London Wins Top World Honors, New York City Best in the U.S.

TripAdvisor Also Highlights Top-Rated Hotels and Attractions in Award-Winning Destinations

NEEDHAM, Mass., March 21, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  TripAdvisor^®, the travel planning and booking site, today announced the winners of its Travelers' Choice™ awards for destinations, recognizing travelers' favorite places around the world. Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for hotels, restaurants and attractions in destinations worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period, as well as traveler booking interest on TripAdvisor.

"The Travelers' Choice Destination awards recognize the world's most beloved travel spots, based on feedback and booking interest from the TripAdvisor community," said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. "For those planning a summer vacation, now is a great time to plan a trip to one of these popular destinations where hotels are bookable on TripAdvisor for an average of $200 per night from June through August."  

TripAdvisor has also identified top-rated hotels as well as popular tours, iconic attractions and upcoming events to offer travelers more insights about great things to discover in these award-winning destinations.

Top 10 Travelers' Choice Destinations — U.S:
(+/- denotes change in ranking year-over-year, destinations with no change are marked accordingly)

1. New York City, New York (no YoY change) TripAdvisor average nightly rate of all bookable hotels in New York City: $318¹
The "City That Never Sleeps" is home to thousands of world-class hotels, restaurants and attractions, making it an ideal destination for tourists. To get an inside look at the magnificent Metropolitan Museum of Art before it opens to the public each day, travelers can book the early morning EmptyMet Tour on TripAdvisor. Later in the day, guests can unwind at the Travelers' Choice award-winning Casablanca Hotel Times Square, bookable on TripAdvisor for an average of $400 per night.

Reason to book now: Macy's Flower Show "America the Beautiful," located at Macy's Herald Square, 151 W 34th Street: March 20 — April 3, 2016

2. Las Vegas, Nevada (+2) TripAdvisor average nightly rate of all hotels bookable in Las Vegas: $141
Located in the Mojave Desert, this lively entertainment hub offers more than casinos and bustling nightlife. For $35 per person, the Casa de Shenandoah Tour takes travelers inside the opulent estate where legendary entertainer Wayne Newton spends his time. A fantastic hotel option for travelers looking for outstanding service and close proximity to downtown Las Vegas is the Mandarin Oriental, where rooms are bookable on TripAdvisor for an average of $361 per night.

Reason to book now: Great Vegas Festival of Beer, Downtown Las Vegas: April 9, 2016

3. Orlando, Florida (+15) TripAdvisor average nightly rate of all bookable hotels in Orlando: $141
Travelers in need of a respite from Orlando's exhilarating theme parks can enjoy a slower pace with a ride on the recently-opened Orlando Eye, a 400-foot Ferris wheel that offers spectacular panoramic views. To experience lush golf courses and lavish amenities, travelers can book a stay at the Villas of Grand Cypress, which has rooms available on TripAdvisor for an average of $374 per night.

Reason to book now: "Frozen Ever After" ride at Epcot: opening summer 2016

4. Chicago, Illinois (-2) TripAdvisor average nightly rate of all bookable hotels in Chicago: $270
With tickets starting at $34 per person, the popular Chicago Architecture River Cruise is an educational and affordable way for travelers to take in the "Windy City" and view the ornate buildings and iconic skyline. The Travelers' Choice award-winning Talbott Hotel is a convenient option for travelers looking to stay near Chicago's historic Gold Coast District and can be booked on TripAdvisor for an average of $268 per night.

Reason to book now: Neighborhoods of the World Festival, celebrating global cultures through live music, authentic cuisine and art. Occurs every Sunday starting February 21 — April 17, 2016 at Navy Pier

5. San Francisco, California (+1) TripAdvisor average nightly rate of all bookable hotels in San Francisco: $267
Home to the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, this northern California city is known for its eclectic neighborhoods and scenic rolling hills. For $79 per person, travelers can book the Alcatraz and San Francisco City Tour, which stops at Fisherman's Wharf and Golden Gate Park. The tour also includes ferry service to Alcatraz, as well as an informative audio tour. After spending the day sightseeing, travelers can kick back at the top-rated Omni San Francisco Hotel, where rooms are available for an average of $408 per night on TripAdvisor.

Reason to book now: San Francisco International Arts Festival, May 19 — June 5, 2016

6. San Diego, California (+4) TripAdvisor average nightly rate of all bookable hotels in San Diego: $201
Known for its spectacular beaches and consistently pleasant climate, San Diego is a fantastic year-round destination for travelers of all ages. History buffs can explore an authentic aircraft at the USS Midway Museum, where they'll experience more than 60 captivating exhibits. Visitors to SoCal can enjoy an exceptional stay at the Travelers' Choice award-winning Fairmont Grand Del Mar, where rooms are available on TripAdvisor for an average of $546 per night.

Reason to book now: Butterfly Jungle at San Diego Zoo Safari Park: March 12 — April 10, 2016

7. Honolulu, Hawaii (+6) TripAdvisor average nightly rate of all bookable hotels in Honolulu: $228
Travelers to Oahu will want to learn about the island's intriguing history. Book a full-day tour including skip-the-line admission with the USS Missouri, Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor and Punchbowl Day Tour, which provides a detailed account of pivotal moments in time. To experience the "Spirit of Aloha," travelers can stay at The Modern Honolulu, which has rooms available to book on TripAdvisor for an average of $361 per night.

Reason to book now: 6^th Annual Mele Mei, celebration of Hawaii's music, language and culture: May 1-31, 2016.

8. Washington, DC, District of Columbia (-1) TripAdvisor average nightly rate of all bookable hotels in Washington, DC: $303
Those looking to discover the U.S. capital can check out the Best of DC Tour, which includes reserved, priority entrance to the U.S. Capitol Building and National Archives, as well as a sightseeing tour and lunchtime cruise on the Potomac River starting at $125 per person. Travelers can enjoy a room at the impressive Jefferson, Washington DC, located just a few blocks from the White House, for an average nightly rate of $550 on TripAdvisor.

Reason to book now: National Cherry Blossom Festival: March 20 — April 17, 2016

9. Charleston, South Carolina (-6) TripAdvisor average nightly rate of all bookable hotels in Charleston: $268
Featuring cobblestone streets lined with palm trees and pastel-colored homes, this exquisite southern city is known for its charming appeal. Travelers can explore the antebellum architecture with a Historic Charleston Carriage Ride, starting at $25 per person. Those who book a stay at the French Quarter Inn will enjoy the hotel's old world elegance and modern amenities for an average of $489 per night on TripAdvisor.

Reason to book now: Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens: March 16 — April 24, 2016

10. New Orleans, Louisiana (-2) TripAdvisor average nightly rate of all bookable hotels in New Orleans: $205
The "Big Easy" is renowned for its unique culture, lively nightlife, authentic jazz music, and phenomenal local cuisine. TripAdvisor offers a Steamboat Natchez Jazz Dinner Cruise that allows travelers to enjoy beautiful views along the Mississippi River. A fantastic accommodation option is the Maison de Macarty, a Victorian home B&B, bookable on TripAdvisor for an average of $215 per night.

Reason to book now: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival: April 22 — May 1, 2016

Top 10 Travelers' Choice Destinations — World:
(+/- denotes change in ranking year-over-year, destinations with no change are marked accordingly)

1. London, United Kingdom (+5) TripAdvisor average nightly rate of all bookable hotels in London: $207

Top-rated hotel in London: The Milestone Hotel, bookable on TripAdvisor for an average of $512 per night

2. Istanbul*, Turkey (+1) TripAdvisor average nightly rate of all bookable hotels in Istanbul: $93

Top-rated hotel in Istanbul: World Heritage Hotel Istanbul, bookable on TripAdvisor for an average of $119 per night

3. Marrakech, Morocco (-2) TripAdvisor average nightly rate of all bookable hotels in Marrakech: $104

Top-rated hotel in Marrakech: Riad Kheirredine, bookable on TripAdvisor for an average of $201 per night

4. Paris, France (+5) TripAdvisor average nightly rate of all bookable hotels in Paris: $172

Top-rated hotel in Paris: Le Bristol Paris, bookable on TripAdvisor for an average of $1,107 per night

5. Siem Reap, Cambodia (-3) TripAdvisor average nightly rate of all bookable hotels in Siem Reap: $64

Top-rated hotel in Siem Reap: The Privilege Floor @Lotus Blanc, bookable on TripAdvisor for an average of $136 per night

6. Prague, Czech Republic (-1) TripAdvisor average nightly rate of all bookable hotels in Prague: $94

Top-rated hotel in Prague: Hotel Residence Agnes, bookable on TripAdvisor for an average of $199 per night

7. Rome, Italy (no YoY change) TripAdvisor Average nightly rate of all bookable hotels in Rome: $140

Top-rated hotel in Rome: Portrait Roma, bookable on TripAdvisor for an average of $785 per night

8. Hanoi, Vietnam (-4) TripAdvisor average nightly rate of all bookable hotels in Hanoi: $77

Top-rated hotel in Hanoi: Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa, bookable on TripAdvisor for an average of $106 per night

9. New York City, New York (+2) TripAdvisor average nightly rate of all bookable hotels in New York City: $326

Top-rated hotel in New York City: Casablanca Hotel Times Square, bookable on TripAdvisor for an average of $400 per night

10. Ubud, Indonesia (+5) TripAdvisor average nightly rate of all bookable hotels in Ubud: $134

Top-rated hotel in Ubud: Wapa di Ume Resort and Spa, bookable on TripAdvisor for an average of $225 per night

TripAdvisor is the world's largest travel site**. Travelers can read millions of reviews and opinions and book their next trip at: www.tripadvisor.com.

Notes to editors:
* TripAdvisor is aware of the March 19 terrorism attack in Istanbul, and other attacks in Turkey over the past few months.  All Travelers' Choice destination award winners were selected based on the quantity of positive traveler feedback shared on TripAdvisor over a 12-month period from November 2014 — November 2015.  Istanbul's recognition is a reflection of its consistent status as a favorite tourist destination among millions of travelers worldwide. 

We strongly advise that travelers consult government websites for the latest security information, alerts and advisories when planning trips.

¹Average nightly rates of all bookable properties in each destination are based on TripAdvisor pricing data for March 1 through August 31, 2016, aggregated from booking partners including online travel agencies and direct hotel suppliers.

About TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor^® is the world's largest travel site**, enabling travelers to plan and book the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers advice from millions of travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools that check hundreds of websites to find the best hotel prices. TripAdvisor branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, reaching 350 million unique monthly visitors***, and 320 million reviews and opinions covering 6.2 million accommodations, restaurants and attractions. The sites operate in 48 markets worldwide.

TripAdvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ:TRIP) manages and operates websites under 23 other travel media brands:
www.airfarewatchdog.com, www.bookingbuddy.com, www.cruisecritic.com, www.everytrail.com, www.familyvacationcritic.com, www.flipkey.com, www.thefork.com (including www.lafourchette.com, www.eltenedor.com, www.iens.nl, www.besttables.com and www.dimmi.com.au), www.gateguru.com, www.holidaylettings.co.uk, www.holidaywatchdog.com, www.independenttraveler.com, www.jetsetter.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, and www.virtualtourist.com.

**Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Sites, worldwide, November 2015

***Source: TripAdvisor log files, Q3 2015

CONTACT: 
Julie Cassetina
(781) 800-5194
jcassetina@tripadvisor.com