Tripadvisor has announced the first of its highly-anticipated, annual community-powered Travellers’ Choice Awards for 2022: the Best of the Best Destinations. So let’s take a look at where’s looking hot this year…
If 2021 was the year travellers dipped their toes in the water with smaller getaways and outdoors trips, 2022 is shaping up to be the year we return to travel in a big way.
Despite new variant surges, data shows that the desire to travel remains stronger than ever. In fact, 72% of Australians in a recent Tripadvisor sponsored survey say they are likely to travel for leisure in 2022.
Just as travellers are ramping up on their plans for the year, the 2022 Travellers’ Choice list is here to identify the best places to go.
“As the world returns to travel, trips will look different than before. New destinations, new experiences, and new priorities will take center stage,” said Sarah Mathews, Group Head of Media Partnerships APAC at Tripadvisor.
So, what’s hot for 2022?
On Tripadvisor’s hallmark Popular Destinations list Dubai has officially dethroned perennial icons like London, Paris and Rome for the crown of the Most Popular Destination in the world for 2022.
In the South Pacific, Queenstown is No. 1 for travellers this year, rising from second place in 2021. Aussie destinations like Gold Coast, Hobart, Sydney, Port Douglas, Cairns and Melbourne came in fourth to ninth place this year.
Majorca, Spain has been named the No. 1 Trending Destination in the world for 2022. This gorgeous island is becoming more than a spring break hot spot.
With picturesque seaside coves, children’s beaches and grandiose Moorish architecture, younger crowds and families alike are setting their sights on Majorca. And with the neighbouring island of Ibiza ranking at No. 6, it looks like Spain is the place to be this year!
The Best of the Best Destinations for you
In addition to Tripadvisor’s typical Popular and Trending Destinations lists, this year the Awards include the Best of the Best Destinations for Food Lovers, Outdoor Enthusiasts, Skiers, City Lovers and Sun Seekers, offering inspiration for every type of traveller.
Arenal Volcano National Park in Costa Rica is the Best of the Best Destination for Outdoor Enthusiasts in the world for 2022. Representing Australia, Freycinet made it to the world list again at No. 18. Known as the “jewel of Tasmania’s coastline”, the land’s scenic beauty showcases warm white beaches, deep azure waters, and the rosy pink hue of the Hazards mountain range.
Another Australian winner is the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park at No. 24. One of the natural wonders of the world, Uluru is a massive dome of red sandstone that seems to rise directly from the desert landscape.
Rome takes the top spot for the Best of the Best Destinations for Food Lovers, whetting the appetites of travellers from around the globe with its authentic pasta dishes and can’t-miss gelato.
Zermatt, Switzerland has been crowned the No. 1 Best of the Best Destination for Skiers in the world in this inaugural list. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is travellers’ favourite ski area in the town, described as an “Alpine paradise.”
If you’re looking for a “Bright Lights, Big City” kind of vibe, you can’t miss Dubai, the No. 1 Best of the Best Destination for City Lovers. Known for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture and a lively nightlife scene, Dubai is the ultimate destination for city lovers.
Cancun was voted No. 1 Best of the Best Destination for Sun Seekers in the world for 2022. For the many of us in need of a true relaxing vacation, the white sand and neon blue waters of Cancun are travellers’ favourite place to enjoy fun in the sun.
Where are you being called to travel this year?
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