LONDON, UK, Feb. 25, 2020 – Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel site, today announced the winners of the 2020 Travellers' Choice Destination awards. The awards include two new categories: Trending, recognizing traveller-loved destinations that are on the rise, having seen the biggest spikes in positive reviews and ratings over the last year, and Emerging - looking ahead to what’s next — the destinations still ahead of the curve that smart travellers are already saving to their Trips on Tripadvisor, a great indicator of up and coming hotspots.
The Top UK Emerging Destination is… Ipswich
While Russia’s Kaliningrad has been named the top emerging destination in the world, Ipswich in Suffolk has been named one to watch - coming in at #14, and the only UK destination in the list. According to Tripadvisor data travellers are falling for the East Anglian town which is set to rise as a tourism hotspot.
Enjoy England on the waterfront with a trip to Ipswich. A destination that’s managed to keep its historical charm intact, Ipswich is a cultural hub of activity. From strolling through the arboretum at Christchurch Park, taking in a show at the famous Regent Theatre, viewing Constable’s art at Christchurch Mansion, it’s little wonder travellers are falling in love with Ipswich. With superb transport links, an excellent range of accommodation options and ever-growing list of theatres, dance houses and things to, Ipswich is attracting some well-deserved traveller attention.
World #1 Emerging Destination - Kaliningrad
Kaliningrad, a tiny sliver of Russia between the Baltic Sea, Poland and Lithuania - has been revealed as the top Emerging Destination for 2020, according to Tripadvisor data based on review, interest and ‘Saves’ on the platform. And thanks to a simplified e-visa process that Russia introduced in 2019, it’s now easier than ever to visit. And travellers are taking full advantage, exploring a stunning city that blends the culture and architecture of eastern Europe and Russia together like nowhere else.
Top 25 Emerging Destinations in the World
- Kaliningrad, Russia
- Saranda, Albania
- Beirut, Lebanon
- Luxor, Egypt
- Naoussa, Greece
- Rugen Island, Germany
- Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
- Monopoli, Italy
- La Paz, Mexico
- Curaçao, Caribbean
- Ile d'Oleron, France
- Guayaquil, Ecuador
- Tulsa, United States
- Ipswich, United Kingdom
- Franschhoek, South Africa
- Tangier, Morocco
- Takamatsu, Japan
- Cala d'Or, Spain
- Petropolis, Brazil
- Antwerp, Belgium
- Mirissa, Sri Lanka
- Alvor, Portugal
- Winnipeg, Canada
- Darwin, Australia
- Agra, India
“From the hot trending destinations our Tripadvisor travellers are currently loving, to fascinating new places whetting the appetite of more adventurous explorers, these winners are all ones to watch,” said Emma Shaw, Tripadvisor spokesperson. “Based on Tripadvisor reviews, ratings, and opinions from millions of travellers around the world, the winners highlight the destinations that should be on your travel radar now.”
Travellers Have Spoken: These are the Top-Trending Global Destinations
Kochi: World #1 Trending Destination
This Indian port city has earned its bucket list status, seeing the biggest spike in top reviews, ratings and traveller interest on Tripadvisor over the last year. A blending of small villages on the southwestern coast created the current incarnation of Kochi (or Cochin), where sunset strolls, sampling fresh fish from seaside vendors and boat rides through the islands just offshore are all part of the charm. While travellers to India may have traditionally prioritized trips to the nation’s mega-cities, those in the know are seeking out the smaller city of Kochi — a destination filled with cool cafes, art centers and stunning historic sites, including beautiful Portuguese-built churches and forts.
Edinburgh: Top Trending UK Destination
The highest ranked trending destination in the UK is Edinburgh at #23. Renowned for its heritage, culture and festivals, the ScottishScottish capital is enjoying some serious love from global travellers . Take a long walk around the centre to explore the World Heritage Sites of the Old Town and New Town, as well as all the city’s museums and galleries. Then stop for a delicious meal made from fresh Scottish produce before heading out to take in one of Edinburgh’s many events — including the famous summer festivals of culture, or the Winter Festivals of music, light and ceilidhs.
Top 25 Global Trending Destinations
- Kochi, India
- Luzon, Philippines
- Porto, Portugal
- Porto Seguro, Brazil
- Gramado, Brazil
- Lombok, Indonesia
- Da Nang, Vietnam
- Zakynthos, Greece
- Tel Aviv, Israel
- Krakow, Poland
- Island of Malta, MaltaI
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Cusco, Peru
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Vienna, Austria
- Fuerteventura, Spain
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Fes, Morocco
- Budapest, Hungary
- Zanzibar Island, Tanzania
- Cartagena, Colombia
- Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Cebu, Philippines
- Moscow, Russia
Trending and Emerging Destination award-winners were determined using an algorithm that measured year-over-year increase in positive Tripadvisor traveller review ratings for accommodations, restaurants and attractions, and increase in booking interest and searches across destinations worldwide. For the Emerging Destination category year-over-year ‘Save’ data from Tripadvisor travellers was also factored into the methodology. ‘Saves’ on Tripadvisor is one of the strongest signals for identifying destinations that are still ahead of the curve.
The most memorable trips are often inspired and guided by people like you who’ve been there before. To help plan your best trip check out reviews, photos and forum posts from travellers like you. To see all 2020 Tripadvisor travellers’ Choice Destination winners, including Popular destinations and Beaches visit www.tripadvisor.co.uk/travellersChoice-Destinations.
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