SINGAPORE, Feb. 23, 2021 — As lockdown has left most of us longing to be somewhere — anywhere else than stuck at home, Tripadvisor ® has just the thing to help you escape, as its annual Travelers’ Choice ® Best of the Best Awards for Beaches are revealed today.

Highlighting travelers’ favorite beaches across the globe, from sweeping white sand and turquoise waters in tropical climates, to dramatic cliffs and pounding surf in some of the most secluded spots on Earth, the awards are based on the quality and quantity of reviews and ratings from Tripadvisor travelers for beaches, gathered over a 12-month period. New for 2021, the Best of the Best Beaches also takes into account the volume of “saves” for beaches on Tripadvisor, reflecting the position that many travelers were in for much of 2020 — unable to travel, desperate to travel, lusting after the beaches they wished they could visit.

In 2021, Australia’s Whitehaven Beach takes the top spot amongst global travelers. The remote Australian paradise, located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, is only accessible by boat, seaplane or helicopter and is lauded by travelers for its gorgeous soft white sand and postcard perfect turquoise water.

This year, India’s Agonda Beach takes the title of number one beach in Asia, rising from second place in 2020. Cavelossim Beach, India comes in second this year, and Ngapali Beach, Myanmar is in third.

“Your last trip to the beach probably feels like a lifetime ago, but with vaccine programs rolling out worldwide, safely making that beach getaway a reality just might be in reach! In fact, a recent Tripadvisor survey revealed that 60% of travelers are very likely to take a beach trip in 2021¹,” said Christine Maguire, vice president and general manager, global media business at Tripadvisor. “Whether your preferred kind of beach is preened and pristine or rugged and rough, this list of travelers’ favorites is just the inspiration you need to get planning your next beach break.”

For the complete list of Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best award-winning beaches for 2021, visit: https://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches

Top 10 Beaches in Asia 1. Agonda Beach - Goa, India Travelers say: The vast expanse, its clean bright teal waters, its calmness - it has to be my favourite beach in Goa so far. Top-Rated Thing to Do Nearby: Scuba Diving Grand Island +5 Water Sports With Parasailing 2. Cavelossim Beach - Goa, India Travelers say: Quiet, beautiful & romantic beach in south goa. Ideal for those who want relaxation at a serene beach unlike the noisy north Goa beaches laring high volume music. Top-Rated Thing to Do Nearby: Village Vistas Of Cavelossim, Goa - A Guided Tour 3. Ngapali Beach - Ngapali, Myanmar Travelers say: Clean warm water, gorgeous surroundings, people are so warm and open, very safe. Top-Rated Thing to Do Nearby: Fabric and lunghi shopping at Ma Yin Yin 4. Kelingking Beach - Nusa Penida, Bali Travelers say: One of the best views is the view from top of Kelingking beach, you can also hike down the cliff where you can experience the white sandy beach. Top-Rated Thing to Do Nearby: Sunday Beach Waterpark Lembongan 5. Radhanagar Beach - Havelock Island, India Travelers say: Lovely beach in Havelock Island, worth visiting; sun set is gorgeous & safe beach also; kept very clean & nice; changing rooms available after sea bathing. Top-Rated Thing to Do Nearby: Amazing cocktails and live music at Venom Bar 6. Yonaha Maehama Beach - Miyakojima, Japan Travelers say: Amazing beach close to the city centre with fantastic turquoise water and white sand. A must place to go in Miyako! Top-Rated Thing to Do Nearby: Ryugujo Observatory 7. Cox's Bazar Beach - Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh Travelers say: It is the top tourist destination of Bangladesh. It is a very healthy beach, food paradise and very safe place for foreigners. Top-Rated Thing to Do Nearby: Radiant Fish World 8. Bentota Beach - Bentota, Sri Lanka Travelers say: Wonderful beach to watch the sun set, or just laze in the warm water or just sit back and relax. Top-Rated Thing to Do Nearby: Udawalawe Safari Day Trip from Bentota & Surroundings - All Inclusive 9. Khlong Muang Beach - Krabi, Thailand Travelers say: Beautiful long sandy beach. Safe for children as no sudden drops and local fishing boats. Top-Rated Thing to Do Nearby: Phi Phi Island Speed Boat Tour by Sea Eagle from Krabi 10. Coconut Beach - Khao Lak, Thailand Travelers say: This is an amazing beach, plenty of sun beds, pure clear warm sea, white sand, lovely beach restaurant, perfect food and drinks at brilliant prices and friendly staff. Top-Rated Thing to Do Nearby: Pakarang Cape (Lem Hua Krung Yai)

Top 10 Beaches in the World 1. Whitehaven Beach - Whitsunday Island, Australia 2. Santa Maria Beach - Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba 3. Baia do Sancho - Fernando de Noronha, Brazil 4. Grace Bay Beach - Providenciales, Turks and Caicos 5. Saint Pete Beach - Florida, United States 6. Turquoise Bay - Exmouth, Australia 7. Eagle Beach - Eagle Beach, Aruba 8. Spiaggia dei Conigli - Lampedusa, Italy 9. Ka'anapali Beach - Hawaii, United States 10. Baía dos Golfinhos - Praia da Pipa, Brazil

Methodology

The Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards for Beaches honor travelers’ favorite beaches worldwide based on the quality and quantity of reviews and ratings from Tripadvisor travelers, as well as the volume of “saves”, gathered over a 12-month period (January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020). Travelers can "save" their travel ideas and plans on Tripadvisor by tapping the heart icon on places to stay, restaurants, and things to do, such as beaches. Tripadvisor views saves as a great indicator of what travelers are interested in doing in the future. 1. A Tripadvisor Consumer Sentiment Survey, based on data drawn from an online survey of 2,330 consumers, in partnership with Qualtrics, conducted between 28/12/20 through 10/01/21 across six countries - U.S., UK, Australia, Italy, Singapore and Japan

About Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor, the world's largest travel guidance platform*, helps hundreds of millions of people each month** become better travelers, from planning to booking to taking a trip. Travelers across the globe use the Tripadvisor site and app to discover where to stay, what to do and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than 884 million reviews and opinions of 7.9 million businesses, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants and discover great places nearby. As a travel guidance company available in 49 markets and 28 languages, Tripadvisor makes planning easy no matter the trip type. The subsidiaries of Tripadvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ:TRIP), own and operate a portfolio of travel media brands and businesses, operating under various websites and apps, including the following websites: www.bokun.io, www.cruisecritic.com, www.flipkey.com, www.thefork.com (including www.lafourchette.com, www.eltenedor.com, www.bookatable.co.uk, and www.delinski.com), www.helloreco.com, www.holidaylettings.co.uk, www.housetrip.com, www.jetsetter.com, www.niumba.com, www.seatguru.com, www.singleplatform.com, www.vacationhomerentals.com, and www.viator.com. *

Source: SimilarWeb, September 2020 ** Source: Tripadvisor internal log files ###