Booking.com has today announced the recipients of its 13th annual Traveller Review Awards, revealing South Australia as one of the ‘Top 10 Most Welcoming Regions on Earth’. Based on over 360 million verified customer reviews, the awards honour travel partners who consistently deliver outstanding hospitality and service. In 2025, a record-breaking 1.71 million partners are being recognized, an 16% increase compared to the year prior. This includes 1,711,539 accommodations, 1,329 rental car companies and 124 taxi providers.
Most Welcoming Places on Earth
Determined by the share of accommodation partners receiving a Traveller Review Award in a city or region, this year’s Most Welcoming Places on Earth list showcases the world’s diverse charm and hospitality, inspiring unforgettable adventures for the year ahead.
2025’s Most Welcoming Regions on Earth:
- South Australia, Australia
- Osijek-Baranja, Croatia
- Kakheti, Georgia
- Madeira, Portugal
- Misiones, Argentina
- Graubünden, Switzerland
- Bretagne, France
- Baja California Sur, Mexico
- Kien Giang, Vietnam
- Drenthe, Netherlands
2025’s Most Welcoming Cities in Australia:
- Montville, Queensland
- Maleny, Queensland
- Margaret River Town, Western Australia
- Mudgee, New South Wales
- Ocean Grove, Victoria
- Bicheno, Tasmania
- Port Lincoln, South Australia
- Halls Gap, Victoria
- Daylesford, Victoria
- Orange, New South Wales
Zoe Bettison, South Australian Minister for Tourism, said “It’s no news to locals, but now the world knows that South Australia is among the most welcoming regions in the world. The fact that this highly regarded accolade is based on more than 360 million reviews on the leading travel site, Booking.com is an honour and will put our State on the consideration list of engaged potential visitors worldwide.
From the Adelaide Hills to Kangaroo Island, from the Barossa to the Murray River and the Flinders Ranges, guests will always be warmly welcomed in South Australia.”
Todd Lacey, Regional Manager, Oceania for Booking.com commented “Our Booking.com partners go above and beyond to help create memorable travel moments. The annual Traveller Review Awards are just one way that we can spotlight these dedicated hospitality heroes, saying thank you not just from Booking.com, but from the hundreds of millions of travellers who use Booking.com to experience the world.
We’re thrilled to see South Australia recognised on the global stage this year, and are looking forward to continuing to support our local partners as they welcome visitors to the state’s world-class events, wine regions and scenic landscapes.”
Holiday homes continue leading the way for accommodation
Apartments continue to lead as the most-awarded accommodation type for the eighth consecutive year (847,627 awards). Holiday homes (259,105) maintain their second place, outperforming hotels (190,670) for the third year running. In Australia, awards for holiday homes and other unique properties increased by 25%, reflecting travellers’ continued enthusiasm for a variety of stays that offer distinctive hospitality and memorable experiences.
