TripAdvisor^®, the travel planning and booking site, today announced the Travellers’ Choice awards for Destinations on the Rise, with Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, taking the top spot for Asia, while the laid-back local scene of San Jose del Cabo in Mexico earned 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 the US, Europe and South America.

“These destinations are fast gaining interest and popularity amongst our community of travellers all over the world,” said Ms Janice Lee Fang, communications director for TripAdvisor, Asia Pacific. “We hope these winning lists will inspire those planning trips in 2017 to consider booking their holidays with some of these rising destinations, be it Baku, Da Lat or Kuching”.

She added, “We were very excited to see Baku top the list in Asia – Azerbaijan has a fascinating cultural history that straddles the East and West and given that almost 65% of Asian travellers[1] surveyed said that their main travel motivation is to experience and learn about new cultures, we are hopeful this win will encourage even more travel and discovery to Baku in 2017.”

“We are very proud that the city of Baku became a winner of Travellers’ Choice Destinations on the Rise award. Being a city situated on the crossroads of civilizations between the East and the West, the architecture of Baku is a mix of European and Oriental traditions. It is a real gem of the Caucasus and must-see destination for travellers looking for a combination of history and modernity in one place,” said Mr Abulfas Garayev, Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Travellers’ Choice Destinations on the Rise – Asia:

(Excerpts in quotes below from TripAdvisor reviewers)

1. 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 S$141 per night on TripAdvisor.

2. 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 S$781 per night.

3. 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 S$106 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”.

4. Da Lat, Vietnam

Situated 1,500 m above sea level, Da Lat is also known as the City of Eternal Spring, offering cooling respite from Vietnam’s otherwise tropical climate. Marvel at French-inspired architecture and make a beeline for the Linh Phuoc Pagoda, an intricate structure with ceilings, walls and installations made from millions of pieces of broken glass, terracotta and beer bottles. Complete your trip by staying at the highly recommended Dreams Hotel offering a “Jacuzzi with rooftop views”, bookable at an average of S$38 per night on TripAdvisor.

5. Jeju,  South Korea

A popular honeymoon destination, there is plenty to do in beautiful Jeju, known for its fresh seafood and natural attractions. Hike through Hallasan National Park, a UNESCO-listed site that is home to

Hallasan Mountain, the highest peak in South Korea and famous for its vertical ecosystem of plants as a result of the varying temperatures along the mountainside. After a day of hiking, put your feet up at the award-winning December Hotel Jeju,, “with its spacious rooms” for a good night’s rest. Rooms are bookable on TripAdvisor for S$62 per night.

6. Sapa, Vietnam

Set against a backdrop of towering mountains and undulating valleys, Sapa is located in north-west Vietnam and known for its trekking trails. Visitors can head to the Muong Hoa Valley for spectacular views of cascading rice terraces, peaks and forests and learn more about local culture as they make their way through hill tribe villages. Stay at Sapa Paradise View Hotel, “a gem of a hotel with the perfect location” for S$57 per night.

7. Hualien, Taiwan

Taiwan’s second largest city, travellers head to Hualien for its geological wonders of marble cliffs and waterfalls. A must-visit activity in Hualien is hiking through Taroko Gorge that offers breath-taking views of canyons, mountains and quaint local villages. Later, head to Kindness Hotel – Hualien Main Station for a good night’s rest, bookable on TripAdvisor for S$210 per night. The hotel also offers complimentary supper, perfect for when the midnight hunger pangs strike!

8. Kuching, Malaysia

A trip to Kuching is an enriching experience for any visitor, with the many museums and attractions which offer insights into the local heritage and traditions. Learn more about Sarawak’s main ethnic groups including the Iban, the Bidayuh and the Orang Ulu at the Sarawak Cultural Village, a living museum where staff live and work to preserve their heritage and cultural traditions. Check into the centrally-located The LimeTree Hotel, bookable on TripAdvisor for S$47 per night, for “quality and comfort” during your stay.

9. Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Lying on the northwest coast of Borneo is Kota Kinabalu, a popular destination for nature lovers with its renowned national parks and marine life. Make an advance booking to take a speedboat to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, a cluster of islands great for snorkeling and diving and referred to as “the real beauty of Sabah”. Stay in the heart of the city at Hotel Sixty3, a hotel with an “unbeatable location” for S$88 per night.

10. George Town, Malaysia

George Town continues to draw tourists all-year round with its diverse history and delicious food. Take a glimpse at the customs and heritage of the Peranakan community at the award-winning and beautifully designed Pinang Peranakan Mansion, which has been recreated as a typical home of a rich Baba (Straits-born Chinese man). Then, head to the “fantastic”  Le Dream Boutique Hotel (bookable for S$88 per night), for free movie nights and complimentary snacks and wine.

Travellers’ Choice Destinations on the Rise – World: 

1. San Jose del Cabo, Mexico

2. Whistler, Canada

3. Jericoacoara, Brazil

4. Kihei, Hawaii

5. Baku, Azerbaijan

6. El Nido, Philippines

7. Eilat, Israel

8. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain

9. Tbilisi, Georgia

10. Jodhpur, India

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.