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Otago, known for its defined landscapes and friendly locals, has been named the 7th Most Welcoming Region in the world by Booking.com in their 2024 rankings.
An impressive feat considering the list also included regions like Perthshire in the United Kingdom, Penghu in Taiwan, and Boyacá in Colombia, showcasing a diverse range of destinations known for their hospitality and warmth.
Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan says he is delighted at Otago’s ranking. “I think we live in paradise here in Central Otago and that tends to make people, by and large, quite happy.” he says.
Otago, does offer unique scenery and the slower pace of lifestyle that has long been a favourite for those seeking a peaceful retreat. Tim says “There’s probably not too many of us, so we don’t mind sharing our peace in paradise.” He also highlights the region’s low population density as a key factor in its charm.
With commonalities between Otago and other regions on the list, Tim says most of the other regions named also have lower population densities, offering visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
“You can look up and see more stars than the mind can comprehend and breathe the air and just look at Otago’s beautiful blue skies.” he says.
However, Tim acknowledged that there could be room for improvement, particularly in catering to non-English speakers. “We don’t have a lot of different languages catered for in most of the area.” he says. “Embracing more linguistic diversity could enhance Otago’s appeal to international visitors.”
Regardless, he remains proud of Otago’s achievement and is optimistic about the future. “It’s the welcoming of the people and we always know that in New Zealand as a whole that we are very well with people,” he says, confident that Otago’s friendly community and stunning environment will continue to attract visitors from all over the world.
