TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest travel site, today announced that London has been named the top destination in the world for 2019. Bali clinched the #1 spot in Asia for the second consecutive year.
“Our Travellers’ Choice awards for Destinations honours all-time favourite cities and islands that are loved our global community of travellers,” said Janice Lee Fang, Communications Director of TripAdvisor, Asia Pacific. “Singapore travellers can look to these lists of award-winning destinations for holiday inspiration and should most certainly use TripAdvisor to ensure they make the most of when they visit. To enjoy better savings and less crowds at these popular destinations, we recommend that travellers visit them during off-peak periods.”
Travel during Shoulder Season for Fewer Crowds and Cheaper Prices
Singapore travellers flock to London and Bali every year, and those planning trips to either of these places can research on the best time to go. Oftentimes, a trip either side of the peak season will mean a better experience with fewer crowds and cheaper prices on airfare and accommodation. For example, travellers can save up to 40% percent on hotels in Bali when visiting in January compared to July.1 Similarly, travellers who visit London during March instead of July can save up to 25% on hotels.
It’s also worth exploring beyond a destination’s well-known attractions – travellers frequently find a more authentic and memorable experience away from the main tourist areas. For instance, search interest among travellers from Singapore for lesser-known areas in Bali such Nusa Penida and Uluwatu between 2016 and 2018 surged by 398% and 106% respectively2. In comparison, traditionally popular hotspots such as Kuta and Seminyak experienced a decline in search interest of 19% and 15% during the same period3.
London’s Royal Wedding Boom
International excitement around Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding put a spotlight on London last year, spurring travellers to visit the city and ultimately leading it to secure the top spot in the rankings. London remains as one of Singapore’s top outbound destinations, with search interest for the city seeing a steady increase of 17% between 2016 and 20184. In line with this trend, several of London’s royal-focused experiences saw a significant rise in bookings in the past year5:
- Tour London with Changing of the Guard and Buckingham Palace Access – year-over-year booking increase of 231%
- Windsor Castle Admission with Transport from London – year-over-year booking increase of 173%
- Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle Day Trip from London – year-over-year booking increase of 94%
Top 10 Travellers’ Choice Destinations in the World:
- London, United Kingdom
- Paris, France
- Rome, Italy
- Crete, Greece
- Bali, Indonesia
- Phuket, Thailand
- Barcelona, Spain
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Marrakech, Morocco
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Top 10 Travellers’ Choice Destinations in Asia:
- Bali, Indonesia
- Phuket, Thailand
- Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Hanoi, Vietnam
- Tokyo, Japan
- Kathmandu, Nepal
- Jaipur, India
- Hong Kong S.A.R.
- Seoul, South Korea
- Goa, India
Award winners were determined using an algorithm based on reviews and ratings for hotels, restaurants and experiences in destinations worldwide over a 12-month period. The methodology takes into account quality and volume of reviews to surface destinations that consistently deliver the best overall experience for travellers.
For the complete list of Travellers’ Choice award-winning destinations for 2019, visit: www.TripAdvisor.com.sg/TravellersChoice-Destinations.
Methodology
Award winners were determined using an algorithm based on the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for hotels, restaurants and attractions in destinations worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period, as well as traveller booking interest on TripAdvisor.
1Hotel savings prices were determined by comparing average hotel prices in a peak travel month versus a shoulder season month.
2Based on increase in unique sessions from Singapore travellers on TripAdvisor, comparing January 2016 – December 2016 vs January 2018 – December 2018
3Based on decrease in unique sessions from Singapore travellers on TripAdvisor, comparing January 2016 – December 2016 vs January 2018 – December 2018
4Based on increase in unique sessions from Singapore travellers on TripAdvisor, comparing January 2016 – December 2016 vs January 2018 – December 2018
5Year-over-year growth of London royal-focused experiences is based on bookings on TripAdvisor from January 2017 to December 2017 versus January 2018 to December 2018.
