Dubai has ranked as the world’s most popular destination for holidaymakers in Tripadvisor’s 2023 Travellers' Choice Awards.

Known for its luxury hotels, record-breaking buildings, traditional souqs and family-friendly attractions, Dubai has retained the title for the second year running.

The annual TripAdvisor awards are based on millions of reviews submitted on the platform by the global travel community.

“Dubai is a destination that mixes modern culture with history, and adventure with world-class shopping and entertainment,” said Tripadvisor. “If you’re looking for thrills, you can float above the desert dunes in a hot-air balloon, climb aboard a high-speed ride at IMG Worlds of Adventure or skydive over the Palm Jumeirah."

This year's winners were selected based on the quality and quantity of ratings from travellers for accommodation, restaurants and things to do in destinations worldwide between November 2021 and October 2022.

“The top ranking by global travellers reflects the vision of the leadership to transform Dubai into the world’s top destination for tourism and business, as embodied by a key goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. The Agenda’s objective of consolidating Dubai’s status as one of the world’s top three cities for tourism and business signifies the leadership’s determination to mark Dubai out as a clear leader not only as a leisure and lifestyle destination but also as a hub for connectivity, commerce and investment," said Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai.

"Dubai’s diverse tourism attractions and hospitality offerings, combined with its emergence as a leading venue for global events and a magnet for talent and enterprise will continue to reinforce its status as a favourite among global travellers over the next decade."

The world's second-most popular destination, according to the travel community, was Bali.

The picturesque island destination had a slump in tourism during the pandemic because of strict Covid-19 regulations in place across Indonesia. But the tourism hotspot has recovered well and Tripadvisor called the destination “a living postcard, an Indonesian paradise that feels like a fantasy".

"Soak up the sun on a stretch of fine white sand, or commune with tropical creatures as you dive along coral ridges or the colourful wreck of a WWII warship,” it said.