The present invention relates to a novel process for oxidative esterification, generally for reaction of aldehydes with alcohols in the presence of oxygenous gases directly to give the corresponding ester in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst, by means of which, for example, (meth)acrolein can be converted to methyl (meth)acrylate. The new catalyst has titanium dioxide as the main component of the support material. The catalysts are especially notable for high mechanical and chemical stability and for good catalytic performance even over very long periods. The process is an improvement in the catalyst service life, activity and selectivity over prior art catalysts which lose activity and/or selectivity relatively quickly in continuous operation in media having even a small water content.