NEWTON, Mass., Dec. 2, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TripAdvisor^®, the world's largest travel site*, today announced the winners of its Travelers' Choice™ awards for Destinations on the Rise. The awards highlight 52 spots around the world that have seen the greatest increase in positive feedback and interest from the TripAdvisor community, year-over-year.

Classic New Jersey beach destination Wildwood now ranks as the top U.S. destination on the rise, while the rapidly developing Da Nang, Vietnam is the top spot in the world. In addition to the U.S. and world, Travelers' Choice Destinations on the Rise lists were also unveiled for Asia, Europe, South America, and the South Pacific.

Award-winners were determined using an algorithm that primarily measured the year-over-year increase in positive TripAdvisor traveler review ratings on accommodations, restaurants, and attractions, across destinations worldwide.

"The TripAdvisor community has helped surface some unheralded destinations across the globe that are receiving rave reviews from travelers worldwide," said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. "From the boardwalks of the Jersey Shore to the temples of Vietnam, these award-winners offer highly-rated options for accommodations, restaurants and activities to inspire those planning their vacations for the new year."

Travelers' Choice Destinations on the Rise - U.S.:

1. Wildwood, New Jersey - 77 Hotels, 128 Restaurants, 50 Attractions (Average nightly hotel rate¹: $155)

This classic boardwalk beach town offers wide sandy beaches, retro "Doo-Wop" era motels, Morey's Piers and Beachfront Waterparks, and the popular Wildwood Boardwalk, which one TripAdvisor reviewer referred to as, "A great time, whether walking, shopping, or relaxing." After fun in the sun, travelers can head to the Crab and Seafood Shack, where the portions are "huge, fresh and outstandingly delicious."

2. Nags Head, North Carolina - 12 Hotels, 72 Restaurants, 47 Attractions(Average nightly hotel rate: $137)

Offering 11 miles of shoreline, this summer hotspot is home to Jockey's Ridge State Park, the tallest natural sand dune system in the Eastern U.S., described by TripAdvisor travelers as a "must see." Visitors can satisfy their appetites at the consistently top-rated Kill Devil Grill, summed up accordingly by a TripAdvisor reviewer, "Great food, friendly efficient service and a fun experience."

3.Prescott, Arizona - 22 Hotels, 182 Restaurants, 52 Attractions (Average nightly hotel rate: $115)

Prescott offers thrilling outdoor excursions including 450 miles of trails, rock climbing locations, and Watson Lake, the perfect spot for kayaking. In between al fresco adventures, travelers can indulge at Papa's Italian Restaurant, described as "yummy, authentic and accommodating," by a TripAdvisor reviewer.

4. Telluride, Colorado - 18 Hotels, 65 Restaurants, 71 Attractions (Average nightly hotel rate: $300)

This former gold rush town is now known for its picturesque snow covered peaks and year-round recreation. Travelers recommend the scenic Telluride/Mountain Village Gondola, which offers a "distractingly beautiful view" and Cosmopolitan Telluride, which has the "best happy hour in town," according to a TripAdvisor reviewer.

5. Pompano Beach, Florida - 36 Hotels, 306 Restaurants, 54 Attractions (Average nightly hotel rate: $138)

Also known as the "Heart of the Gold Coast," Pompano Beach offers fantastic boating, fishing, snorkeling, and shopping. Travelers can marvel at the "beautiful views" from the Municipal Pier and later enjoy a meal at Cypress Nook Bavaria Haus Restaurant, which one TripAdvisor reviewer said has "the best German food in Broward County."

6. Traverse City, Michigan - 38 Hotels, 255 Restaurants, 113 Attractions (Average nightly hotel rate: $136)

Situated along Lake Michigan, this outdoor adventure hub is known for its cuisine and culture. Described as "a fun and pretty spot for families," Clinch Park has impressed TripAdvisor travelers with its beach and stunning views. Visitors also rave about the Asian-inspired fare at Red Ginger, "one of the leaders in fine cuisine for Traverse City," according to a TripAdvisor reviewer.

7. Avalon (Catalina Island), California - 20 Hotels, 46 Restaurants, 78 Attractions (Average nightly hotel rate: $178)

This quaint island community offers endless fun and adventure. TripAdvisor travelers enjoy hiking in the Catalina hills and taking in the sights at Descanso Beach, "a wonderful place to sit and enjoy the seaside." Guests can also peruse the shops and restaurants including Steve's Steakhouse, where the "service, food and drinks are amazing," noted one TripAdvisor reviewer.

8. Waikoloa, Hawaii - 5 Hotels, 55 Restaurants, 42 Attractions(Average nightly hotel rate: $322)

Located on the Big Island, this Hawaiian village is rich in history and culture. Travelers can experience an authentic luau or explore the cerulean shoreline and its abundant wildlife with AdventureXRafting. TripAdvisor reviewers recommend "a quick lunch on the beach" at Napua at Mauna Lani Beach Club, which serves fresh seafood and coconut cake that is "to-die-for."

9. Knoxville, Tennessee - 88 Hotels, 957 Restaurants, 109 Attractions(Average nightly hotel rate: $97)

This historic city, located at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, surrounds its guests with Southern hospitality. Travelers can discover the charming shops and eateries in Market Square and later indulge in mouthwatering comfort fare at Connors Steak & Seafood. One TripAdvisor reviewer noted the lobster crab bisque at Connors is "the best they ever had."

10. Gulf Shores, Alabama - 23 Hotels, 133 Restaurants, 43 Attractions (Average nightly hotel rate: $144)

Offering a host of attractions including miles of soft sand and crystal clear water, Gulf Shores is the perfect place to unwind. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented on Gulf State Park noting, "The sand was so sugary white, it was absolutely beautiful." Travelers suggest having dinner at the Sassy Bass Amazin' Grill, "a fun place with a band and lively atmosphere."

Travelers' Choice Destinations on the Rise - World:

1. Da Nang, Vietnam - 122 Hotels, 203 Restaurants, 74 Attractions
2. Sihanoukville, Cambodia - 53 Hotels, 200 Restaurants, 62 Attractions
3. Limassol, Cyprus - 60 Hotels, 340 Restaurants, 83 Attractions
4. Ao Nang, Thailand - 87 Hotels, 157 Restaurants, 78 Attractions
5. Bodrum City, Turkey - 115 Hotels, 384 Restaurants, 101 Attractions
6. Naha, Japan - 102 Hotels, 1,074 Restaurants, 82 Attractions
7. Hurghada, Egypt - 182 Hotels, 230 Restaurants, 162 Attractions
8. Kazan, Russia - 44 Hotels, 1,085 Restaurants, 216 Attractions
9. Manaus, Brazil - 40 Hotels, 936 Restaurants, 141 Attractions
10. Eilat, Israel - 65 Hotels, 91 Restaurants, 65 Attractions

For the complete list of Destinations on the Rise award-winners, as well as reviews and candid traveler photos, go to: www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-DestinationsontheRise.

¹Notes to editors:

Hotel prices shown reflect the average nightly rate of hotels found on TripAdvisor within each award-winning destination. Pricing information was sourced from TripAdvisor booking data and represents prices offered from January 1, 2014-December 31, 2014.

About TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor^® is the world's largest travel site*, enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools. TripAdvisor branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, reaching 315 million unique monthly visitors**, and more than 190 million reviews and opinions covering more than 4.4 million accommodations, restaurants and attractions. The sites operate in 45 countries worldwide, including China under daodao.com. TripAdvisor also includes TripAdvisor for Business, a dedicated division that provides the tourism industry access to millions of monthly TripAdvisor visitors.

TripAdvisor, Inc. (Nasdaq:TRIP) manages and operates websites under 24 other travel media brands: www.airfarewatchdog.com, www.bookingbuddy.com, www.cruisecritic.com, www.everytrail.com, www.familyvacationcritic.com, www.flipkey.com, www.gateguru.com, www.holidaylettings.co.uk, www.holidaywatchdog.com, www.independenttraveler.com, www.jetsetter.com, www.lafourchette.com, www.niumba.com, www.onetime.com, www.oyster.com, www.seatguru.com, www.smartertravel.com, www.tingo.com, www.travelpod.com, www.tripbod.com, www.vacationhomerentals.com, www.viator.com, www.virtualtourist.com, and www.kuxun.cn.

*Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Sites, worldwide, August 2014

**Source: Google Analytics, average monthly unique users, Q3 2014; does not include traffic to daodao.com

CONTACT: Julie Cassetina

         (617) 670-6529

         jcassetina@tripadvisor.com