Tripadvisor’s Latest 2025 Awards: Discover the Top Attractions and Unforgettable Experiences Around the World

Tripadvisor has unveiled its highly anticipated 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards, highlighting the top attractions and unforgettable experiences that have captivated travelers worldwide. The list is based on millions of user reviews, shedding light on the most visited, cherished, and awe-inspiring destinations. These winners are a reflection of global wanderlust and a testament to the places that truly offer something special.

From the architectural marvels of Europe to the majestic beauty of Asia and North America, the 2025 awards highlight the top landmarks, experiences, and cultural journeys that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

Europe’s Dominance: Sagrada Familia Leads the Charge

Europe continues to reign supreme in the 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards for attractions. Taking the top spot this year is Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia, surpassing Paris’ Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum in terms of popularity. The Sagrada Familia, designed by Antoni Gaudí, remains one of the most iconic structures in the world, drawing millions of visitors eager to admire its grandeur.

Alongside the Sagrada Familia, Amsterdam’s Anne Frank House and Milan’s Duomo di Milano also made it to the top 10 list, showcasing Europe’s historical and cultural richness. Seville’s Plaza de España is another standout, making it to the top of the rankings for its beauty and historical significance.

Europe’s attractions are celebrated not only for their historical importance but also for their architectural splendor, offering travelers a chance to connect with the rich cultural fabric of the continent.

Asia Shines with Angkor Wat and The Great Wall of China

Asia didn’t fall behind in this year’s rankings, with the Angkor Wat temple complex in Siem Reap, Cambodia, earning a top spot. The sprawling Hindu-Buddhist site remains one of the most visited religious monuments globally, thanks to its awe-inspiring size and intricate beauty.

In addition, the Mutianyu Great Wall in Beijing, China, impressed travelers, securing a place in the top 10. The Great Wall’s historical significance and breathtaking views make it a must-visit for those seeking a connection to China’s past.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center in Abu Dhabi also made waves with its exquisite architecture and cultural richness, rounding out the impressive offerings from the Middle East.

New York City Leads the Way in U.S. Attractions

New York City had an outstanding showing in the 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards. The Empire State Building, an iconic American landmark, took second place globally, while Central Park and the Brooklyn Bridge landed fourth and seventh, respectively. These New York City staples provide a perfect blend of nature, history, and modern architecture that makes NYC a must-see destination.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art also earned ninth place, cementing New York’s status as a world-class destination for art lovers. However, it was the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, which took the top spot in the U.S. and third place globally. This fascinating space center, with over 15,000 five-star reviews, draws millions of visitors eager to explore the history of space exploration.

Top Experiences Around the World: Nature, Culture, and Adventure

The 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards also spotlighted the top experiences worldwide, blending nature, culture, and adventure. Florence, Italy topped the list with the Renaissance & Medici Tales Tour, where travelers can dive into the city’s rich history and art. Following closely was the Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour in Hanoi, Vietnam, offering breathtaking views of the countryside and ancient temples.

Other top experiences include the Blue Cave Small-Group Boat Tour in Dubrovnik, Croatia, and the Chichen Itza Cenote and Tequila Tasting Tour in Cancun, Mexico, which offer unique cultural and historical explorations.

In the U.S., experiences like the History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour in Salem, Massachusetts, and New York’s Secret Food Tour of Chinatown and Little Italy continue to capture travelers’ imaginations, providing rich cultural explorations and authentic local experiences.

Bucket List Experiences: Hot Air Balloons and More

For those looking to tick off bucket list experiences, Cappadocia, Turkey’s hot air balloon rides top the global rankings, offering an unparalleled view of the region’s stunning landscapes. This experience is a dream come true for many, combining adventure with natural beauty.

In the U.S., the Miami Private Boat Tour offers an intimate experience with Florida’s scenic coastline, while the Honolulu Xtreme Parasail lets adventurers soar above the beautiful Hawaiian waters.

The Best Cultural and Historic Tours in the U.S. and Globally

Top-rated cultural and historic tours in the U.S. include Chicago’s Architecture Center River Cruise, a must for those interested in the city’s rich architectural history. The 9/11 Memorial Tour in New York continues to resonate with visitors, offering a reflective journey through one of the most significant moments in modern history.

Globally, Salem’s Haunted Walking Tour brings to life the eerie past of the Salem Witch Trials, offering an unforgettable exploration of one of America’s most haunted towns.

Conclusion: The Best Global Attractions and Experiences for 2025

The 2025 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards provide an exciting roadmap for travelers looking to explore the best of the world’s attractions and experiences. From Europe’s timeless wonders to Asia’s spiritual landmarks, U.S. cultural icons, and bucket list adventures, the list showcases the diversity and richness of global travel opportunities.

Whether you’re seeking history, adventure, or unique cultural insights, the 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards is the perfect guide for your next journey, helping you uncover the world’s most unforgettable destinations and activities.

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Japan Smashes Tourism Records in 2025, Surpassing 39 Million Visitors, With Growth from South Korea, Taiwan, the U.S., and China – Here’s Why Japan’s Tourism Surge is Far from Over!

Japan’s tourism industry continues to defy expectations, surpassing its previous annual visitor record by November 2025. According to official data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA), the nation has already welcomed a total of 39.07 million international visitors by the end of November 2025, exceeding the 36.87 million recorded for all of 2024. This performance marks a significant achievement, with Japan’s tourism sector on track to reach new milestones despite ongoing diplomatic tensions with China.

Key Performance Stats: Record-Breaking Growth from Key Markets

Japan’s tourism boom is largely driven by substantial growth from several key markets, notably South Korea, Taiwan, the United States, and China. While the overall growth continues to break records, the diplomatic rift between Japan and China, stemming from remarks made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan in late 2024, has slowed the pace of Chinese arrivals. Nonetheless, Japan has managed to offset this slowdown with impressive gains from other international markets.

November 2025 proved to be a milestone month for Japan’s tourism, with 3.52 million visitors arriving that month alone, marking a 10.4% increase year-on-year. This growth trajectory demonstrates Japan’s resilience, driven by a diversified international visitor base.

Key Metrics	2024 (Full Year)	2025 (Jan–Nov)	Key Insights
Total Visitors	36.87 Million	39.07 Million	New record achieved in November 2025
Chinese Visitors	~6.5 Million	8.77 Million	Despite slow growth, China remains #1 market
Spending	8.14 Trillion Yen	On Track for Record High	Projections for 2025 exceed 2024’s spending

Diplomatic Rift with China: Slower Growth but Resilience

The diplomatic friction with China, particularly after the travel warning issued by Beijing in response to Japan’s political stance on Taiwan, resulted in a noticeable slowdown in Chinese arrivals. While China still accounted for the largest portion of visitors in 2025, with 8.77 million visitors by November, growth slowed dramatically from 22.8% in October to just 3.0% in November. November saw 562,600 visitors from China, a significant drop from earlier months, signaling the impact of political tensions on tourism patterns.

Despite these challenges, Japan has successfully mitigated the impact by attracting tourists from other markets. South Korea, Taiwan, and the United States emerged as strong contributors to Japan’s record-breaking performance in November, with all three markets surpassing previous records.

Resilient Growth from South Korea, Taiwan, and the U.S.

Among the countries showing significant growth, South Korea led the way in November with 824,500 visitors, marking a 10% increase from the previous year. Taiwan also saw a solid 11.1% growth, with 542,400 visitors, driven largely by the autumn foliage season, one of the region’s prime tourist attractions. The United States contributed significantly to the total numbers, joining the ranks of the record-setters in Japan’s tourism sector.

Market	November 2025 Visitor Arrivals	YoY Growth	Key Insight
South Korea	824,500	+10%	Remains top source market, significant growth
Taiwan	542,400	+11.1%	Strong autumn tourism season
United States	(Record Confirmed)	+High Growth	Fueled by weak yen and regional interest

The Impact of Currency Depreciation and Regional Tourism

One of the key strategies driving Japan’s tourism growth has been the depreciation of the yen, which has made travel to Japan more affordable for international visitors. This shift has been particularly advantageous for visitors from countries like South Korea, Taiwan, and the United States. In addition, Japan’s government has focused on promoting regional tourism to alleviate congestion in Tokyo and Kyoto, areas that have traditionally drawn the largest numbers of tourists.

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has launched various regional campaigns, such as the Hokuriku campaign, to spread tourism across less-visited areas. This initiative has helped ensure that the benefits of tourism are distributed more evenly, allowing for sustainable growth in local economies.

Chinese and Hong Kong Visitors: The Slowdown

While China remains Japan’s largest source market by a wide margin, Hong Kong witnessed a notable downturn in visitor numbers, with a -8.6% decline, amounting to 207,600 visitors in November. This decline is directly tied to the diplomatic rift between Japan and China, as tensions have led to a broader cooling of cross-border exchanges between Japan and Hong Kong.

Despite this, China’s cumulative total of 8.77 million visitors remains a major contributor to Japan’s tourism economy, accounting for approximately 22% of the total arrivals.

Market	November 2025 Visitor Arrivals	YoY Growth	Key Insight
China	562,600	+3.0%	Largest source but growth slowed significantly
Hong Kong	207,600	-8.6%	Decline due to diplomatic tensions

Future Outlook: Continued Growth in 2026

Looking ahead, Japan’s tourism industry is projected to continue its strong growth trajectory in 2026, with the government targeting 40 million visitors by the end of the year. The nation is also focusing on expanding its appeal to luxury travelers and diversifying the range of markets to mitigate the impact of any potential geopolitical tensions.

Japan’s ability to maintain growth despite the slowdown in Chinese tourism underscores the country’s resilience and its capacity to adapt to changing global circumstances. As the yen remains weak and regional tourism campaigns continue to gain traction, Japan is poised for further tourism success in the coming years.

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Macao Elevates Its Global Tourism Reputation as GTEF 2025 Shines a Spotlight on Heilongjiang’s Winter Economy and Cultural Empowerment

Macao’s international profile received a substantial boost as it hosted the 11th edition of the Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) in Heilongjiang, China, in December 2025. This landmark event, held outside Macao for the first time, marked an important milestone for the city, positioning it as a major international tourism hub. Bringing together global leaders, industry experts, and tourism professionals, the Forum not only underscored the significance of tourism as a key economic driver but also highlighted Macao’s evolving role as a world centre of tourism and leisure. This collaboration aimed to explore innovative solutions and cooperation opportunities within the global tourism industry, with an emphasis on sustainable development and cross-border collaboration.

The Global Tourism Economy Forum: A Historic Milestone for Macao and Heilongjiang

Held in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, this year’s Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) was a groundbreaking event that transcended the boundaries of its traditional host city, Macao. The Forum attracted over 1,000 delegates, including cultural tourism officials, renowned entrepreneurs, and scholars from both China and various international destinations. The event was an opportunity to delve into key discussions surrounding the tourism economy, marking a turning point in how Macao can influence global tourism development.

Why Heilongjiang and Macao? The Strategic Partnership in Tourism

Heilongjiang, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, has become an increasingly important player in China’s tourism landscape. This year’s event highlighted the growing ties between Heilongjiang and Macao, especially in terms of economic cooperation and tourism collaboration. Here’s why this partnership is set to enhance the tourism experience for both regions:

• Diverse Resources: Heilongjiang’s vast landscapes, rich in winter tourism opportunities, and Macao’s world-renowned entertainment and cultural offerings complement each other perfectly, creating opportunities for new types of tourism experiences.
• Economic Cooperation: The two regions have signed several cooperative agreements and memorandums of understanding, strengthening their economic, trade, cultural, and tourism ties.
• Strategic Development: Macao’s “One Centre, One Platform, One Base” development strategy focuses on diversifying its industries and boosting sustainable tourism, while Heilongjiang is keen on exploring the tourism potential of its unique landscape, including its ice-snow economy and winter tourism.

Thematic Discussions at the Forum: Paving the Way for Future Growth

The Forum’s discussions were based on four main pillars that reflect both Heilongjiang’s and Macao’s aspirations for sustainable and innovative tourism development. These pillars are:

1. Ice-Snow Economy & Industrial Innovation
   Heilongjiang is emerging as a premier destination for winter sports and cold-weather tourism, attracting global attention with its ski resorts, snow festivals, and scenic winter landscapes. The Forum explored how these resources can be developed and marketed to attract more international visitors, enhancing the region’s profile as a winter tourism hub.
2. Cultural Empowerment & Brand Building
   Macao, known for its fusion of Portuguese and Chinese cultures, is positioning itself as a cultural tourism leader. The Forum discussed how both regions can empower their local cultures and brand their tourism offerings to appeal to diverse international markets.
3. Investment Leadership & Project Development
   Tourism investments and infrastructure development were key topics, focusing on how both regions can collaborate on large-scale tourism projects. Macao’s luxury resorts, integrated entertainment complexes, and cultural destinations have seen continuous investment, while Heilongjiang is keen to expand its tourism infrastructure to cater to a growing number of tourists.
4. Cross-Border Collaboration & Cooperation Opportunities
   The Forum emphasized the importance of cross-border tourism cooperation between regions like Macao and Heilongjiang, and how shared initiatives can create a more cohesive tourism offering. Joint marketing efforts, shared cultural events, and combined tourism packages were identified as key strategies for fostering deeper engagement and collaboration.

Macao’s Commitment to Sustainable Tourism

One of the most significant outcomes of the Global Tourism Economy Forum was Macao’s reinforced commitment to sustainable tourism. As the region moves forward with its “1+4” development strategy, it is becoming increasingly important for Macao to integrate sustainability into its tourism infrastructure. This commitment was underscored during the “Macao Session” at the Forum, where leaders discussed how to manage tourism growth responsibly.

Key highlights of Macao’s sustainable tourism approach include:

• Eco-friendly Resorts: Encouraging the development of eco-conscious resorts that minimize environmental impact while offering luxurious travel experiences.
• Green Tourism: Promoting green practices across the tourism sector, including sustainable transportation, waste management, and renewable energy usage in hotels and attractions.
• Cultural Sustainability: Ensuring that tourism growth does not harm the cultural heritage of the region, but rather enhances its value through thoughtful preservation and innovation.

The Role of Technology in Tourism Development

Technology was another focal point at the Forum, with discussions on how digital tools and innovations are transforming the tourism industry. From virtual reality (VR) experiences to smart tourism apps and data-driven insights, technology has become an integral part of the tourism experience in both Macao and Heilongjiang.

• Smart Tourism: Macao is embracing smart tourism initiatives, including digital ticketing systems, augmented reality tours, and AI-powered customer service, to enhance the visitor experience.
• Innovation in Hospitality: With the rise of digital platforms, Heilongjiang and Macao are looking at ways to integrate tech solutions in their hospitality and service industries to streamline operations and create more personalized experiences for travelers.

Macao’s Expanding Role in the Global Tourism Arena

Since its inception in 2012, the GTEF has established Macao as an influential player in the international tourism sector. The Forum’s success in Heilongjiang only adds to Macao’s growing reputation as a global centre for tourism innovation and exchange.

• Tourism Investment: Through the Forum’s initiatives, Macao is poised to attract more foreign investment in its tourism and leisure sectors, especially in the fields of entertainment, cultural heritage, and sustainable travel.
• International Recognition: By hosting such high-profile global events, Macao is reinforcing its position on the world stage, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of global tourism discussions.
• Future Prospects: The success of GTEF 2025 in Heilongjiang is expected to pave the way for future collaborations between Macao, Heilongjiang, and other international tourism destinations. The emphasis on cross-border cooperation, sustainable tourism practices, and cultural exchange will continue to shape the future of tourism in both regions.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Macao and Heilongjiang’s Tourism Development

The Global Tourism Economy Forum 2025 has undoubtedly elevated the global tourism landscape, particularly for Macao and Heilongjiang. As the tourism industry continues to evolve, both regions are well-positioned to lead the way in sustainable development, cultural exchange, and cross-border collaboration. By fostering closer ties with international markets, embracing technological innovations, and committing to sustainability, Macao and Heilongjiang are setting the stage for a new era in global tourism.

As both regions look toward the future, the discussions held at GTEF 2025 will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the global tourism economy in the years to come. With a focus on innovation, investment, and sustainable growth, the Forum has laid the foundation for continued cooperation, growth, and transformation in the global tourism industry.

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