Hospitality is an important factor to consider when choosing the destination for your next break.
No one wants to arrive on holiday only to discover the locals would rather you were anywhere else.
Now, the world’s top 10 most welcoming destinations for 2026 have been revealed in Booking.com’s Annual Traveller Review Awards.
The awards are based on more than 370 million verified reviews from travellers across the world.
The ranking names destinations where guests feel genuinely cared for, with personal touches, warm interactions, and hosts who go the extra mile to make trips memorable.
And the UK town of Harrogate has made the list.
Here’s a rundown of the top 10 spots…
Montepulciano, Italy
The town and the countryside around Montepulciano in Italy
In the top spot is Montepulciano in Italy, celebrated for its hilltop beauty, rich wine culture, and timeless charm.
The town is still structured on its medieval plan, and is nestled in the beautiful Tuscan countryside.
It also has superb vineyards, meaning the Montepulciano area is considered one of the finest winemaking regions in the world.
Magong, Taiwan
Main gate of Magong Confucian Temple in Magong City, Penghu, Taiwan
Coming in second place is Magong, Taiwan – with the country one of the most up and coming travel destinations at the moment.
Magong Mazu Temple is widely considered Taiwan’s oldest temple, dating back to around the 1400s, but was rebuilt in the 1500s and renovated in 1922.
It’s considered to be a very welcoming city, meaning it’s a great option for tourists.
San Martín de los Andes, Argentina
San Martín de los Andes city and Lácar lake in Patagonia, Neuquén, Argentina
Located in the south of the Neuquén province in a wide valley on the shores of Lake Lácar, San Martín de los Andes in Argentina takes the next spot.
It’s an adventure-lover’s paradise, with volcanoes, lakes, streams, rivers, and forests to explore.
There’s also fishing, golf and more activities easily accessible here – not to mention snowboarding and skiing.
Harrogate, United Kingdom
Historic buildings including the Royal Baths in central Harrogate, Yorkshire, UK
Harrogate has been named both one of the world’s most welcoming destinations and the UK’s most welcoming for 2026.
It’s celebrated for its strong sense of community – from friendly independent shops and cafés to beautifully maintained streets, leafy greenery, and elegant spa heritage that create a warm welcome for residents and visitors alike.
It has a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, complemented by a strong sense of community that makes visitors feel at home. Some of the recognised accommodation showing remarkable hospitality includes Hotel du Vin & Bistro, and Rudding Park.
Fredericksburg, Texas, United States
The Main Street in Fredericksburg, Texas, also known as the Magic Mile
Fredericksburg, Texas was once a quiet German settlement – but is now fast becoming a popular tourist destination, especially among wealthy travellers.
The historic Hill Country town of just 10,000 residents was the second most visited wine destination in the US last year, with over 1.2million visitors annually.
It’s known for its hospitable environment, giving it its place on the list.
Pirenópolis, Brazil
Pirenopolis in Goias, Brazil comes in at number six on the welcoming destinations list
Pirenópolis, Brazil is a hidden gem – a small town with a historic feel and pretty cobblestone streets.
Visiting the region’s waterfalls are a highlight of Pirenópolis, as well as exploring the 18th-century town.
It’s also a great spot for food and drink culture, adding to its warm ambience and welcoming nature.
Swakopmund, Namibia
Swakopmund in Namibia, including its magnificent coast line
Swakopmund, considered to be Namibia’s adventure and sports hub, is the next spot to make the welcoming destinations list.
In 1892 German colonies settled in the coastal town, giving it a unique Germanic feel – with buildings, street names and school systems still owing to German culture.
It’s one of three settlements along Namibia’s 1.600 km Atlantic coastline, but is considered to be the best.
Takayama, Japan
Takayama in Japan comes in at number eight on the ranking
Takayama in Japan, admired for its preserved old town, traditional hospitality, and deep-rooted cultural warmth, also makes the cut.
Located in Japan’s mountainous Gifu Prefecture, it has a beautifully preserved Edo-period old town with traditional wooden merchant houses, sake breweries, and shops.
Highlights include its Takayama Festival, held in both spring and autumn, and the Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village open-air museum.
Noosa Heads, Australia
Little Cove Beach, in the Noosa National Park in Australia
Australia’s known for its beautiful beaches – and this area has excellent hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere too.
Noosa Heads boasts friendly locals as well as beaches, lakes, and Noosa National Park.
It’s perfect if you’re looking for a break to truly switch off.
Klaipeda, Lithuania
Klaipeda and its castle in Lithuania, number 10 on the list
2026’s most welcoming destinations on earth
1. Montepulciano, Italy
2. Magong, Taiwan
3. San Martín de los Andes, Argentina
4. Harrogate, United Kingdom
5. Fredericksburg, Texas, United States
6. Pirenópolis, Brazil
7. Swakopmund, Namibia
8. Takayama, Japan
9. Noosa Heads, Australia
10. Klaipeda, Lithuania
Source: Booking.com
Klaipėda is a port city in Lithuania, with an old town that features German-style, 18th-century wood-framed buildings.
It rounds out the top 10 most welcoming destinations in the world.
It’s also known for its maritime culture, as well as a host of vibrant festivals which take place in the area.
James Waters, chief business officer at Booking.com, said: ‘From welcoming hosts who go above and beyond for guest stays to expert taxi drivers sharing ‘local-only’ tips, these personal touches can make a trip truly special for travellers.
‘The Traveller Review Awards continue to shine a well-deserved spotlight on our partners who help create lifelong memories for travellers.
‘It’s one of our ways of saying “thank you” from all of us at Booking.com and the hundreds of millions of travellers around the world.’
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