Noosa Heads is one of the Top 10 Most Welcoming Towns on Earth, and the only Australian destination to make a global list, according to the 14th annual Traveller Review Awards by Booking.com.
The recognition places Noosa alongside leading destinations around the world and celebrates the exceptional hospitality delivered by local accommodation providers, tourism operators and the wider business and local community.
Based on more than 370 million verified customer reviews, the Traveller Review Awards recognise travel partners who consistently deliver outstanding guest experiences.
Tourism Noosa CEO Sharon Raguse said the recognition reflects Noosa’s long-standing commitment to welcoming visitors in a way that aligns with community values and environmental stewardship.
“Noosa has a long history of embracing its visitors and sharing exceptional hospitality, and to be recognised on a global stage as one of the world’s most welcoming destinations is incredibly rewarding.
“This acknowledgement is something we can all be proud of. It belongs to our local community, our local tourism industry and business operators – from accommodation hosts and tour operators to retailers and hospitality staff, who consistently go above and beyond to ensure visitors feel genuinely welcome while respecting what makes Noosa so special.”
Raguse said this result reinforces Noosa’s positioning as a premium global destination that values connection, care and authentic experiences.
“Visitors are drawn to Noosa not just for its natural beauty, but for the warmth of our people and the pride our community takes in sharing this place responsibly.”
The Booking.com accolade noted that the Awards “highlight destinations where the guest experience feels personal, authentic, and genuinely cared for”.
“Noosa has long been celebrated for its relaxed coastal lifestyle, pristine National Parks, and thriving boutique and restaurant scene – qualities that appeal to both local and global travellers. Its appearance on the 2026 list reflects the dedication of local hosts, operators and businesses who continually deliver the warm and welcoming atmosphere the town is known for.”
Raguse said the Noosa Visitor Information Centre in Hastings Street, which Tourism Noosa operates with a team of 70 volunteer Noosa ambassadors, along with bookings specialists, was a perfect example of Noosa’s welcoming nature.
“The 2026 Traveller Review Awards celebrate our Australian partners who consistently go above and beyond to deliver warm, thoughtful and memorable experiences,” Booking.com Oceania’s Regional Manager, Todd Lacey, said.
“We’re incredibly proud to see Noosa Heads recognised as one of the world’s most welcoming cities this year, alongside the record number of Australian partners being acknowledged.”
Who won what…
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. From laid-back beach communities in Australia to historic hilltop towns in Italy and coastal cities in Taiwan, these destinations offer hospitality that leaves a lasting impression with thoughtful touches, warm interactions, and hosts who go the extra mile, helping to make a trip truly memorable.
Between the golden beaches and lush hinterland of the Sunshine Coast, Noosa has long been celebrated for its relaxed coastal lifestyle, pristine National Parks, and thriving boutique and restaurant scene – qualities that appeal to both local and global travellers. Its appearance on the 2026 list reflects the dedication of local hosts, operators, and businesses who continually deliver the warm and welcoming atmosphere the town is known for.
2026’s Most Welcoming Cities on Earth
- Noosa Heads, Australia
- Montepulciano, Italy
- Magong, Taiwan
- San Martín de los Andes, Argentina
- Harrogate, United Kingdom
- Fredericksburg, Texas, United States
- Pirenópolis, Brazil
- Swakopmund, Namibia
- Takayama, Japan
- Klaipeda, Lithuania
2026’s Most Welcoming Cities in Australia
- Noosa Heads, Queensland
- Montville, Queensland
- Margaret River Town, Western Australia
- Port Campbell, Victoria
- Maleny, Queensland
- Port Lincoln, South Australia
- Bicheno, Tasmania
- Ocean Grove, Victoria
- Daylesford, Victoria
- St Helens, Tasmania
