Travellers are increasingly seeking meaningful experiences and genuine connections, and while most destinations have their merits, some cities stand out by extending a warm welcome to visitors with outstanding hospitality and guest experiences.
In the 2026 Booking.com Traveller Review Awards, just one Australasian location made the list of ‘Top 10 Most Welcoming Cities on Earth’.
That accolade went to Queensland’s Noosa Heads – a destination drawcard for Aussies and overseas visitors alike and easily accessible via the Sunshine Coast Airport or an hour’s drive from Brisbane.
The popular Sunshine Coast holiday hotspot was recognised among more than 370 million verified traveller reviews globally for its relaxed coastal lifestyle, pristine nature and buzzing culinary scene.
Tourism Noosa CEO Sharon Raguse celebrated the town’s latest accolade.
“Being named one of the World’s 10 Most Welcoming Towns is a proud moment for Noosa and a reflection of the values we hold as a community,” she said.
“Noosa has long been known for its openness, warmth and respect for visitors, and this recognition acknowledges the effort our industry makes to ensure every guest feels welcome, valued and connected to place.”
Booking.com Regional Manager, Oceania Todd Lacey said the 2026 Traveller Review Awards recognise the OTA’s Australian partners who consistently go above and beyond.
“From hosts who remember the small details to local partners who help travellers feel instantly at home, it’s often these human moments that define a truly great trip,” he said.
Most Welcoming Cities in Australia 2026
Outside the global top 10, Queensland and Victoria claimed three apiece in Australia’s most welcoming cities for 2026 with Montville and Maleny making it a trio of Sunshine Coast towns with Noosa Heads, while Port Campbell, Ocean Grove and Daylesford showed off the southern state’s diversity.
WA’s Margaret River Town, SA’s Port Lincoln and Bicheno and St Helens in Tasmania also made 2026’s most welcoming cities in Australia list.
“We’re incredibly proud to see Noosa Heads recognised as one of the world’s most welcoming cities this year, alongside the record number of Australian partners being acknowledged,” Lacey said.
Most Welcoming Cities on Earth 2026
Also in the top 10 list of the world’s most welcoming cities are the Asia-Pacific destinations of Magong on Taiwan’s main island and the picturesque Takayama City in Japan.
European hotspots where you’re guaranteed an embrace rather than the cold shoulder include Montepulciano, a Tuscan town in Italy; the Lithuanian port city of Klaipeda; and Harrogate, near England’s Yorkshire Dales.
Also rolling out the welcoming mat globally are Fredericksburg in central Texas, steeped in German heritage and wineries; Pirenópolis (aka Piri), a historic colonial town in Brazil; and the coastal city of Swakopmund in Namibia, also known for its Germanic influences.
Read the full list here.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Noosa Heads’ global recognition reinforces interest in regional destinations that deliver authentic experiences, offering travel advisors a compelling reminder that community-led hospitality is a major differentiator in today’s experience-driven market.
