Booking.com announced the recipients of its 13th annual Traveller Review Awards on January 28, 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 were recognized, an 16% increase compared to the year prior.

The Traveller Review Awards has also unveiled the Top Ten Most Welcoming Cities in Australia, placing Montville and Maleny in the top spots.

2025’s Most Welcoming Cities in Australia are:
1. Montville, Queensland
2. Maleny, Queensland
3. Margaret River Town, Western Australia
4. Mudgee, New South Wales
5. Ocean Grove, Victoria
6. Bicheno, Tasmania
7. Port Lincoln, South Australia
8. Halls Gap, Victoria
9. Daylesford, Victoria
10. Orange, New South Wales

Only guests who have booked stays through the Booking.com platform, rented a car or rode in a taxi can leave a review of their experience on Booking.com.

As these reviews are never edited or adjusted in any way, travelers can reference them for an authentic account of what the real traveler experience is like at every place to stay or with every ground transport provider on Booking.com.