New Zealand has won a prestigious travel award from Lonely
Planet, the world's most famous guidebook - in the inaugural Lonely
Planet Awards.
Thousands of British travellers voted online in various
categories for the awards - which showcase some of the most
fantastic places and experiences around the world.
New Zealand topped the category 'I'd happily stay forever in
…'
Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler said the win
proved that New Zealand would always remain a popular choice with
holidaymakers.
"This award is a great achievement for New Zealand as a country
and is a wonderful confirmation of what we've always believed -
that New Zealand is a great holiday destination for international
visitors.
"People come here for the scenery, but they leave talking about
the warmth and hospitality of our people. I think that combination
has helped us win this award from our visitors," he said.
NZ's British fans
The new Lonely Planet Awards are based entirely around traveller
votes from the British public on their top trip experiences.
Lonely Planet Travel Editor Tom Hall said the categories within
the awards covered all the elements that made a trip truly unique
"from food and culture to journeys, activities and even who you
travel with".
"The results of the Lonely Planet Awards include some surprising
winners, such as the Mayan temples at Tikal," Tom Hall said.
"The success of these lesser-known attractions really highlights
how worthwhile it is to venture away from some of the world's
best-known places and sights and discover what else the world has
to offer."
New Zealand a real winner
Lonely Planet Magazine Editor Peter Grunert said the awards were
based on readers' top travel moments.
"Rather than the usual list of favourite hotels, spas and
airlines, we want to get under the skin of what inspires people to
travel, from their favourite cultural experiences to their greatest
wildlife encounters and historical experiences," said Peter
Grunert.
New Zealand's win meant that readers and travellers most wanted
to put down roots and settle down forever in the country. Australia
was their second choice.
The awards
More than 3,500 people voted in the Lonely Planet Awards 2010,
which were created in conjunction with UK adventure specialist
Explore.
Other great travel experiences that Lonely Planet readers would
like to experience included eating Italian cuisine and enjoying
reggae by the beach on a warm night in Negril, Jamaica. Readers
named British television personality Michael Palin as the most
desirable travel buddy.