Booking.com, global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, great things to do, and transport options, such as flights, car rentals and taxis, announces 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.
Most Welcoming Places in Canada
Based on each location’s share of accommodation providers receiving a Traveller Review Award 2024*, this year’s list of the Most Welcoming Places in Canada includes five world class mountain sports destinations, a wine lover’s locale that places yearly, and an east coast newcomer to the list. Here are Canada’s most welcoming places for 2024.
- Whistler, British Columbia
- Canmore, Alberta
- Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
- Moncton, New Brunswick
- Toronto, Ontario
- Québec City, Québec
- Blue Mountains, Ontario
- Victoria, British Columbia
- Mont-Tremblant, Québec
- Revelstoke, British Columbia
Apartments Lead the Way for Accommodation
Travellers continue to favorably review the home-away-from-home experience, with apartments claiming the top spot in Canada as the most-awarded accommodation type (1,915 awards). Hotels aren’t far behind, claiming 1,682 awards, then holiday homes with 962 awards, B&Bs earned 794, and chalets round out the top five across Canada with 482 Traveller Review Awards for 2024.
Globally, apartments are the most popular accommodation type for the 7th year running with 710,687 awards. 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) make up the top five most-awarded accommodation types.
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. Travellers are continuing to expand their choices on what types of properties they like to stay in, demonstrating a growing appreciation for the unique hospitality that alternative accommodations can provide.
Most Welcoming Places in the World
For the seventh year in a row, Italy is home to the largest number of Booking.com Traveller Award recipients with 181,012. Here is the complete list of the world’s most welcoming places.
- Italy
- Spain
- France
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- Poland
- Brazil
- United States
- Croatia
- Portugal
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. Here are the most welcoming cities across the world.
- Arraial d’Ajuda, Brazil
- Ermoupoli, Greece
- Viana do Castelo, Portugal
- Daylesford, Australia
- Grindelwald, Switzerland
- Moab, United States
- Uzès, France
- Mazatlán, Mexico
- Jaisalmer, India
- Fujikawaguchiko, Japan
Check out this destination guide to learn more about what these welcoming cities have to offer.
Transportation Providers Start Your 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 travellers to explore off the beaten path and taxis frequently provide visitors with their first interactions with local people and culture, often setting 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 United States (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 personalized welcome note from an apartment owner with recommendations for the best spots in the neighborhood to grab a bite, or a tip on hidden local gems to explore at the car rental counter, 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 travellers 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!”
