Harrogate MP celebrates town's recognition as 'one of the world's most welcoming destinations'
Harrogate’s MP says the town can ‘stand tall’ after being named in Booking.com’s ‘Top 10 Most Welcoming Cities’ in the world.
Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, tabled an Early Day Motion in Parliament celebrating the accolade for Harrogate - the only UK destination to make the global list.
While officially a town, not a city, Harrogate was praised for its strong sense of community, elegant spa heritage, independent businesses and consistently high standards of hospitality.
Tabling the motion in Parliament, Tom Gordon MP said: “Harrogate may officially be a town, but in 2026 it stands tall on the world stage.
"To be the only UK destination recognised in Booking.com’s global top ten, based on hundreds of millions of independent reviews, is a remarkable achievement."
The recognition forms part of Booking.com’s Traveller Review Awards and is based on more than 370 million verified customer reviews.
The Harrogate MP praised the contribution of the independent sector in the town, especially in the hospitality sector.
"This award belongs to our local businesses, hospitality workers, volunteers and residents who make Harrogate such a special place,” said the Lib Dem MP.
"Our visitor economy supports local jobs, independent shops and our high street.
"This recognition is a powerful endorsement of everything our community offers.”
In the guide, Booking.com describes Harrogate as: “Captivating with its harmonious mix of culture and greenery, inviting travellers to unwind while discovering the quieter corners of northern England.”
Harrogate Town Coun Paula Stott welcomed the news and shared her experience of Harrogate’s community spirit.
Coun Stott said: "This result, based on hard statistics, completely echoes my own experience.
"I arrived in Harrogate 12 years ago knowing nobody and I have made more friends and become involved in more welcoming groups here than anywhere else I have lived.
"People often say you can’t make new friends when you’re older, well, I’d say give Harrogate a try.
"You’ll get a warm welcome here and make friends at any age. ”
Harrogate BID has described the accolade as a “well-deserved achievement” and a testament to the strength of the town’s visitor economy.