Noosa Heads has been recognised as one of the Top 10 Most Welcoming Towns on Earth, and the only Australian destination to make the global list, in Booking.com's 2026 Traveller Review Awards.
The recognition places Noosa alongside the world's leading destinations and celebrates the exceptional hospitality delivered by our local accommodation providers, tourism operators, and wider business community.
Based on more than 370 million verified customer reviews, the Traveller Review Awards recognise travel partners who consistently deliver outstanding guest experiences year after year.
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," Ms Raguse said.
"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."
Ms Raguse said the 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," she said.
Booking.com noted that the Awards "highlight destinations where the guest experience feels personal, authentic, and genuinely cared for."
Long celebrated for its relaxed coastal lifestyle, pristine National Parks, and thriving boutique and restaurant scene, Noosa's 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.
The Noosa Visitor Information Centre on Hastings Street—operated by Tourism Noosa with a team of 70 volunteer Noosa ambassadors and bookings specialists—is a perfect example of Noosa's welcoming nature.
Bernardine Devereux, one of the centre's longest-serving volunteers, has been helping visitors to Noosa for 25 years.
"I still love welcoming people to Noosa and helping them make the most of their visit," Bernardine said. "Whether it's recommending a favourite walk, a local café or a hidden gem, it's incredibly rewarding to share what makes Noosa so special.
"Meeting visitors from all over the world and helping them create great memories is what keeps me coming back."
The Visitor Information Centre welcomes thousands of visitors from around Australia and the world every month.
Booking.com is a global leader in connecting travellers with incredible places to stay and transport options including flights, car rentals and airport transfers.
The Awards results showed that accommodation continued to take centre stage in traveller reviews, with travellers seeking home-style hospitality and authenticity more than ever.
Booking.com Oceania's Regional Manager, Todd Lacey, said: "The 2026 Traveller Review Awards celebrate our Australian partners who consistently go above and beyond to deliver warm, thoughtful and memorable experiences. 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."
