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[CULTURE] · Australia, Canada · 24 sources

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Melbourne and Victoria earn top global travel honors

Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards Melbourne Victoria tourism rankings

In the 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, Melbourne was named the world’s friendliest city. Based on surveys from nearly 300,000 travelers, Melbourne earned a score of 98.52, narrowly surpassing Porto, Portugal. The ranking highlights the city’s hospitality, public transport, and vibrant arts and coffee culture.

Separately, Victoria, British Columbia, has been named the world’s best small city for the fourth consecutive year. The award, which recognizes cities with populations under 350,000, saw Victoria beat out global destinations such as Porto and San Sebastián. Paul Nursey, CEO of Destination Greater Victoria, attributed the success to the region’s global reputation and the collaborative efforts of the local tourism industry.

Victoria also received recognition for sustainable tourism, ranking first globally for cities with populations under 200,000 according to the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index. The city scored highly in destination management, reflecting a strong commitment to social and environmental sustainability.

Entities

Condé Nast Traveler · Condé Nast Traveller · Destination Greater Victoria · Global Destination Sustainability Index · Melbourne · Paul Nursey · Victoria

Sources

Nearly 300,000 travellers agree on the world’s friendliest city | Townpress Newspaper [townpress.co.za]
Four-peat: Victoria named world's best small city once again - Barriere North Thompson Star [barrierestarjournal.com]
Four-peat: Victoria named world's best small city once again - Haida Gwaii Observer [haidagwaiiobserver.com]
Four-peat: Victoria named world's best small city once again [kimberleybulletin.com]
Four-peat: Victoria named world's best small city once again - Nelson Star [nelsonstar.com]
Four-peat: Victoria named world's best small city once again - Quesnel Cariboo Observer [quesnelobserver.com]
Four-peat: Victoria named world's best small city once again [lakecowichangazette.com]
Four-peat: Victoria named world's best small city once again [burnslakelakesdistrictnews.com]
Four-peat: Victoria named world's best small city once again [grandforksgazette.ca]
Four-peat: Victoria named world's best small city once again [terracestandard.com]
Four-peat: Victoria named world's best small city once again [houston-today.com]
Four-peat: Victoria named world's best small city once again - Surrey Now-Leader [surreynowleader.com]
Four-peat: Victoria named world's best small city once again [mapleridgenews.com]
Four-peat: Victoria named world's best small city once again [aldergrovestar.com]
Four-peat: Victoria named world's best small city once again [thenorthernview.com]
Four-peat: Victoria named world's best small city once again [trailtimes.ca]
Four-peat: Victoria named world's best small city once again - Kelowna Capital News [kelownacapnews.com]
Four-peat: Victoria named world's best small city once again [crestonvalleyadvance.ca]
Four-peat: Victoria named world's best small city once again [comoxvalleyrecord.com]
Four-peat: Victoria named world's best small city once again [pentictonwesternnews.com]
Four-peat: Victoria named world's best small city once again [lakecountrycalendar.com]
Aussie city named friendliest in the world [www.perthnow.com.au]
Victoria ranked as best small city globally for sustainable tourism [victoriabuzz.com]
Popular B. C. destination with scenic ferry ride crowned world's best small city | Daily Hive | Lifestyle [dailyhive.com]