BOOKING.COM REVEALS THE WORLD’S MOST WELCOMING TOURIST REGIONS FOR 2026

While travel photos often showcase pristine beaches and architectural marvels, the memories that last the longest are usually tied to the people we meet along the way. Recommendations from friends and family frequently highlight the warmth of local communities — a factor that has become increasingly important when planning holidays, especially at a time when anti-tourism protests dominate summer headlines across the globe.

People are what truly give a destination its soul. For travelers seeking places known for genuine hospitality, Booking.com has unveiled its list of the 10 most welcoming cities and 10 most welcoming regions to visit in 2026, according to Euronews.

Montepulciano Tops the List

The charming hilltop town of Montepulciano in southern Tuscany claimed first place on the global ranking of the world’s most welcoming cities. Beyond its friendly locals, Montepulciano is renowned for its celebrated Vino Nobile red wine, with visitors flocking to the region for vineyard tours and tastings.

Fourth place went to Harrogate, the elegant English spa town famous for its relaxing wellness retreats. Rounding out the list of cities — though by no means least — is Klaipeda in Lithuania, where a stroll through its charming Old Town, dotted with sculptures and artistic details, is a must for culture enthusiasts.

Europe’s Most Welcoming Regions

Several European regions were also recognized for their outstanding hospitality:
Navarre (Spain) – 3rd place
Saxony (Germany) – 6th place
Overijssel (Netherlands) – 8th place
Epirus (Greece) – 9th place

Navarre is best known for the famous Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, but visitors are equally drawn to natural wonders such as the Bardenas Reales semi-desert and the Irati Forest. Saxony offers rich cultural experiences in Dresden and Leipzig, while Chemnitz was named European Capital of Culture in 2025.

Overijssel is home to the picturesque village of Giethoorn — often dubbed the “Venice of the North” — as well as the historic Hanseatic city of Kampen. Meanwhile, Epirus in mainland Greece attracts hikers with the Pindus mountain range, and the Zagori villages were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023.

Hospitality Across the Globe

Second place among the world’s most welcoming cities went to Magong in the Penghu archipelago off Taiwan’s west coast. In addition to crystal-clear waters, visitors can explore the historic Penghu Tianhou Temple, the country’s oldest temple dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu.

Third place was awarded to San Martin de los Andes in Argentina, set along the scenic Lake Lácar, while Fredericksburg in Texas — known for its strong German heritage — completed the top five.

Other cities in the global top ten include Pirenopolis (Brazil), Swakopmund (Namibia), Takayama (Japan), and Noosa Heads (Australia).

When it comes to regions, Hidalgo in Mexico was named the most welcoming in the world, famous for the striking Prismas Basálticos canyon with its towering basalt columns. It is followed by Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada, the U.S. state of Idaho, Himachal Pradesh, Phang Nga, and Chiriqui.

How the Rankings Were Compiled

The lists of the most welcoming cities and regions were published as part of the Traveller Review Awards 2026 by Booking.com. The rankings are based on the number of awards received by accommodation providers in each destination.

Only destinations with a higher proportion of award-winning hotels, holiday homes, and other properties relative to the total number of listings on the platform were included. The goal was to highlight places that offer hospitality leaving a lasting impression through thoughtful gestures, warm interactions, and hosts who go the extra mile for their guests.

For travelers planning their 2026 adventures, this ranking may serve as a trusted guide to destinations where visitors are welcomed not just as tourists — but as guests.