Marrakech named world’s best destination for 2015
Marrakech has been rated the world’s best destination for the first time.
Marrakech has topped TripAdvisor’s annual Travelers’ Choice Awards for best destination 2015. Known as the “Jewel of the Desert,” the bustling city climbed five places to claim bragging rights to the top spot.
TOP 10 RISING TRAVEL DESTINATIONS FOR 2015
Award winners are determined using an algorithm that takes into account the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for hotels, restaurants, and attractions in destinations worldwide over a 12-month period.
Alongside the cacophony of the city’s souks, the Medina teleports visitors to the Middle Ages with its cobblestone streets, ramparts, alleys and courtyards, while the Jardin Majorelle serves as a mid-city respite.
After Marrakech, TripAdvisor users were most enamored with Siem Reap, Cambodia, and Istanbul, Turkey, which round out the top three spots.
Other notable movers on the list include Cape Town, Africa, which leapfrogged nine places to crack the top 10 list, as well as Siem Reap, which jumped seven spots to take second place.
This year, TripAdvisor has also compiled travel and shopping guides for top-ranked destinations along with hotel suggestions.
The most popular, top-scoring hotel for Marrakech is the Riad Noir d’Ivoire, a boutique hotel hidden within the Medina, decorated in sumptuous Middle Eastern colors and fabrics.
Top 10 destinations for 2015
1. Marrakech, Morocco
2. Siem Reap, Cambodia
3. Istanbul, Turkey
4. Hanoi, Vietnam
5. Prague, Czech Republic
6. London, England
7. Rome, Italy
8. Buenos Aires, Argentina
9. Paris, France
10. Cape Town, South Africa