Hobart recognised among one of the World's Best Cities by Travel + Leisure

12 July 2023

Hobart has been voted the Best City in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific in Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2023. Hobart was also voted in the top 25 of readers’ favourite cities in the world.

Travel + Leisure is one of the USA's biggest travel media platforms, with an affluent audience of 9.9 million. Hundreds of thousands of Travel + Leisure readers shared their thoughts on cities across the world, rating them on their sights and landmarks, culture, cuisine, friendliness, shopping, and overall value.

Sarah Clark, CEO, Tourism Tasmania says: “We are thrilled to receive this prestigious award naming Hobart as one of the best cities in the world. It’s a big win for Australia’s island state and indicates a strong interest in Tasmania from North American travellers. From the incredible views atop kunanyi / Mount Wellington down to the deepest natural port in Australia — with world-class, food, beverage, arts and culture scene in between — this award for Hobart recognises the very best Tasmania has to offer.”

“With Air New Zealand’s direct Auckland – Hobart flights providing seamless connections from the USA, we look forward to welcoming more North American travellers to Tasmania.”

Alex Heroys, CEO, Destination Southern Tasmania says it is overdue recognition for Hobart: “Nestled at the base of kunanyi, nipaluna / Hobart presents a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness and urban sophistication. The city's stunning locale, combined with its outstanding hospitality, gastronomy, accommodation and accessibility to world-class wilderness, were instrumental factors in its recognition as the ultimate travel destination. At the core of nipaluna / Hobart's success, however, is its welcoming community. The people of this incredible town, known for their friendliness and warmth, play a crucial role in creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors from around the globe.”

This year, Hobart surpassed Sydney to claim the number-one spot in the awards. In 2022, Hobart moved from number four to number two in the best cities category, highlighting the growing strength in offerings and appeal for visitors to the island state capital.

"For 28 years, Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards have served as a reliable resource and guide for remarkable destinations and exceptional experiences," said Jacqui Gifford, Editor in Chief of Travel + Leisure. "This year's awards reflect the ever-evolving landscape of travel, with new categories and new winners capturing the changing preferences of modern travellers. We hope this list will inspire our audience to embrace the transformative power of travel."

Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards are an essential, trusted source for inspiration and guidance as travellers make plans to set out on trips around the globe. The Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards are a leading barometer of the places and companies that satisfy some of the most passionate and discerning travellers out there now.

Tasmania has been a regular feature in Travel + Leisure magazine - the largest travel media brand in the United States. In 2022, Travel + Leisure included The Tasman on its global Best New Hotels List – only one of two hotels in Australia that made the list.

The World's Best Awards will be featured in the August 2023 issue available on newsstands in the US on 21 July 2023.

Visit Travel + Leisure for more information.