TripAdvisor has announced the winners of its Travellers’ Choice awards for Destinations on the Rise. Tulum, Mexico has been named the world’s top destination on the rise, famous for its phenomenal Maya archaeological sites.
The awards highlight 52 destinations around the world selected by using an algorithm that primarily measured the year-over-year increase in positive TripAdvisor traveller feedback and interest in accommodations, restaurants and attractions, across destinations worldwide.
“Our well-travelled community has helped us identify the destinations around the world that are gaining in interest and popularity,” said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. “We hope these destinations inspire those planning their travel for 2016 to book trips to these locales that feature excellent hotels, restaurants and attractions, and also provide a great vacation value.”
Travellers’ Choice Destinations on the Rise – World
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Tulum, Mexico (+74% booking interest YoY1)
Situated on the beautiful Mexican coastline, Tulum is home to the Maya archaeological sites of Tulum and Cobá, and the Tulum National Park, which overlooks the Caribbean Sea. Top attractions in Tulum include the Mayan Ruins of Tulum, Cenotes Dos Ojos and Playa Paraiso. A TripAdvisor reviewer said, “Tulum Beach in the Riviera Maya is so far one of the best beaches in the world! This exotic and amazing piece of paradise is still virgin to the human eyes, the jungle connecting with the white sand and turquoise waters is the perfect combination
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Cartagena, Colombia (+49% booking interest YoY)
Cartagena or Cartagena de Indias is a city on the northern coast of Colombia in the Caribbean Coast Region and capital of the Bolívar Department. If you plan on visiting the city, make sure you experience one of these attractions; Walled City of Cartagena, San Felipe de Barajas Castle, Cathedral de San Pedro Claver and Islas del Rosario. One TripAdvisor reviewer exclaimed, “The old city of Cartagena greatly exceeded our expectations. We absolutely loved all of the old architecture that is very well preserved! We enjoyed the different styles between English, Spanish and French.”
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Porto, Portugal (+39% booking interest YoY)
Proclaimed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Porto is one of the oldest European centres. Visit the city during the summer months or better yet the end of June to experience the São João Festival, on the night of 23-24 June. Top attractions in Porto include Ponte de D. Luis, Rio Douro, Zona Ribeirinha, several walking and sightseeing tours and Palacio da Bolsa.
A TripAdvisor reviewer said, “Porto surprised me so much. It’s genuinely the prettiest, most beautiful place in Europe that I’ve been so far. The people here are so nice and welcoming, and they enjoy their city of Porto just as much as the tourists. Make sure you walk across this bridge and get a great view of Porto!”
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Gatlinburg, Tennessee (+67% booking interest YoY)
Situated southeast of Knoxville Tennessee, Gatlinburg borders the picturesque Great Smoky Mountains National Park along U.S. Route 441. If you’re looking for an experience away from the wilderness, visit the Sugarlands Distilling Company, and learn about the craft of moonshine and whiskey. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, “Best place on Earth. This is the most beautiful place at all times of year.”
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Moscow, Russia (+27% booking interest YoY)
Did you know Moscow is the world’s most populated inland city? Known for its architecture, particularly its historic buildings such as Saint Basil’s Cathedral with its brightly coloured domes, Moscow is a must see during a European trip. It’s also home to the Ostankino Tower, the tallest free-standing structure in Europe. “Visiting the Red Square was always the “highlight” of my days in Moscow. This is the most famous address in the capital. Here are legendary domes, buildings and monuments from the past, that reflect every aspect of the capital history,” a TripAdvisor reviewer said.
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Brighton, United Kingdom (+60% booking interest YoY)
Renowned for its diverse communities, quirky shopping areas, large cultural, music and arts scene and its large LGBT population, Brighton has become one of the UKs most popular tourist destinations. Top attractions in Brighton include the Royal Pavilion and North Laine. One TripAdvisor reviewer said, “I have been few times already to Brighton and we always have a lot of fun. The attractions are so much fun and there are always nice people working in the pier.”
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New Delhi, India (+28% booking interest YoY)
If you’re looking for a cultural and historically rich trip, New Delhi is the destination. Situated on the Yamauna River, New Delhi is home to several historic sites and museums; an exhibition of over 200,000 Indian art and artifacts can be seen at The National Museum. Other top attractions in New Delhi include Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and Swaminarayan. “Never have I visited such a beautiful Hindu temple. So peaceful with amazing architecture. Simply beautiful. Must visit site in Delhi,” a TripAdvisor reviewer commented.
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Banff, Canada (+43% booking interest YoY)
Growing in popularity is the Canadian city of Banff, located west of Calgary, and known for its mountainous surroundings, hot springs, and outdoor adventure activity. Fancy a ski? Visit Sunshine Village, Mt Norquay or Lake Louise Mountain Resort located within the Banff national park. Top attractions include Banff Gondola and Parker Ridge Trail. A TripAdvisor reviewer said, “Let’s face it, the Canadian Rockies are awe-inspiring. This means that you must take every opportunity to see them from every vantage point.”
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Lima, Peru (+33% booking interest YoY)
Lima is the capital, and largest city of Peru. Founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535, Peru is a fascinating city and a treasure trove of history. Top attractions in Lima include Museo Larco and Parque de la Reserva. Explore ancient Incan archeological sites, or stroll through the elegant cathedrals and opulent palaces dating from Spanish colonial times. A TripAdvisor review exclaimed, “The walking paths are very well maintained and you get a great view of the ocean. The various statues and architecture along the path are great to look at along your stroll.”
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Foz do Iguacu, Brazil (+34% booking interest YoY)
Foz do Iguacu is on the Argentina-Brazil border, and is the 7th largest city in the state of Paraná. Located on the cities border are the breathtaking Iguaçu Falls, and one of the ‘New Natural Seven Wonders of the World’. A must see is the spectacular Devil’s Throat which combines 14 falls and generates a “perpetual rainbow” in good weather. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, “Iguacu National Park is amazing, you can actually be in the middle of the falls by walking a safe wooden bridge, or if you like you can be in the water close to other smaller falls or can actually be at the top of the falls taking that special photo. Just incredible.”
For the complete list of Travellers’ Choice Destinations on the Rise award–winners for 2016 see: http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/TravelersChoice-DestinationsontheRise.
1 Increase in booking interest year-over-year is based on TripAdvisor data for October 2014 through October 2015 as measured by meta clicks.
