Croatian region named one of world’s top 10 most hospitable

(Photo credit: Booking.com/ GettyImages)

Booking.com announces the winners of the 2025 Traveller Review Awards

Zagreb, 28 January 2025 – Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travellers with accommodation, activities, and transport options—including flights, car rentals, and taxis—has announced the winners of its 13th annual Traveller Review Awards.

Based on over 360 million verified guest reviews, these awards celebrate travel partners who consistently deliver outstanding hospitality and service.

This year, a record-breaking 1.71 million partners were recognised—a 16% increase compared to last year. The awards cover 1,711,539 accommodation providers, 1,329 car rental companies, and 124 taxi services.

For the eighth consecutive year, Italy leads with the highest number of winners (207,730), followed by France (155,203), Spain (147,700), Germany (102,031), and the United Kingdom (88,209). The United States ranks sixth (70,259), with Poland (69,709), Brazil (67,876), Greece (66,994), and Croatia (56,648) rounding out the top 10.

The World’s Most Hospitable Destinations

This year’s list of the world’s most hospitable destinations celebrates a diverse range of locations, from coffee farms and pristine beaches to medieval hideaways and jungle cities. These destinations showcase the variety of charm and hospitality worldwide, inspiring unforgettable adventures in 2025.

Osijek-Baranja County in eastern Croatia earned a place among the Top 10 Most Hospitable Regions in the World, as recognised by Booking.com travellers.

Osijek-Baranja lies in the northeastern parts of Slavonia and Baranja. Its main centre is the city of Osijek, with other notable towns in the county including Đakovo, Našice, Valpovo, Belišće, and Beli Manastir.

Osijek

Top 10 Most Hospitable Regions in the World for 2025

Osijek-Baranja County, Croatia
Kakheti, Georgia
Madeira, Portugal
Misiones, Argentina
Graubünden, Switzerland
South Australia, Australia
Brittany, France
Baja California Sur, Mexico
Kien Giang, Vietnam
Drenthe, Netherlands

Top 10 Most Hospitable Cities in the World for 2025

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
Cazorla, Spain
Urubici, Brazil
Taupo, New Zealand
St. Augustine, United States
Orvieto, Italy
Manizales, Colombia
Quedlinburg, Germany
Ko Lanta, Thailand
Chester, United Kingdom

Apartments and Holiday Homes Dominate the Accommodation Sector

For the eighth year running, apartments remain the most-awarded type of accommodation, with 847,627 awards. Holiday homes (259,105) retained second place, surpassing hotels (190,670) for the third consecutive year. Capsule hotels saw the most significant annual growth in awards (35%), followed by villas (25%) and chalets (21%).

Overall, there was a 17% increase in awards for holiday rentals and unique stays, reflecting travellers’ enduring enthusiasm for properties offering exceptional hospitality and unforgettable experiences.

Since 2010, Booking.com has facilitated over 4.5 billion guest arrivals, including more than 1 billion stays in alternative accommodations such as rural cottages, stylish city apartments, and luxurious villas.

Today, travellers can explore 30+ accommodation types, ranging from beachfront bungalows and cosy B&Bs to igloos, houseboats, and treehouses.