Hobart goes global: Ranked one of the top trending destinations
Published on 16 October 2025
The City of Hobart has been named one of the Global Trending Destinations for 2026 by the Expedia Group, as part of their annual Unpack '26 travel trends report.
This prestigious recognition places Hobart as one of the top 10 2026 Destinations of the Year and one of the world’s most sought-after travel locations, highlighting its growing appeal to international and domestic visitors seeking unique, authentic and nature-rich experiences.
“Once an infamous penal colony, this waterfront city is now Tasmania's cultural hub, drawing foodies and nature lovers from all over the world,” Expedia says of Hobart.
“Gone are the days of meager convict rations Hobart today offers some of the most innovative cuisine in the country and the quality of its local produce, beer and wine is prized throughout Australia and the Asia Pacific.”
The Destinations of the Year list is based on increases in flight and accommodation searches on Expedia for travel on January 1 December 31, 2024 vs. January 1 December 31, 2025, with Hobart’s jumping by 25 per cent.
Of the top 10 destinations, Hobart was one of six that also received a Smart Travel Health Check, recognising “destinations that offer meaningful travel experiences and proactively manage tourism in a sustainable way, helping to ease the strain on the world’s most overvisited cities.”
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds welcomed the announcement, saying it reflects the city’s transformation into a world-class destination.
The award follows Hobart’s recent ranking as the #1 Small City in the Asia Pacific and one of the Top 10 Best Small Cities in the World (under 350,000 population) in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Tourism has become a key focus area for the City of Hobart, as outlined in the recent State of the City address. Visitor numbers have surged from approximately 950,000 in 2013–14 to 1.3 million as of March 2025, with strong recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tourism continues to be a cornerstone of Hobart’s economy. In the 2022–23 financial year alone, the sector generated $928.2 million in total sales and contributed $617.6 million in value added to the local economy. It supported 10,183 jobs, representing 15% of total industry employment—with 3,775 jobs directly and 6,408 indirectly linked to tourism. These figures highlight the sector’s vital role in shaping Hobart’s economic and social landscape.
Hobart’s appeal is underpinned by its top-tier hotels, award-winning food and wine, and a thriving arts and cultural scene. The Salamanca Market remains Tasmania’s most visited tourist attraction, while Kunanyi / Mt Wellington continues to be the state’s most visited natural site.
Expedia’s Unpack '26 report identifies trending destinations based on global search data and traveller insights. Hobart’s inclusion reflects a growing desire among travellers to explore destinations that offer authenticity, natural beauty, and cultural depth.
Quotes to be attributed to Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds:
“To be recognised as one of the global trending destinations by Expedia is a proud moment for Hobart.
“It’s a nod to our friendly community, our stunning natural environment, our cultural heritage and the interesting and vibrant city that we have become in recent years.
“From the bustling Salamanca and Farm Gate markets to the nature-based experiences on Kunanyi / Mt Wellington, we locals know Hobart is a special place.
“This recognition by Expedia reinforces the importance of Council’s work to enhance and protect the things that make Hobart so special. It is also a credit to the creative businesses that bring vibrancy to central Hobart and our community’s passion and care for their city.
“We look forward to welcoming visitors to continue experiencing the magic of our city. This kind of recognition generates local pride and leads to more people looking to Hobart as a place to move to.”