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HP named ‘The Most Welcoming Region in India ’ for the 2nd year in a row followed by Kerala and Goa

Booking.com unveils the Most Welcoming Places in India according to its Traveller Review Awards 2025

Bir (Himachal Pradesh), Mararikulam (Kerala), Leh (Jammu & Kashmir), Jibhi (Himachal Pradesh) and Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) are named most welcoming cities in India

  • Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Goa, Jammu & Kashmir and Rajasthan are the most welcoming regions in India
  • Homestays, apartments and resorts are among the most welcoming accommodation types for travellers in India after hotels
  • For the eighth year in a row, Italy is home to the largest number of award recipients (207,730), followed by France (155,203), Spain (147,700), Germany (102,031) and the United Kingdom (88,209)
  • 15,674 Booking.com travel partners in India are being celebrated this year for consistently delivering outstanding hospitality
INDIA, January 29, 2024: Travellers are increasingly drawn to authentic and immersive experiences shaped by exceptional hospitality and service. Booking.com, one of the world’s leading digital travel companies unveils the 10 Most Welcoming Places in India and on Earth as part of the thirteenth edition of the Traveller Review Awards 2025.
For the second consecutive year, Himachal Pradesh has been named the
Most Welcoming Region in India
followed by Kerala and Goa. Bir emerges as the Most Welcoming City in India followed by Mararikulam and Leh. Homestays, apartments and resorts are among the most welcoming accommodation types for travellers in India after hotels
Based on over 360 million verified customer reviews, the awards honor travel partners who consistently deliver outstanding hospitality and service and make travel experiences more memorable for travellers. In 2025, a record-breaking 1.71 million partners are being recognised, an 16% increase compared to the year prior. This includes 1,711,539 accommodations, 1,329 rental car companies and 124 taxi providers. In India,
15,674
partners were awarded, including 7919 in Homes (up from 13,348 properties in 2024).

2025’s Most Welcoming Places
Determined by the share of accommodation partners receiving a Traveller Review Award in a certain city as a proportion of the total properties in that destination, this year’s Most Welcoming Cities and Regions in India list showcases a diverse array of incredible destinations from around the country. Whether it's adventure trails and pristine beaches or heritage walks and serene backwaters, these destinations showcase India’s diverse charm and warm hospitality that make India a truly captivating travel destination.
On the global stage, Italy leads as the country with the highest number of award recipients (207,730) for the eighth consecutive year, followed by France (155,203), Spain (147,700), Germany (102,031) and the United Kingdom (88,209). From Sigiriya in Sri Lanka to Ko Lanta in Thailand, each destination invites travellers to embark on a journey and create unforgettable memories.





From Hotels to Homestays: Evolving Preferences of travellers

The awards this year showcases a diverse landscape of preferred accommodations among travellers in the country. Hotels remain a popular accommodation choice with 5,709 recipients in India, followed by homestays (2,438), apartments (1,651), resorts (1,172) and guest houses (1,160) reflecting a growing preference for unique and personalized travel experiences beyond traditional hotel stays.

Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com said “The Traveller Review Awards are a testament to the dedication of our outstanding partners, who consistently deliver exceptional hospitality across India. From the majestic Himalayas in Leh to the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey, this year's awards showcase the incredible diversity of experiences that await travellers across India. We're proud to stand alongside these remarkable partners, supporting them as they continue to create truly unforgettable memories for travellers exploring these incredible destinations.”



( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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