Despite the challenges the past two years have imposed on the travel industry, our love for travel has never waned as optimism and hope for recovery remain high. Travel platform Booking.com announces the recipients of its 10th annual Traveler Review Awards, including 2022’s Friendliest Places on Earth.

Kerala once again tops the list as the ‘friendliest region’ in India, followed by Goa and Pondicherry. Palolem, Agonda, Mararikulam, Thekkady and Varkala are the five “friendliest cities” in India. The awards also highlight hotels as the most Indian-friendly accommodation type, followed by homestays, resorts, guesthouses and apartments.

2022’s friendliest places on Earth

From iconic architectural marvels to pristine natural beauty, 2022’s most welcoming places span the globe and offer travelers a range of memorable travel experiences. The most hospitable regions of 2022 on Earth include Gorenjska (Slovenia), followed by Taitung County (Taiwan) and Tasmania (Australia). Booking.com also revealed the top 3 friendliest cities on Earth, including Matera (Italy), Bled (Slovenia) and Taitung City (Taiwan). In terms of places to stay, Italy leads the pack with the most accommodations awarded a 2022 award (162,272), followed by Spain (93,130) and France (89,186) . India (9062) ranks ahead of Colombia (8082), New Zealand (7355), Taiwan (7350) and Chile (7267).

The most welcoming cities and regions of 2022 in India

Looking at the properties receiving the 2022 Traveler Review Awards, Booking.com has also revealed the most welcoming cities and regions in India to ensure travelers experience the very best in hospitality and friendliness whenever it is again. sure to do so. Three out of five destinations from Kerala are among the friendliest cities in India. From Palolem (Goa) and Agonda (Goa) to Mararikulam (Kerala) and Thekkady (Kerala), these places reveal Indian travellers’ love of coastal getaways. While South India topped the list of the most hospitable regions in India, Himachal Pradesh was also among the top five most hospitable regions in India in 2022.

The friendliest regions in India

Palolem (Goa) Kerala

Agonda (Goa) Goa

Mararikulam (Kerala) Pondicherry

Thekkady (Kerala) Rajasthan

Varkala (Kerala) Himachal Pradesh

The friendliest accommodations in India

One more year, hotels take the top spot in the Traveler Review Awards 2022 as the most awarded property type in India, with 3,644 partners honored for their efforts. Homestays take second place with 1,141 honored properties, followed by resorts, guesthouses and apartments.

Ritu Mehrotra, Regional Director, South Asia at Booking.com, said: “As the dynamics of travel continue to change, it is encouraging to see the love that travelers have shown for destinations recognized by the Traveler Review Awards. 2022 from Booking.com. The travel industry has continued to remain vigilant and flexible in light of travel uncertainty and restrictions, and we recognize our partners’ passion and dedication to creating safe and welcoming travel experiences, enabling travelers to live the beautiful experiences that our world has to offer. travel environment, we look to the future with renewed optimism and hope, and with these awards we recognize the incredible hospitality our partners provide to travelers every day and thank them for their incredible dedication as we continue to rebuild together.”