Booking.com reveals the Year’s most Welcoming Destinations and the Traveller Review Awards 2024 recipients

17 February, 2024

Today, Booking.com, global leader in connecting travelers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, great things to do, and transport options, such as flights, car rentals and taxis, is announcing the recipients of its 12th annual Traveller Review Awards. Based on more than 309 million verified customer reviews, and in recognition of delivering consistently excellent service and hospitality, a record 1.48 million travel partners are receiving a Booking.com Traveller Review Award 2024. This includes 1,484,294 accommodations, 449 rental car companies and 129 taxi providers.

For the seventh year in a row, Italy is home again to the largest number of award recipients (181,012), followed by Spain (125,611), France (124,361), Germany (86,910), and the United Kingdom (74,754) jumping two spots to the fifth position. Poland (61,693), Brazil (58,788), the United States (56,014), Croatia (53,971), and Portugal (32,910) round out the top 10.

Apartments and holiday homes lead the way for stay

Travelers continue to favorably review the home-away-from-home experience, with apartments dominating as the most-awarded accommodation type (710,687) for the seventh year running in 2024. For the second year in a row, holiday homes (213,824) have edged out hotels (179,357) for the number two spot, while guest houses (84,715) and B&Bs (71,514) round out the top five most-awarded accommodation types globally. Villas saw the greatest increase in award recipients year over year at 23%, followed by holiday homes (20%) and campsites (14%). Overall, there was a 10% increase in awards granted to vacation rentals and other unique properties that offer an alternative to the traditional hotel experience, demonstrating continued traveler appreciation for a broad range of different kinds of stays and the unique hospitality they can provide.

Transportation providers start the trip with a smile

For the fifth year, Booking.com is recognizing its ground transportation partners for their consistently great service and hospitality. Beyond the basics of just getting around, rental cars make it easier for travelers to explore off the beaten path and taxis frequently provide visitors with their first interactions with local people and culture. These welcoming first impressions often set the tone for the rest of the trip. This year, 449 car rental partners from 26 countries are receiving a Traveller Review Award. Spain (84) tops the list again with the most car rental companies being recognized, followed by Italy (74), Portugal (47), Greece (42) and the US (28). In gratitude for all the warm welcomes and seamless pick-ups, 129 taxi partners are also receiving an award with Italy (17) and Spain (12) leading the pack.

“Whether it’s a tip on hidden local gems to explore at the car rental counter or a personalized welcome note from an apartment owner with recommendations for the best spots in the neighborhood to grab a bite, our partners make trips more memorable and enjoyable for our customers each and every day,” commented Arjan Dijk, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer for Booking.com.

“The Traveller Review Awards are our way of thanking and publicly acknowledging the top notch service our partners provide to travelers and the critical role they play in our mission of making it easier for everyone to experience the world. To everyone receiving an award this year, we salute your dedication and passion - we couldn’t do what we do without you!”

Most Welcoming Places on Earth

Identified based on the share of accommodation providers receiving a Traveller Review Award 2024*, this year’s lists of the Most Welcoming Places on Earth showcase a vast range of destinations from across the globe. From enchanting coastal towns to alpine retreats and even rustic desert gems, all of these locations are sure to ignite a sense of wanderlust for the year ahead. 

Most Welcoming Cities on Earth in 2024:

1. Arraial d'Ajuda, Brazil
2. Ermoupoli, Greece
3. Viana do Castelo, Portugal
4. Daylesford, Australia
5. Grindelwald, Switzerland
6. Moab, United States
7. Uzès, France
8. Mazatlán, Mexico
9. Jaisalmer, India
10. Fujikawaguchiko, Japan

2024’s Most Welcoming Regions on Earth

1. Perthshire, United Kingdom
2. Penghu, Taiwan
3. Boyacá, Colombia
4. Trentino - Alto Adige, Italy
5. Los Lagos, Chile
6. Erongo, Namibia
7. Otago, New Zealand
8. Lapland, Finland
9. Asturias, Spain
10. Friesland, Netherlands

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