Flight Centre reveals the world’s highest-rated destinations

Perth and Brisbane came out on top as the best cities in the world to visit and Portugal as the most preferred country, according to Flight Centre survey of more than 170,000 customers.

The data compared the likelihood of customers to recommend their recent travel destinations as great places to visit.

Perth came out on top with a satisfaction rating of 96 per cent, closely followed by Brisbane and Queenstown at 94 per cent.

Flight Centre global managing director, Andrew Stark, said the findings show a mix of travel preferences across the travel agency’s extensive network of destinations.

“There were some surprising results that go to show it’s not always the traditionally popular destinations that have something special to offer travellers,” Stark said.

“Portugal, renowned for its historic architecture and charming culture, came out on top of the best country list, with the pristine beaches and friendly locals of the Cook Islands a close second.

“Australia performed remarkably well as the third most recommended country, with three of its cities listed in the top ten – Perth, Brisbane, and Melbourne.

“New Zealand was also a favourite with Queenstown and Christchurch claiming two of the spots in the top 10 cities list.”

Acting managing director of tourism WA, Steph Underwood, said it was an amazing result for their capital city.

“Western Australia offers a unique blend of vibrant city life, pristine beach, and otherworldly natural landscapes, making it an unmatched destination for international visitors. Perth, with more than 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, stands as Australia’s sunniest capital city.”

“With all of this on offer, it’s no wonder Perth has scored a rating of 96 per cent in Flight Centre’s travel survey and is recognised by global travellers as the best city in the world to visit. We look forward to welcoming repeat travellers again and again, and for those who haven’t yet discovered our dreamlike state, we encourage them to visit soon.”

Brisbane economic development agency CEO, Anthony Ryan, said the ranking reflected the city’s popularity as a global destination.

“Brisbane’s popularity has soared in recent years, with our sub-tropical climate, world-class lifestyle precincts like Howard Smith Wharves and James Street, booming culinary scene and stunning natural assets, including Tangalooma on Moreton Island, leaving a lasting impression on visitors from across Australia and the world,” Ryan said.

“Brisbane keeps getting better, and our growing global reputation and allure as a must-do destination, signals tremendous growth and economic opportunities for our region, especially as we gear up for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Global traveller preferences

• Country – Portugal 94 per cent
• City – Perth 96 per cent

Australian traveller preferences

• Country – Japan 92 per cent
• City – Queenstown 94 per cent

New Zealand traveller preferences

• Country – Cook Islands 95 per cent
• City – Gold Coast – 96 per cent

South African traveller preferences

• Country – Australia 97 per cent
• City – Perth 98 per cent

Canadian traveller preferences

• Country – Portugal 96 per cent
• City – Lisbon 95 per cent

UK traveller preferences

• Country – Australia 95 per cent
• City – Cape Town 98 per cent