Let’s face it, in the age of modern travel guides, TripAdvisor is the go-to. No longer are the only reviews on offer in the form of a beaten-up paperback travel guide written by one company. We are in the digital age where anyone can be a critic. Travellers want to rave about a great travel experience or moan about a terrible one. They want their opinions heard.
Starting as a place for travellers to leave reviews on hotels, attractions or restaurants in cities all over the world, TripAdvisor as a brand has exploded, and now has the super-popular annual Travellers’ Choice Awards. Based on the experiences and overall impressions millions of tourists have gathered as they pass through their destinations of choice, the accolades have a lot of clout in the online travel-sphere. They can also lead to a tourism boom in whichever country takes the cake – which is pretty important for many country’s revenues.
Recently, TripAdvisor counted down the top ten destinations to visit in Australia – so who came out on top? Drum roll please….
The winner is SYDNEY!
Yes, the Harbour City, chock-full of eye-catching landmarks recognisable all over the world, was awarded gold in the Olympics of travel review websites.
Considering rival city Melbourne has long been voted ‘The World’s Most Liveable City’, Sydney was due some credit of its own – and the travellers hitting Australian shores each year have voted.
So why did this great city take out the big prize? The reasons are vast and eclectic. From the beaches that draw bikini babes and surfers from all over, the hip vibe of this culturally diverse suburbs, the terrific shopping options at the Rocks and within the bustling city centre, and the vast number of adventure activities on offer were just some of the reasons given by travellers voting for their favourite Aussie city.
Tourists also voted Sydney’s Taronga Park Zoo as a must-see stop-off point for travellers – particularly foreigners – who want to get up close and personal with our native Australian furry friends. Doesn’t every tourist seem to head home with a picture of them cuddling an oh-so-cute koala?
So which cities got pipped at the post for the top spot in The Travellers’ Choice Awards?
Surprisingly, the Gold Coast came in at a close second, followed by Melbourne in third place.
The Queensland coastal city, affectionately referred to as “The Goldie” by locals, has so much to offer travellers (as well as a much more temperate climate than Melbourne), that it’s no wonder it has become so popular.
Melbournians, used to winning many tourism awards, both locally and abroad, must be licking their wounds and planning a surprise comeback in 2017 – but we suspect Sydney wants to hold on to the title for as long as possible.
Pick up your snazzy SIXT car rental from any one of Sydney’s conveniently-located locations including Sydney airport today.
