Saxony named among “most welcoming regions on Earth"

Ever ventured to Saxony? Were people friendly? Booking.com’s 2026 Traveller Review Awards have named the federal state among the 10 most welcoming regions on Earth. 

Saxony is super friendly 

Based on more than 370 million reviews, Booking.com has compiled a list of the most welcoming regions and cities in the world, recognising “exceptional hospitality and service”. 

Put simply, if someone went somewhere and interacted with one of Booking.com’s partners, e.g. a hotel or car leasing company, and left a good review, that review contributed to the place being considered welcoming. The more positive reviews of people whose job it is to welcome people all day long, the more welcoming a place is.

Saxony, not a region but a federal state, known for ginormous Christmas Stollen, the invention of the modern bra, and its high proportion of AfD voters, was named the sixth-most welcoming region on Earth. 

The eastern state was outperformed by Hidalgo in Mexico, Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada, Navarra in Spain, Idaho in the United States and Himachal Pradesh in India in the friendliness race.

Most welcoming city is in Italy

Alongside the “most welcoming regions”, the booking platform created a ranking of the most welcoming cities on Earth in 2026.

Montepulciano in southern Tuscany, known for its wine of the same name, annual barrel rate (Bravio delle botti) which originated in the 14th century and birthplace of the 90s electronic trio Baustelle, took the top spot.

Magong in Thailand, San Martín de los Andes in Argentina, Harrogate in the United Kingdom and Fredericksburg in Texas rounded out the top five.