September 23, 2025, 7:17 pm | Read time: 7 minutes
“And the winner is …” was the phrase for the fourth time at the TRAVELBOOK AWARD, presented by AIDA. Prominent guests from the travel and tourism industry gathered once again this year at the Axel Springer building above the rooftops of Berlin to attend Germany’s most inspiring tourism award ceremony. Here, we showcase the evening’s highlights—and, of course, the shining winners.
During the dinner evening with embassy representatives and prominent guests from the tourism industry, the TRAVELBOOK editorial team selected the best trending travel destinations in the world. This was done with a renewed focus on Europe and the DACH region this year. The evening was hosted, as in previous years, by the well-known TV presenter Chris Wackert (Sat.1).
The TRAVELBOOK AWARD 2025: Exciting Trend Travel Destinations and a New Concept
TRAVELBOOK celebrated the winners and nominees in a total of five categories, focusing on the trend travel destinations for 2026. This year, Germany’s largest online travel magazine took a new approach to determining the winners. The TRAVELBOOK AWARD 2025 was primarily decided by the community.
The TRAVELBOOK followers on Facebook and Instagram named their favorites, while the editorial team and travel experts contributed their expertise. This resulted in a shortlist of the most exciting candidates. Readers then cast their votes to decide which countries, regions, and cities would receive the coveted titles.
Nuno Alves, editor-in-chief of the BOOK Family, is pleased that the new methodology behind the TRAVELBOOK AWARD 2025 gives the readership’s opinion a stronger voice: “TRAVELBOOK has been inspiring millions of people to discover new places for years. With the public voting, our community has literally had its say and helped determine the trending travel destinations for the coming season. The results not only reflect our readers’ knowledge and desires but also provide interesting impulses for the industry.” Yannic Stock, co-editor-in-chief of TRAVELBOOK, is also thrilled by the overwhelming participation: “Almost 150,000 votes were cast across all categories—showing that the travel destinations co-nominated by the community, from Botswana to Bad Wimpfen, struck a chord with the entire TRAVELBOOK readership!”
All categories of the TRAVELBOOK AWARD 2025 at a glance:
- Best Camping Region in Europe
- Best Destination for a Sustainable Safari
- Most Beautiful Old Town in Switzerland
- Most Beautiful Old Town in Austria
- Most Beautiful Old Town in Germany
- Best Hidden Gem Region in Europe
- Most Hospitable Country in the World
The Best Camping Region in Europe Is …
… Auvergne! It entices with a unique volcanic landscape in the heart of France. Over 80 extinct volcanoes are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. With over 400 camp sites—ranging from simple to comfortable—the region is well-prepared for campers. Nature lovers will find lakes, forests, and hiking trails here. From the Puy de Dôme, there is a spectacular view from 1,465 meters. The region also offers much culturally, such as Le Puy-en-Velay with its cathedral and pilgrimage tradition, or historic castles and fortresses. Adventures like kayaking on the wild Allier River or a visit to Vulcania Park provide variety.
The Best Destination for a Sustainable Safari Is …
… the Okavango Delta in Botswana! With its unique landscape—the largest inland delta in the world—it is a protected UNESCO World Heritage site. Numerous endangered species such as rhinos, cheetahs, and African wild dogs live here alongside elephants, hippos, and lions. Tourism is strictly regulated, allowing smaller lodges, camps, and eco-initiatives to preserve the habitat and rely on renewable energy and local resources. Safaris are conducted gently—such as with traditional dugout canoes, guided walks, or, naturally, off-road vehicles—and allow guests to experience wildlife up close without burdening nature. Thus, the delta combines biodiversity, conservation, and authentic safari experiences in an exemplary manner. It is a well-deserved winner in its category.
Mercy Segopodiso Matlho, Deputy Ambassador of Botswana in Germany, said in her acceptance speech after receiving the TRAVELBOOK AWARD: “The award honors all the people in Botswana who keep our heritage alive.” She thanked the people in Germany for supporting sustainability projects in Botswana.
The Best Hidden Gem Region in Europe …
… is the Tatra! The mountain range located in Slovakia and Poland offers an impressive high mountain landscape similar to the Alps, but less crowded and more affordable. Hikers, mountain bikers, and winter sports enthusiasts will find numerous routes here, ski areas like Tatranská Lomnica on the Slovak side, or the picturesque mountain village of Ždiar. Natural highlights such as the rustic Kościeliska Valley in the Polish part or the clear mountain lake landscape make the region particularly appealing. Challenging tours, such as to the highest Slovak peak, Lomnický štít, also attract adventurers. Thanks to good accessibility from Germany, the Tatra is an ideal destination for nature and sports fans seeking an authentic Alpine experience away from the crowds.
“Even though Slovakia is small, and the Tatra is only a small part of it—our hearts are big!” said Lucia Blašková, representing the High Tatra region in Slovakia, in her acceptance speech on the evening of the TRAVELBOOK AWARD.
The Most Beautiful Old Towns in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland …
… are located in Bad Wimpfen, Salzburg, and Lucerne. While the Austrian city of Salzburg, as the birthplace of Mozart, is internationally well-known for its traditional beauty, and Lucerne is perhaps considered the most beautiful city in Switzerland, Bad Wimpfen is particularly a destination that many might still categorize as a “hidden gem.” The small town near Heilbronn is a must-visit for anyone with a penchant for old half-timbered houses and romantic alleys. All three cities are deserving recipients of the TRAVELBOOK AWARD 2025–and are true trend travel destinations for us.
The Most Hospitable Country in the World …
… is Greece! The popular Mediterranean destination is known to be one of the most hospitable countries in the world. TRAVELBOOK editor Katharina Regenthal, who has been traveling to Greece since childhood, is not only impressed by the country but also by its people: “Even as a child, I noticed how warm and kind the Greeks are, especially to the little guests.” In the voting for the TRAVELBOOK AWARD, the destination also managed to prevail against other well-known hospitable countries. It can now celebrate the trophy.
Nicole Lekanidi from the Greek National Tourism Organization said after the award ceremony: “In Greek, we say Filoxenia—the love and friendship for strangers. We speak of true love and genuine interest. Greece is more than beaches, sea, and sun—it’s the people. They show true love, warmth, and zest for life. On a trip to Greece, you can feel this yourself!”
7 Must-Visit Destinations for 2026!
Botswana’s Okavango Delta is the world’s best destination for a sustainable safari
The TRAVELBOOK AWARD 2025 in Pictures
There Were Only Winners!
Even though only the top contenders in each category were awarded at the TRAVELBOOK AWARD 2025, all the nominees of the evening are already winners. They all made it to the shortlist of their categories, which the TRAVELBOOK editorial team compiled based on numerous suggestions from readers and experts—naturally focusing on trending travel destinations.