Greece has solidified its standing as a premier global travel destination, joining the ranks of the United States, Mexico, Canada, Germany, and Thailand in receiving accolades for exceptional hospitality at the 2026 Traveller Review Awards. This significant recognition underscores Greece’s unwavering dedication to delivering outstanding service and creating memorable experiences for international visitors, further enhancing its reputation on the world tourism stage.
Epirus and Beyond: Greek Hospitality Celebrated
The region of Epirus has been distinguished as the ninth most hospitable destination globally in the 2026 Traveller Review Awards. This accolade highlights the area’s authentic charm, high-quality accommodations, and the genuine warmth of its residents. The success of Epirus signals the growing appeal of Greece’s less-traveled, yet equally captivating, regions, complementing the allure of its more famous islands and cities. Complementing Epirus, other Greek locales such as Chania, Skopelos, Karpathos, and Lasithi have also garnered recognition, collectively showcasing the broad and diverse appeal of Greece to travelers worldwide.
Record-Breaking Performance for Greek Accommodations
The Greek accommodation sector achieved remarkable results in the 2026 Traveller Review Awards, with an impressive 71,230 properties earning a coveted Traveller Review Award. These awards are meticulously based on over 6.35 million verified guest reviews, yielding an average rating of 9.3 for Greek properties – a score that ties with Croatia for the highest globally. This outstanding achievement is a testament to Greece’s consistent excellence in hospitality, with its accommodations continually exceeding guest expectations. The strong performance reflects the commitment of Greek hoteliers and service providers to upholding elevated standards, ensuring exceptional experiences for visitors.
The Traveller Review Awards: A Global Benchmark for Hospitality
Now in its 14th year, the Traveller Review Awards stand as one of the most influential recognitions in the global hospitality industry. The awards are informed by more than 370 million verified guest reviews collected internationally. In 2026, Booking.com recognized a record 1.81 million travel partners across 221 countries and territories, including 1,817,848 accommodation providers. This extensive global scope emphasizes the critical role of guest feedback and the increasing traveler demand for authentic, high-quality experiences.
The awards celebrate destinations and providers that prioritize creating welcoming, warm, and authentic guest experiences. Globally, Hidalgo in Mexico claimed the top spot for hospitality, followed by Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada. Other notable destinations include Navarra (Spain), Idaho (USA), Himachal Pradesh (India), Sachsen (Germany), Phang Nga (Thailand), Overijssel (Netherlands), and Chiriquí (Panama). Greece’s Epirus region was acknowledged among these celebrated global destinations.
Greece’s Ascending Position in Global Tourism
While Italy continues its nine-year streak as the leading country for hospitality awards with 214,666 partners, followed by France, Spain, Germany, and the United Kingdom, Greece has secured the ninth position globally. This ranking, ahead of Croatia, signifies Greece’s growing influence in the international tourism landscape, underpinned by a robust tourism infrastructure and a deep-seated commitment to exceptional service.
Evolving Accommodation Trends
The awards also shed light on evolving accommodation trends. Apartments have once again led the pack as the most awarded accommodation type for the ninth consecutive year, with 901,481 awards. Vacation rentals followed with 287,464 awards, and hotels with 197,658. The sustained popularity of apartments and vacation rentals points to a growing traveler preference for more personalized and authentic lodging options.
Notably, campsites and villas experienced the strongest growth in award-winning properties in 2026, both showing a 15% increase, indicating a rising interest in unique, nature-focused travel experiences. Traditional Japanese ryokans also saw a 13% rise, reflecting the demand for cultural immersion.
Sustainability and Authenticity Drive Future Travel
The Traveller Review Awards reflect a significant shift in traveler preferences towards sustainable tourism and responsible travel. More visitors are actively seeking destinations and accommodations that prioritize environmental consciousness, local culture, and genuine experiences. As travelers become more aware of their impact, destinations like Greece, with its natural beauty, rich heritage, and exceptional service, are well-positioned to meet these evolving demands.
Greece’s consistent success in the Traveller Review Awards highlights its enduring ability to attract travelers seeking exceptional experiences, whether on its famous islands or in lesser-explored areas like Epirus, Skopelos, and Karpathos. The country’s diverse offerings ensure appeal to a wide range of travelers.
Looking forward, Greece’s tourism sector is poised for continued growth, driven by an increasing focus on sustainable practices, authentic local engagement, and a steadfast commitment to high hospitality standards. The nation’s strong performance in the 2026 Traveller Review Awards affirms the effectiveness of its tourism strategies and the dedication of its service providers in crafting lasting memories for visitors.
