Tasmania in Lonely Planets Top 10 destinations
Lonely Planet puts Tassie in international top 10 of must-see destinations
TASMANIA has been declared one of the top 10 regions of the world to visit next year by globally influential travel guide Lonely Planet.
Tasmania’s stardom is set to rise to a new level after Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2015, released today, named Tasmania the No.4 must-see region in the world.
The guide, known globally as the “travel bible”, describes the island state as “wild and dramatic, cultured and quirky, isolated yet accessible”.
Tourism Industry Council chief Luke Martin said it was the kind of endorsement no marketing money could buy.
“They’re the travel bible, the definitive guide and this list is always very much seen as the credible indication of the best places to visit,” he said.
Tasmania is listed alongside Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey, which was named No.1 region to visit, Rocky Mountain National Park in the US and The Toledo District in Belize.
It is placed ahead of Northern Norway, Khumbu in Nepal, Mexico’s Copper Canyon, Flores in Indonesia, Chile’s Atacama Desert and Macau in China.
Speaking from Singapore last night ahead of the launch of the new guide, Lonely Planet author Chris Zeiher said Tasmania had become a “repeat destination” with a packed events calendar and exciting new wilderness experiences.
“The opening of the second stage of the Three Capes track in 2015 is going to be the most spectacular coastal walk for travellers in the world,” Mr Zeiher said.
MONA, Cradle Mountain, Port Arthur, Franklin River, the Three Capes Track, Cascade Brewery and Bruny Island are all highlighted.
“The word is out now about Bruny, the secret is out,” Bruny Island Premium Wines owner Bernice Woolley said.
Tasmanian Hospitality Association general manager Steve Old said Tasmania was now competing with the best in global tourism and exceptional hospitality had to be delivered to every visitor to every part of the state.
Premier Will Hodgman said the accolade would boost the state’s global tourism profile and confirmed the island’s services and experiences were among the best in the world.
“Once again Tasmania is punching above its weight,” Mr Hodgman said.
Source : The Mercury October 21st, 2014 Sally Glaetzer
