This year, nearly 10,000 travel partners in Canada have been recognized with a Traveller Review Award from online travel agency Booking.com – an increase of 24% award recipients over the last two years. Foremost among them is Newfoundland & Labrador, which scored as the second “most welcoming” region in the world.
The annual awards, which celebrate Booking.com partners who consistently deliver standout hospitality across every corner of the globe. were powered by more than 370 million verified reviews from travellers across the world.
“From welcoming hosts who go above and beyond for guest stays to expert taxi drivers sharing ‘local-only’ tips, these personal touches can make a trip truly special for travellers,” said James Waters, Chief Business Officer at Booking.com. “The Traveller Review Awards continue to shine a well-deserved spotlight on our partners who help create lifelong memories for travellers. It’s one of our ways of saying ‘thank you’ from all of us at Booking.com and the hundreds of millions of travellers around the world.”
2026’s Most Welcoming Places on Earth
Booking.com research has found that nearly half of Canadian travellers (43%) say that places with friendly locals are a big attractor when deciding where to go. Determined by the share of accommodation partners receiving a Traveller Review Award in 2026, this year’s Most Welcoming Places on Earth highlights destinations where the guest experience feels personal, authentic, and genuinely cared for.
Home to the world’s largest population of humpback whales, five UNESCO designated sites, and famously warm, affable residents, Newfoundland and Labrador makes its debut on the list:
- Hidalgo, Mexico
- Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Navarra, Spain
- Idaho, United States
- Himachal Pradesh, India
- Sachsen, Germany
- Phang Nga, Thailand
- Overijssel, Netherlands
- Epirus, Greece
- Chiriquí, Panamá
Canada’s most welcoming places 2026
From Niagara on the Lake’s wineries and theatre productions to one of the world’s longest naturally frozen skating trails in Winnipeg, these Canadian destinations “offer hospitality that leaves a lasting impression with thoughtful touches, warm interactions, and accommodation hosts who go the extra mile, helping to make a trip truly memorable”:
- Canmore, Alta.
- Revelstoke, BC
- Winnipeg
- Moncton, N.B.
- St. John’s, Nfld.
- Halifax
- Niagara on the Lake, Ont.
- Lac-Superieur, Que.
Hospitality
At a time when travellers are seeking authenticity more than ever, the Traveller Review Awards shine a light on the Booking.com partners who consistently deliver memorable and trustworthy hospitality, and accommodations continue to take center stage. In Canada, apartments remain the most awarded accommodation type for the third year in a row, with hotels a close second, followed by holiday homes, B&Bs, and chalets rounding out the top five.
Canadian rental car companies claimed the 12th highest volume of recognized providers. Rental car partners receiving an award increased by 49% globally from 2025, underscoring the expanding role of transport in ensuring seamless in-trip journeys and exceptional service at every stage of a traveller’s trip.
If you enjoyed or found this story useful, we’d appreciate if you would forward it to a colleague or friend who may also enjoy it. If, on the other hand, a friend shared it with you, welcome! You can get all the latest travel news and reviews from Travel Industry by simply clicking HERE.