Western Europe tops TripAdvisor popularity poll
Almost three quarters of those questioned in a TripAdvisor poll say they would prefer to travel to western Europe this year.
The survey of more than 1,800 travellers by the online information and advice site found that 70% were interested in the region.
This contrasts with last year when eastern Europe was the preferred European region.
Of those polled, 62% of travellers said they intended to visit Europe in 2006 with Italy as the top destination, with Rome the most popular city followed by Venice.
Londoners were voted the second most friendliest and helpful locals after Dubliners. American travellers gave Londoners the vote for being the most affable citizens in Europe.
But Athenians and Moscovites were considered among the least friendly and helpful locals in Europe’s major capital cities, the company said
Italy was top choice for food (54%) for best cuisine while England only attracted 3.7% of the vote, coming fifth behind France, Spain and Greece but just ahead of Germany.
TripAdvisor communications director Michele Perry said: “We are seeing a trend shift with travellers now favouring classic popular destinations such as Rome, Venice, Paris and London, while eastern Europe was all the rage in 2005.
“With all of the incredible variety Europe has to offer, it was surprising that the top two cities according to travellers are both in Italy.”
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026