Surfers Paradise fifth in TripAdvisor's 2013 Travellers' Choice Awards

THE Glitter Strip is surfing the wave of approval, after it made the top 10 destinations on the rise in the South Pacific.

Backpackers Axel Bendes from Sweden and Anthea Vignoli from Italy agree Surfers Paradise deserves to be on a tourism best des...

THE Glitter Strip is surfing the wave of approval, after it made the top 10 destinations on the rise in the South Pacific.

TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel site, yesterday announced the winners of its 2013 Travellers' Choice Awards for Destinations on the Rise, placing Surfers Paradise fifth.

The awards highlight 54 spots globally that have seen the greatest increase in positive traveller feedback and traveller interest, year-over-year.

Backpackers Axel Bendes, 20, from Sweden, agrees Surfers Paradise is one of Australia's gems.

"Surfers Paradise is one of the best places ever," he said.

"It's so much fun, the weather is great and there's so much to do.

"The night-life is amazing and you get to meet so many people."

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Mr Bendes met Anthea Vignoli, 21, from Italy on the road, who said people around Australia recommended that she visit Surfers Paradise.

"Everyone told me I had to visit Surfers Paradise because it's such a great place," she said.

"I like Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, but I guess Surfers Paradise is the one everyone knows.

"I really don't want to go back home later this month."

Havana, Cuba was the number one ranked destination for the top 10 in the world, and lists were also revealed for South Pacific, Asia, Europe, South America, and the U.S.

"For travellers looking for inspiration for their 2014 travel planning, TripAdvisor travellers have helped us put a spotlight some amazing destinations that caught the eye of travellers this past year," said TripAdvisor CEO Barbara Messing.

"Between large cities gathering steam and off-the-beaten-path spots surfaced by our community, travellers can discover wonderful accommodations, attractions and restaurants in all of these award-winning destinations."

Top 10 Destinations on the Rise in the South Pacific:

1. Christchurch, New Zealand

2. Margaret River, Australia

3. Broome, Australia

4. Rotorua, New Zealand

5. Surfers Paradise, Australia

6. Canberra, Australia

7. Pokolbin, Australia

8. Alice Springs, Australia

9. Dunedin, New Zealand

10. Taupo, New Zealand

Top 10 Destinations on the Rise in the World:

1. Havana, Cuba

2. La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica

3. Kathmandu, Nepal

4. Jerusalem, Israel

5. Cusco, Peru

6. Ambergris Caye, Belize

7. Sapporo, Japan

8. Hanoi, Vietnam

9. Corralejo, Spain

10. Fortaleza, Brazil