The best holiday destination in the world is Marrakech, says Tripadvisor

View across the famous square of Djemaa El Fna in Marrakech, Morocco.

Marrakech has today been named the best rated destination in the world for the first time in Tripadvisor's seventh annual Travellers' Choice awards for Destinations,.

Based on millions of reviews and opinions, this year's awards have revealed several destinations in Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe that are outperforming more traditional holiday destinations in North America and Europe.

Marrakech claimed the number one spot for the first time, while Siem Reap in Cambodia jumped seven places up to second in the rankings. Istanbul, Hanoi and Prague completed the World top five list.

This year, Rome, named runner up in the awards last year, dropped five places, while New York, the best-rated US destination, failed to make the world top ten for the second year running.

London also slipped - it's down from third to sixth place on the World list - although the UK capital does have the honour of being one of only three destinations to have retained a top ten ranking in the awards five years in a row.

Of the top ten best rated World destinations, Hanoi offers the cheapest hotel value with average summer room rates on Tripadvisor at less than £30 a night – one sixth of the price of an average room over the same period in London (£162.25).

Steve Jackson, Tripadvisor's Top Contributor of photos in 2014 said, "Marrakech is one of those cities that should be on everyone's bucket list. It's a fantastic city to explore, rich in history and culture, and between the sea of street activity, bright colours and striking sunsets, it is a truly intoxicating experience."

See the list of the best-rated holiday destinations in the world here: