reason to expect this to dip in the coming winter months.

Last year, the destination enjoyed a significant increase in ferry bookings throughout the festive period - and there is no reason to believe this trend will not be repeated in 2012.

Italy's major urban centres were also well represented in the Conde' Nast Awards, with Rome and Florence coming fifth and sixth in the Favourite Overseas Cities rankings.

Almost every part of the Italian tourism industry was lavished with prizes - and the hospitality sector was singled out in particular.

The Hotel Splendido in Portofino came home with the top place for the Favourite Leisure Hotel in Europe, Asia Minor and Russia category.

Coming in second place as part of the Favourite Villa Rental Companies was Think Sicily - and Citalia took the bronze for Favourite Specialist Tour Operators.

Perhaps the most incredible achievement was the number one spot on the Top 100 Best of the Best for overall holiday experience.

Posted by Andrew Smith