Booking.com announced the 10 Most Welcoming Places in India and Earth as a part of the 14th edition of the annual Traveller Review Awards and Himachal Pradesh is proudly on this list.
Powered by more than 370 million verified reviews from travellers across the world, the Awards celebrate the partners who consistently deliver outstanding hospitality and service across every corner of the globe. This year, a record-breaking 1.81 million partners are being recognised globally, a 5% increase compared to the year prior. This includes 1,817,848 accommodation providers, 1,977 rental car companies and 137 airport transfer suppliers. In India, 17,575 travel partners have won Booking.com 2026 Traveller Review Awards; up from 15,674 winners in 2025.
Globally, Italy continues to lead for the ninth consecutive year with 214,666 award-winning partners, followed by France (170,596) and Spain (152,292). Germany (111,685) and the United Kingdom (93,989) round out the top five.
2026’s most welcoming places on Earth
Determined by the share of partners receiving a Traveller Review Award in 2026, the Most Welcoming Places on Earth highlight destinations where hospitality feels personal, authentic, and genuinely caring. From hilltop towns to coastal cities and relaxed beach communities, these places leave a lasting impression with thoughtful touches, warm interactions, and hosts who go the extra mile.
Himachal Pradesh has been named one of the Most Welcoming Regions on Earth, celebrated for its stunning Himalayan landscapes and deep-rooted spirit of hospitality. From cozy mountain homestays to luxury retreats, the region’s partners consistently go above and beyond, offering travellers genuine warmth and an authentic local experience.
Most welcoming regions and cities on Earth
2026’s Most Welcoming Regions on Earth
2026’s Most Welcoming Cities on Earth
Hidalgo, Mexico
Montepulciano, Italy
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Magong, Taiwan
Navarra, Spain
San Martin de los Andes, Argentina
Idaho, USA
Harrogate, UK
Himachal Pradesh, India
Fredericksburg, USA
Sachsen, Germany
Pirenopolis, Brazil
Phang Nga, Thailand
Swakopmund, Namibia
Overijssel, Netherlands
Takayama, Japan
Epirus, Greece
Montepulciano, Italy
Chiriqui, Panama
Magong, Taiwan
Most welcoming places in India
In India, the Most Welcoming Places list showcases a diverse array of incredible destinations from around the country. Spanning hill stations, coastlines, deserts and backwaters, these regions and cities reflect India’s diverse travel experiences, united by a shared spirit of heartfelt hospitality that continues to leave a lasting impression on travellers.
For the third consecutive year, Himachal Pradesh has emerged as the Most Welcoming Region in India, followed by Kerala and Goa. For the second year, Bir (Himachal Pradesh) continues to be the Most Welcoming City in India, followed by Mararikulam (Kerala) and Jaisalmer (Rajasthan).
2026’s most welcoming regions and cities in India
2026’s Most Welcoming Regions in India
Himachal Pradesh
Kerala
Goa
Rajasthan
Jammu & Kashmir
Uttarakhand
Assam
Karnataka
Haryana
2026’s Most Welcoming Cities in India
Bir, Himachal Pradesh
Mararikulam, Kerala
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh
Mukteswar, Uttarakhand
Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
Puducherry
Bhim Tal, Uttarakhand
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Hampi, Karnataka
Mandrem, Goa
Most welcoming accommodation types
This year’s awards highlight the diverse accommodation preferences of travellers across the country. Hotels continue to be the most popular choice in India, with 6,650 award recipients, followed by homestays (2,652), apartments (1,984), resorts (1,338) and guest houses (1,218) reflecting a consistent preference for unique and personalised travel experiences. In India, the cities with the highest number of awarded properties include Bengaluru, New Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi and Kochi.
Leadership perspective
Santosh Kumar, Regional Manager, South Asia at Booking.com said, “From personalised recommendations to thoughtful touches, our partners in India consistently go the extra mile to create extraordinary experiences for travellers. The Traveller Review Awards are our way of recognising these hospitality heroes and expressing gratitude from Booking.com and millions of travellers from all around the world. We are especially delighted to see Himachal Pradesh being recognised as one of the Most Welcoming Regions – this well-deserved honour reflects both the region’s stunning natural beauty and the dedication of our accommodation partners in providing top-notch service and unforgettable stays.”
