Forbes, NY Times Names Perth Top Global Destination

A decade-long urban development boom has reinvigorated Perth and put it on the global map, with both Forbes and the NY Times recognising Perth as must-see destination.

Australia’s oft-forgotten west coast capital has been ranked 11th in the world’s top 14 destinations for 2019, according to Forbes Travel Guide’s annual list. Perth also came in at number 43 in NY Times’ 52 Places to Go in 2019 list.

Perth can attribute its ranking to several recently completed projects, ranging from re-invigorated residential and retail spaces to soon-to-be opened gourmet foodie-fests.

Perth’s Yagan Square, Optus Stadium and the Raine Square redevelopment all received honourable mentions in both publications.

Related: Report Ranks Best Perth Suburbs to ‘Live, Work and Play’

Yagan Square, a park-come-dining, art installation and transportation hub will celebrate its first anniversary in March this year.

Providing a pedestrian connection between the Perth CBD and Northbridge on William Street, Yagan Square offers dining and retail for tourists and local city-slickers alike.

Optus Stadium, a 60,000-seat arena that joined Perth’s collection of sporting venues in 2018, was recognised as a “premier” events venue.

The $200 million Charter Hall-led redevelopment, Raine Square, in Perth’s central business district also received a mention.

NY Times writer Kelly Dinardo said that 31 new hotels had opened in the last five years, including the luxury Como, “hip” QT and a Westin, to accommodate the expected growth in tourism.

“Since 2007, liquor law reforms, including a 2018 change that let restaurants serve drinks without a meal, have changed the drinking and dining scene with more than 100 small bars opening in the central business district alone.”

“And Qantas started a nonstop flight from London to Perth this year, the first from Europe.”