London has retained its spot at number three in the world list. Photo: PAWorld travellers have judged Istanbul to be the best global destination, according to holiday website TripAdvisor.
Despite the recent unrest in Turkey, its capital – which is famously on a different continent to the rest of the country – jumped up 11 places from the 2013 rankings to claim top spot.
Rome and London also made into the top three, with Italy’s main city rising from fourth place last year and the UK capital keeping hold of its number three position.
Europe and Asia dominated the top 10, with Beijing in fourth in the world list, followed by Prague.
Marrakech, in Morrocco, was Africa’s sole contender in sixth place, and the highest an American destination reached was New York City, which tumbled 10 places from last year to be ranked 12th. In consolation, it was still considered the best destination in the US.
Seventh in the world list was city of romance Paris, with Hanoi eighth, Siem Reap in Cambodia ninth and Shangai in 10th place.
TripAdvisor spokesman James Kay said: “These awards are based on millions of reviews and ratings by those that really matter – travellers themselves.”
Winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for hotels, attractions and restaurants in destinations worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period.
Sadly, Malta did not make it into the top 25 rankings, but TripAdvisor users ranked the Radisson Blu Golden Sands in Għajn Tuffieħa as the best hotel on the island, followed by the Hilton and the Westin Dragonara in St Julian’s in second and third place.