Booking.com reveals Top 10 Most Welcoming Regions on Earth - Travel News

Jan 28, 2025

Say g’day to 2025’s most welcoming regions on Earth.

It’s no secret Aussies are known for their welcoming demeanour, especially when it comes to tourism and hospitality. So it should come as no surprise that one of our most-beloved states was named by Booking.com as one of the ‘Top 10 Most Welcoming Regions on Earth.’

Based on more than 360 million verified customer reviews, Booking.com revealed South Australia to be the most welcoming region in the world – which, if you’ve visited before, you’d understand why this is a no brainer.

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…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.”

Rare Earth Retreats, Fleurieu Peninsula.

Coming in second place was Croatia’s northeastern Osijek-Baranja county, followed by Georgia’s eastern Kakheti region and Madeira in Portugal.

Booking.com also revealed 2025’s Most Welcoming Cities in Australia. Two Queensland gems took out the top spots with Montville nabbing the top spot, followed by Maleny. Coming in third was Western Australia’s Margaret River. Here are the full ‘2025’s Most Welcoming Regions on Earth’ and ‘2025’s Most Welcoming Cities in Australia’ Booking.com lists:

2025’s Most Welcoming Regions on Earth: