Tourism leaders gathered last night (4 June) to celebrate Chester being named one of the most welcoming cities on earth.

Earlier this year, Chester was named among the top ten most welcoming places on the planet.

It was also the only UK destination listed in Booking.com's Traveller Review Awards 2025. 

Based on over 360 million verified customer reviews, the awards honour those "who consistently deliver outstanding hospitality and service".

Around 70 tourism and civic leaders gathered for the celebrations at Chester Zoo, as Chester's Lord Mayor received the award from Booking.com.

Alongside outstanding hotels, restaurants and shops, Chester was noted for its world-class tourist attractions.

This includes the most complete city walls, best-preserved Roman amphitheatre in the UK, the world's oldest racecourse and Chester Cathedral.

On receiving the award, The Lord Mayor of Chester, Cllr Sherin Akhtar, praised the "small city with a big heart".

She added: "It's a place where heritage meets hospitality.

"Where every business, from the family-run restaurant to the high street shop, takes pride in offering not just service, but genuine care and a great experience."

Guests included Samantha Dixon, Labour MP for Chester North and Neston.

Colin Potts, chair of Destination Chester, said: "Visitors feeling welcome is a result of everything they experience during their trip and everyone they come across.

"It is about how the place makes them feel and their memories of it after they have returned home.

"This award is a tribute to everyone in Chester's visitor economy family."

Jamie Christon, CEO of Chester Zoo, said: "Chester plays a huge part in Cheshire and Warrington's £3.9bn visitor economy, attracting millions of visitors from across the world.

"This award recognises the incredible people who run our hotels, bars, shops and attractions.

"All of us who live and work in the city should be hugely proud.

"It enhances the global reputation of the city and I know it will spur businesses and tourism leaders to work even harder to promote Chester – and all of Cheshire and Warrington - as one of the best destinations around."

Ryan Pearson, regional manager at Booking.com, said: "Chester is a city that perfectly blends warmth and history, making it one of the most welcoming destinations in the UK.

"With its charming, cobbled streets, historic architecture, and a strong sense of community, it's no surprise that visitors feel at home.

"But beyond its friendly atmosphere, Chester also has a rich and mysterious past, earning it a reputation as one of the most haunted cities in the country."