Otago has been named one of the “most welcoming regions on earth” and Central residents are proud to be among those to accept the honour.

The region recently received the accolade as part of Booking.com’s Traveller Review Awards for 2024, which has placed Otago seventh in the world, ahead of Lapland in Finland, Asturias in Spain and Friesland in the Netherlands.

Perthshire in the UK took top spot, followed by Penghu in Taiwan, Boyaca in Colombia, Trentino - Alto Adige in Italy, Los Lagos in Chile and Erongo in Namibia.

Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan was among those who was proud to see Otago placed on the list.

“It is excellent to see that our great southern hospitality is being recognised at a really high international level,” he said.

“Whenever I travel, it’s the people I remember the most and it’s good that our people are making such an impression on our visitors.”

Hannah White, of Queenstown, who was visiting Cromwell earlier this week, agreed that the people of Otago were very welcoming, as well as friendly.

Adrian Hood, of Naseby, said the accolade was “probably quite right”.

“In that, being Central Otago, everybody’s very friendly, welcoming and considerate.”

He said on top of those attributes, people in the region were “very Kiwi”.

“That’s how we are seen around the world and Central Otago is one of the last areas that does hold that dear to its heart. We are very Kiwi.”

Sally Feinerman, of Roxburgh, said small towns were able to provide a level of service to people that showcased a sense of friendliness.

“We’ve got the capacity to deal with people in a unique way. Other areas are so under the pump with tourists that they can’t give that same level of service.”

She said the accolade does not surprise her.

“It’s the Central Otago way.

“It’s what we do here. It’s quite natural that we go out of our way to help people.”