In the Most Desirable City (World) category, Buenos Aires took the coveted Gold award for the first time. The win marks a significant moment for the Argentine capital, celebrated for its music, café culture and resurgent creative scene.
The Most Desirable City (Europe) Gold award went to İstanbul, which took home the Silver award in 2024. Our readers highlighted its intoxicating blend of history and modernity, from its skyline of domes and minarets to the city’s emerging art and dining scenes.
Dubrovnik moved up to Silver, with the cinematic charm of the city’s Old Town matched by its taking new steps towards sustainable tourism, while Madrid – loved for its museums, nightlife and sense of community – took Bronze.
Dubrovnik was also presented with a Special Award for its initiatives to manage tourism responsibly. The Croatian city, once a symbol of overtourism, has introduced smart visitor management systems, cruise passenger caps and efforts to disperse travellers beyond its medieval core, setting an example for heritage cities worldwide.
George Kipouros added, “Dubrovnik has become a global example of how destinations can evolve from the challenges of overtourism. By embracing smart management, sustainability and community engagement, it’s proving that a city’s heritage and its residents can thrive alongside a healthy tourism economy. This award recognises not just the city’s tourism leadership, but its courage to change.”
Our Most Desirable Emerging Destination award, which highlights under-the-radar countries that are about to get their moment in the spotlight, went to Albania, which took home the Silver award last year.
You can find the full list of results here.
AloJapan.com