The Bellarine and Geelong outclass global tourist hot spots on 100 Most Loved Destinations list

Forget the south of France or the bright lights of Sin City, the Bellarine Peninsula has beat out some elite tourist hot spots to come in 25th on a list of the world’s most loved global destinations.

The Bellarine is officially better than Bordeaux, with the popular peninsula outranking the French wine region in a new global tourism index.

The new Tourism Sentiment Index listed Geelong and The Bellarine as some of the world’s most loved destinations.

The Bellarine was ranked 25th, beating Bordeaux (49), Queenstown (44) and Las Vegas (32).

Geelong came in slightly behind at 69 in Leading Places: The 100 Most Loved Destinations Around the World for 2021 which ranks the 100 most loved destinations in 2021 according to consumer sentiment.

Jack Rabbit Vineyard on the Bellarine (Photo : Ginger + Mint)

The Bellarine also boasts wonderful beaches. Picture: Alan Barber

Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine deputy executive director Tracy Carter said being named in the rankings meant Geelong and The Bellarine had earned the love and an impressive score during one of the toughest years the tourism industry has faced.

“Geelong and The Bellarine have been much-loved destinations for generations of visitors. It’s

wonderful to see the region recognised in this way by new audiences,” Ms Carter said.

Vineyards of Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux region. Picture: iStock

“The incredible experiences we offer are clearly having a positive impact on the conversations people are having online.”

The Bellarine received a sentiment score of 29.15 and Geelong a score of 25.11.

Ms Carter said the Geelong and The Bellarine is increasingly becoming known as a region of world-class food, wine and cultural experiences for all.

Las Vegas is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, but not as good as the Bellarine. Picture: Istock

She said it was also known for local artisans and beautiful coastal beaches.

“As we continue to work with our industry to build the brand of Geelong and The Bellarine and recover from the impacts of the pandemic, this recognition and positive buzz about the region will be really important,” Ms Carter said.

City of Greater Geelong acting Mayor and tourism chair Trent Sullivan said the region was “blessed with so many beautiful natural assets” and was supported by a strong tourism industry.

The city of Queenstown, New Zealand was also behind the Bellarine. Picture: iStock

“It’s no wonder that we are ranked so highly,” he said.

“We are a desirable area that people want to visit and explore.”

Cr Sullivan said the number of hotels currently being built in Geelong showed consumer confidence in the region and its ability to attract both international and domestic visitors.

Tourism Sentiment Index conducted an intensive study of its data – more than 1.6 billion online conversations and content pieces publicly available about 21,330 global destinations – to identify the 100 Most Loved Destinations.

Originally published as The Bellarine and Geelong outclass global tourist hot spots on 100 Most Loved Destinations list