The award was created by the European Consumers Choice, an independent non-profit-making organisation based in Brussels in 2010, allowing European tourists to vote on their favourite tourist destinations.

"The only city in the world to straddle two continents, Turkey's fabled city of Istanbul at the historic crossroads between East and West is the perfect choice for a refreshing, exciting and cultural city break with a difference." wrote organisers of the award.

Madrid, one of Istanbul's rivals for the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, along with Tokyo, was voted sixth. 

"This prestigious award for Istanbul confirms the city's rapidly growing popularity for foreign visitors." said Istanbul 2020 chairman, Hasan Arat.

"People want to come to Istanbul and we love to host them here.

"Istanbul's appeal comes from its vibrant culture, fascinating history and spectacular location bridging East and West.

"These figures show us that people from all over the world want Istanbul to 'Bridge Together' in 2020."

Winning the award entitles Istanbul to use the logo "Best European Destination" in its messaging, including in advertising and on its website. 

Istanbul has been voted as Europe's best tourist destination as record tourism figures are released

The Istanbul Cultural and Tourism Directorate also announced record tourism figures, with almost a million people visiting the Turkish financial capital this quarter, with visitor figures for the year expected to exceed 10 million.

The most recent MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index survey from last June found that Istanbul was the fifth most visited city in the world, and the eighth fastest growing city in terms of visitor number in the world.

"The Turkish people's thirst for sport and Istanbul's status as a trusted host of international sporting events has, no doubt, contributed to the large numbers visiting the city." said Arat.

"Eight three per cent of Istanbul's population - 11 million people - want the Olympic Games to come to Turkey for the very first time.

"But this award, combined with the vast number of visitors to Istanbul every year, shows us that, importantly, the rest of the world is also excited to have an Olympic Games set against the iconic backdrop of Istanbul in 2020".

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