South Australia has earned a spot on the prestigious list of Top 10 Most Welcoming Regions on Earth in Booking.com’s annual Traveller Review Awards for 2025. This recognition is based on over 360 million verified reviews from travellers worldwide, showcasing regions and destinations that consistently provide outstanding hospitality and service.
The award positions South Australia as a must-visit destination for global travellers, ranking alongside famous locations such as Osijek-Baranja in Croatia, Misiones in Argentina, and Bretagne in France. It’s a huge win for the state, spotlighting its reputation for warmth and welcoming service.
In another win for SA, Port Lincoln on the Eyre Peninsula has been named one of the Top 10 Most Welcoming Cities in Australia. Known for its stunning landscapes, fresh seafood, and unique wildlife, Port Lincoln continues to charm visitors.
This global recognition is just the latest in a string of awards promoting South Australia as a top travel destination. Other recent honours include:
- Murray River named one of National Geographic’s 25 Best Places to Travel in 2025
- Adelaide topping The Times (UK) list of the best places for affordable winter sun
- Adelaide listed as one of Architectural Digest’s 20 Most Beautiful Cities in the World
- Adelaide ranked as Australia’s coolest city by The Wall Street Journal
- Kangaroo Island ranked #2 in Lonely Planet’s 2024 Top Regions Hotlist
These recognitions, along with South Australia’s packed international events calendar, continue to draw attention to the state’s world-class tourism offerings. The spotlight on South Australia is set to continue with a host of international events scheduled for 2025. These include:
- LIV Golf Adelaide (Feb 14-16), returning with a new family-friendly summer format.
- Adelaide Fringe and WOMADelaide – two of the most popular arts festivals in the world.
- The AFL Gather Round, which brings the excitement of Australian Rules Football to the state.
- The British & Irish Lions rugby match at Adelaide Oval in July.
“Our outstanding hospitality and customer service has been enjoyed by the thousands of spectators and athletes here for the 25th anniversary of the Santos Tour Down Under, which celebrated in style across the state this month,” Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison, said.
“What the international cycling event does for our State goes beyond the millions of dollars injected into our economy, it gets South Australia in front of potential visitors all around the world, beaming images of our stunning coastlines, vibrant vineyards, and boutique city.
“The elite events keep coming, with LIV Golf Adelaide coming up in it’s new summer timeslot, followed by our renowned festival season, the third AFL Gather Round, and the historic British & Irish Lions match at Adelaide Oval in July.”
With its combination of incredible events, welcoming service, and beautiful scenery, South Australia is more than ever a must-visit destination for travellers around the world.
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