8 October 2012 Last updated at 08:11 ET

Edinburgh named Europe's Leading Destination

The city council leader said it was "fantastic news" for Edinburgh

Edinburgh has beaten London, Paris and Barcelona to the title of Europe's Leading Destination in 2012.

The prize was given at the World Travel Awards in Portugal at the weekend, described by the organisers as the "Oscars of the travel industry".

The awards are intended to highlight and reward those travel brands that have made the greatest contribution to the industry over the past year.

Edinburgh City Council leader, Andrew Burns, said it was "fantastic news".

He added: "This is a terrific endorsement from the people who work in the travel industry.

"Edinburgh is already a multi-award winning city and this is further confirmation that Edinburgh is a world class tourist destination steeped in history with a great atmosphere which hosts numerous world-renowned cultural events."