Booking.com, one of the world’s leading digital travel companies, has announced the 10 Most Welcoming Places in India and the World as part of the 13th annual Traveller Review Awards 2025. Based on over 360 million verified customer reviews, the awards recognize travel partners who consistently deliver exceptional hospitality, enhancing global travel experiences.
Himachal Pradesh Named India’s Most Welcoming Region
For the second consecutive year, Himachal Pradesh has been crowned as India’s Most Welcoming Region, followed by Kerala and Goa. Among cities, Bir takes the top spot as the Most Welcoming City in India, followed by Mararikulam and Leh. The awards also highlight hotels as the most preferred accommodation type, followed by homestays, apartments, and resorts, showcasing evolving traveler preferences.
Growing Recognition for Indian Hospitality
This year, 15,674 Indian travel partners have won the Traveller Review Awards 2025, marking a significant rise from 13,348 winners in 2024. A record-breaking 1.71 million travel partners worldwide have been recognized, reflecting a 16% year-on-year growth. This includes 1,711,539 accommodations, 1,329 rental car companies, and 124 taxi providers globally.
Hotels to Homestays: Changing Travel Preferences
The awards reflect a shift in accommodation choices, with travelers increasingly seeking unique and personalized experiences. While hotels remain the top choice in India (5,709 winners), other accommodations are gaining popularity, including homestays (2,438), apartments (1,651), resorts (1,172), and guest houses (1,160). The Indian cities with the highest number of award-winning properties include Bengaluru, New Delhi, Udaipur, Jaipur, and Manali.
Globally, alternative stays are trending, with apartments (847,627 winners) and holiday homes (259,105 winners) ranking higher than hotels (190,670 winners). This trend highlights a growing demand for authentic local experiences and flexible travel itineraries.
2025’s Most Welcoming Places in India and the World
The Most Welcoming Cities and Regions in India showcase the country’s diverse travel offerings, from adventure trails and heritage walks to pristine beaches and serene backwaters. These destinations reflect India’s rich cultural charm and exceptional hospitality.
On the global stage, Italy continues to dominate with 207,730 award-winning properties, followed by France (155,203), Spain (147,700), Germany (102,031), and the United Kingdom (88,209). Destinations like Sigiriya in Sri Lanka and Ko Lanta in Thailand also made the list, attracting travelers seeking unique experiences.
A Tribute to Hospitality Excellence
Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia at Booking.com, emphasized the importance of hospitality in shaping memorable travel experiences. “Our Booking.com partners are the true heroes of hospitality, consistently exceeding expectations to create unforgettable journeys. These awards are our way of thanking them, as well as recognizing the changing travel preferences worldwide.”
Booking.com remains committed to innovation, working alongside travel partners to offer seamless experiences, including flights, ground transport, attractions, and unique stays, ensuring travelers can explore the world with ease.
