TripAdvisor^®, the travel planning and booking site, today announced the Travellers’ Choice awards for Destinations on the Rise, with the laid-back city of San Jose del Cabo in Mexico earning the ranking of number one in the world. 

The awards recognise 43 destinations around the world selected by an algorithm primarily measured by year-over-year increase in positive TripAdvisor traveller review ratings for accommodations, restaurants and attractions, and increase in booking interest. This is the fifth year of the awards and Travellers’ Choice Destinations on the Rise lists were also revealed for Europe, Asia and South America.

“The Travellers’ Choice Destinations on the Rise list offers plenty of options for Aussies seeking inspiration for new places to visit in the new year,” said Joanne Kershaw, TripAdvisor spokesperson. “Travellers can choose from these award-winning locations featuring pristine beaches, historic cities and natural wonders, all of which are emerging in popularity among the TripAdvisor community as a result of their highly-rated options for places to eat, play and stay for travellers.”

Travellers’ Choice Destinations on the Rise – World:

(Excerpts in quotes below are from TripAdvisor reviewers)

1. San Jose del Cabo, Mexico

Situated 20 miles south of the lively Cabo San Lucas, Jose San Jose del Cabo is a quieter alternative for those seeking a spot of peace and tranquility. The Las Ventanas al Paraiso hotel is a top pick among TripAdvisor users, which has a seasonal average of A$1,255 per night when booking on TripAdvisor, and acknowledged as “excellence and luxury at its finest”. Travellers can explore the charming San Jose del Cabo main square filled with restaurants, art shops and historical landmarks such as the parish church of San Jose del Cabo and the Town Hall.

2. Whistler, Canada

Just a short trip from Vancouver, Whistler boasts rugged beauty and outstanding skiing opportunities. For the thrill-seeking traveller, check out Peak to Peak Gondola, the world’s longest and highest gondola ride, stretching 4.4 kilometres between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, and offering access to skiing, 50 kilometres of summer hiking and “awesome” views of the mountains. Travellers can unwind at the Nita Lake Lodge which has a seasonal average of A$287 per night when booking on TripAdvisor.

3. Jericoacoara, Brazil

Best known for having one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, travellers to the remote Jericoacoara can take their time to explore the village’s unspoiled beaches, saunter down streets paved with sand and admire the sunset at Duna do Por do Sol for a “must-see experience in Jericoacoara”. Later, rest at the beachfront Pousada Jeriba, for a seasonal average of A$320 per night when booking on TripAdvisor.

4. Kihei, Hawaii 

Located on Maui's western shore, Kihei offers an impressive selection of hotels and restaurants, catering to visitors who flock to dive, swim and sun themselves on its white sand beaches. The Maui Coast Hotel (seasonal average of A$337 per night when booking on TripAdvisor) is a “great hotel with easy beach access.” Travellers can visit the Red Line Rafting Co, for a “fantastic snorkeling adventure” and explore Hawaii’s rich marine life.

5. Baku, Azerbaijan

Situated along the Caspian Sea, Baku is a heady mix of Asian and Western cultures, of the old and new, all of which is best reflected in the city’s sights and landmarks. Visitors can explore the famed medieval Old City Baku, hailed as a “must-visit”, which houses the UNESCO-listed Shirvanshah’s Palace, and Maiden Tower. Admire the city’s contemporary buildings such as the Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by Zaha Hadid, and the Flame Towers – a trio of skyscrapers covered with LEDs and displaying the mesmerising movement of a flame. Rest your feet after a long day of exploration at “the best hotel” in the city, the Hotel Badamdar Baku, for a seasonal average of $99 per night on TripAdvisor.

6. El Nido, Philippines

Known as the Philippines' last frontier, El Nido in Palawan is perfect for travellers seeking peace and solitude. Visit the off-the-beaten-path Nacpan Beach, ranked as Asia’s second best beach in this year’s Travellers’ Choice™ awards, for a ‘tourist-less’ experience and stay in a water cottage overlooking the sea at the El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island. Described as “paradise”, you can book a stay on TripAdvisor for $550 per night.

7. Eilat, Israel

Perched on the shores of the Red Sea, Eilat’s tropical weather, beaches national parks and desert provide the perfect environment for tons of outdoor recreational activities. Travellers looking for “amazing desert landscape” can discover authentic desert flora and fauna through hiking and biking at Timna Park. Be “treated like royalty” at the Herods Vialis Spa Hotel for a seasonal average of A$670 per night when booking on TripAdvisor.

8. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain

The capital of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is set amid two bays and the beautiful beaches of the Playa de las Canteras and Playa de las Alcaravaneras. History-lovers can find out more the capital’s historical and cultural heritage through a walking tour of Vegueta, the oldest quarter of the town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, put your feet up at Reina Isabel Hotel for its “spacious and comfortable rooms” at a seasonal average of A$240 per night on TripAdvisor.

9. Tbilisi, Georgia

In the capital of Georgia, travellers can saunter down the brick sidewalks and cobblestone streets of the Old Town, where they can eat to their heart's content. Taste Georgian food and wine with a walking tour and wine tasting session and later, rest at the “hip and chic” Rooms Hotel Tbilisi for its “cosy rooms filled with vintage touches”, for a seasonal average of $237 per night when booking on TripAdvisor.

10. Jodhpur, India

The second largest city in Rajasthan, Jodhpur is a reflection of the royal lineage it has witnessed for centuries. Majestic forts and palaces, remnants of the glorious past, adorn the landscape of this popular tourist attraction. Ratan Vilas, bookable on TripAdvisor at $75 per night is a mansion from the 1920s that has been beautifully refurbished into a hotel and “provides a wondrous setting to recharge and enjoy its magnificent setting”. Travellers can also visit the impressive Mehrangarh Fort which is one of the oldest forts in India and offers “sweeping views of the Blue City”.

For the complete list of Travellers’ Choice Destinations on the Rise award-winners for 2017, as well as reviews and candid traveller photos, go to: www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-DestinationsontheRise.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors:

Booking interest is measured by year-over-year increase hotel instant booking and meta activity on TripAdvisor from October 2015 – October 2016.

Highly-rated value hotels have a minimum rating of four and a half, out of five bubbles on TripAdvisor. Average 2017 nightly hotel rates are based on TripAdvisor data for January 2016- November 2016 for individual hotels. Rates are aggregated from booking partners, including online travel agencies and direct hotel suppliers.