Stunning Scottish region voted the most welcoming place ON EARTH
THE reputation Scots have for being friendly and hospitable is well-known around the world so it’s no surprise that one of the country’s most beautiful areas has been named the Most Welcoming Region in the world.
With spectacular scenery, lime-light grabbing lochs, majestic mountains, lush forests and regal history, the destination has long been a favourite with visitors.
It follows on from last year when gorgeous Kirkwall was voted the UK’s most welcoming town by Booking.com travellers.
The largest town in the Orkney archipelago, its people are renowned for their friendliness and for making sure visitors feel right at home.
Now this year it is Perthshire's turn to take a bow, going one better and stepping into the limelight to take the amazing title of best on earth.
The annual Traveller Review Award 2024 were based more than 309 million verified customer reviews and the list of the ‘Most Welcoming Places on Earth’ showcases a vast range of destinations from across the globe.
Perth and Kinross Council leader Councillor Grant Laing said: “To be recognised as 2024’s most welcoming destinations on earth is a tremendous accolade and shows that hospitality in Perth and Kinross is second to none.
“We live in an area of outstanding natural beauty and welcome visitors from all over the world every year.”
Perthshire has many chocolate box villages like Kinloch Rannoch - one of the prettiest villages in Scotland - and Dunkeld, consistently voted one of the most beautiful places in Scotland and one of the best places to live.
The village is home to Dunkeld Cathedral, one of the finest medieval churches in Scotland. The cathedral dates to 1107 but it stands on a site visited by the saints Mungo and Columba as early as the 7th century.
It’s also home to a beautiful 18th-century bridge built by Thomas Telford over the River Tay and nearby Birnam Oak, the last remaining tree of Birnam Wood, made famous in the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare.
Perthshire also lays claim to being part of the inspiration of Beatrix Potter’s “The Tale of Peter Rabbit”.
When it comes to accommodation visitors are spoilt for choice. Try Tay House in Dunkeld, a self catering establishment with a first class welcome and views of the River Tay, which Booking.com customers rave about.
It has a terrace at the back of the building with river views and the area is popular for hiking and canoeing, and bike hire is available.
For something a bit special then look no further than the 5* Fonab Castle Hotel in Pitlochry. Couples in particular rate it highly for warm and friendly staff.
The area of Penghu in Taiwan was a runner-up to Perthshire, with Boyacá in Colombia, Trentino in Italy fourth and Los Lagos in Chile coming in fifth.
Arjan Dijk, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer for Booking.com said: “The Traveller Review Awards are our way of thanking and publicly acknowledging the top-notch service our partners provide to travellers and the critical role they play in our mission of making it easier for everyone to experience the world. To everyone receiving an award this year, we salute your dedication and passion - we couldn’t do what we do without you!”
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*Destinations were sorted by the total share of Traveller Review Award 2024 recipients when compared to the total amount of eligible properties in that destination or region (accommodation only).
Destinations also had to have an above-average amount of winners to be included on this list (200 award recipients or higher for destinations and regions) and were curated for geographic spread.