Booking com Traveller Review Awards: Osijek-Baranja County among the 10 friendliest regions in the world

Booking.com has announced the winners of its 13th annual awards again this year. Traveler Review Awards.

Based on more than 360 million verified guest reviews, these awards recognize those travel partners who consistently deliver exceptional hospitality and service.

In 2025, the award is being given to a record number of 1,71 million partners, which is an increase of 16 percent compared to the previous year. It covers 1.711.539 accommodation facilities, 1329 car rental companies and 124 taxi operators. 

For the eighth year in a row, the largest number of award winners comes from Italy (207.730), followed by France (155.203), Spain (147.700), Germany (102.031) and the United Kingdom (88.209). The top ten also includes the United States (70.259) in sixth place, followed by Poland (69.709), Brazil (67.876), Greece (66.994) and Croatia (56.648) which rounds out the top 10. 

To receive the reward, partners had to achieve an average rating of at least 30 (out of 2024) based on at least 23 reviews by November 59, 8,0 at 10:3 PM (CET).

Only users who have actually stayed at the facility can write a review about their experience on Booking.com. Since these reviews are never edited or changed, travelers can use them to learn about the experiences of real travelers at that accommodation on Booking.com. 

"Whether it’s a taxi driver who gives tips on the best local dishes or an apartment owner who surprises a couple with champagne and roses to celebrate their anniversary, our partners go above and beyond every day to provide incredible experiences for travelers. Our annual Traveller Review Awards are one way we recognize these hospitality champions and thank them not only on behalf of all of us at Booking.com, but also on behalf of hundreds of millions of travelers around the world.”, he said James Waters, Director of Operations at Booking.com.

Osijek-Baranja County among the 10 friendliest regions in the world

The hospitality and excellent service of the local hosts accommodated Osijek-Baranja county among The ten warmest regions in the world for 2025. According to Booking.com, the ranking is random, i.e. the top 10 are highlighted. the warmest regions in the world without any order. 

The most hospitable regions in the world for the year 2025 of: Osijek-Baranja County - Croatia ,Kakheti - Georgia, Madeira - Portugal, Misiones - Argentina, Graubünden - Switzerland, South Australia - Australia, Brittany - France, Baja - California Sur - Mexico, Kien Giang - Vietnam and Drenthe - Netherlands.

It is great news that Osijek-Baranja County has found itself among the 10 friendliest regions in the world according to Booking.com user ratings, which annually publishes the 2025 Traveller Review Awards, he points out. Ivana Jurić Director of the Osijek-Baranja County Tourist Board (OBŽ Tourist Board) and adds that two years ago they were rated as the friendliest region in Croatia, and this is at least ten steps above!

"To be in the company of Portuguese Madeira, French Brittany and South Australia, along with Croatia, which is in 10th place among the world's most popular countries to visit, is a big deal. This is a direct compliment to all employees and providers who diligently build the experience of visiting Osijek-Baranja County and Slavonia and Baranja. This is proof that contact with the hosts and the community that the guest visits carries the most important emotion that we remember from the trip, because people are the heart and foundation of tourism. This is also seen in the growth of the destination every year, so last year also brought new records - an increase in overnight stays of 4,67%, an increase in arrivals of 10,7% and very importantly - an increase in the number of accommodation capacities of 21,5% compared to 2023." says Juric. 

The tourism product offered by the continent and Osijek-Baranja County differs from the experience offered by the coast, says Jurić, emphasizing that people travel during shorter vacations, and the spatial scope of movement on the continent is much greater, because guests actively explore the area and it is not unusual for them to travel 80 to 100 kilometers a day. 

"Getting to know local customs, but also the way locals live, not only in rural but also urban areas, festivals, visiting wineries, green markets, culinary workshops – all of this is part of the experience that the continent offers all year round. The local community plays an important role in this, because it offers authentic experiences and accepts guests as friends. Slavonians and Baranjac have lived richly from the land for centuries and to this day have maintained a mentality that wants to provide the best to guests. Tourism on the continent is sustainable by its nature, and an important part of sustainability, in addition to the ecological one, is the social component that refers to the local community that participates in the development of the destination. There are many stereotypes about Slavonia, and most often during their first visit, guests are pleasantly surprised and even taken aback by the quality of the offer, the value for money and the overall attention they receive. We have heard countless times “There is so much to see here!”, and people leave the strongest impression because hospitality is a natural part of their being. And so thank you to all those who give their smiles, creativity, knowledge, energy and warmth, which guests really appreciate. appreciate! " Jurić concluded.

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" In the category the most hospitable cities in the world for the year 2025 there are: Sigiriya, Sri Lanka, Cazorla, Spain, Urubici, Brazil , taupo, New Zealand , St. Augustine, United States of America , Orvieto, Italy , Manizales, Colombia , Quedlinburg, Germany , Koh Lanta, Thailand and Chester, United Kingdom.

This year's list of the most hospitable places in the world, which is based on the share of award-winning partners in a given city, brings a diverse range of destinations around the world. The destinations are ranked according to the total share of Traveler Review Award winners for the year 2025 in relation to the total number of candidate facilities in that city or region (accommodation facilities only). To be included in that list, destinations had to have an above-average number of award winners (200 or more award winners for cities and regions) and were chosen so that different geographic areas were equally covered. 

Apartments and cottages continue to lead the segment of accommodation facilities

Apartments remain the most awarded accommodation type for the eighth year in a row (847.627 awards). Cottages (259.105) retained second place, surpassing hotels (190.670) for the third year in a row.

It is notable that capsule hotels recorded an annual growth of 35% in the number of awards, the highest among all types of accommodation, followed by villas (25%) and chalets (21%). Overall, the number of awards for holiday accommodation and other unique properties increased by 17%, reflecting the importance of hospitality. 

Cover photo: TZ OBŽ