Global travel authority Lonely Planet has today announced their Best in Travel 2022, three lists encompassing the world’s hottest countries, cities and regions, and have included the Scenic Rim as number eight in the top regions to visit in 2022.
It is the only Australian region included in the three Best in Travel categories and puts the region in great company, alongside top-placed Westfjords in Iceland, West Virginia in the USA, Shikoku in Japan, Vancouver Island in Canada and Burgundy in France.
Mayor Greg Christensen said this announcement is an incredible achievement for the region with enormous benefits to be reaped for years to come.
"Lonely Planet is regarded as one of the most trusted sources for authentic travel information so to be recognised by them on an international stage is a major coup," he said.
"With the world overcoming lockdowns and restrictions, we know this announcement will put Scenic Rim on the map for domestic and international travellers already planning their next adventure and itching to explore, so this achievement couldn't have come at a better time.
"With an extensive vetting process to reach the Best in Travel, our region's commitment to sustainability and our eco-experiences were singled out as major drawcards for our region in helping travellers experience world-class natural landscapes while minimising their footprint.
"Working closely with our local tourism industry, Council has proudly led the charge over the last decade and beyond, investing in a local food strategy, fostering local agritourism experiences, supporting regional events including the expansion of Scenic Rim Eat Local Week, and building a strong destination brand as the 'Richest Place on Earth, in Australia'.
"Looking forward, we are continuing to work closely with local industry and our range of partners to play to our strengths, including preparing an overhaul of the Visit Scenic Rim website, currently finalising our region's first Nature-based and Adventure Tourism Strategy and being one of only six regions in Australia partnering with Ecotourism Australia and WWF Australia to achieve ECO Destination Certification in the coming years.
"We may not have big multi-million-dollar budgets like some other destinations, but making Lonely Planet's Best in Travel will be a game-changer for our region and will catapult the Scenic Rim onto the international stage.
"We've been recognised for reasons that matter most — our unique experiences, spectacular landscapes, award-winning produce, commitment to low-impact and sustainable travel, and authentic customer service.”
Mayor Greg Christensen said he's proud to share this award with everyone who has ever called the Scenic Rim home, whether it's been for a weekend or a lifetime.
“While the official title is Best in Travel, this award isn’t only for our tourism industry. Lonely Planet also highlighted the authenticity and warmth of our local community in welcoming visitors with open arms as a defining characteristic of our region.
"From our hardworking team at Council and our partner Destination Scenic Rim, to our incredible tourism operators who continually invest in our region, our event organisers, local retail and hospitality businesses, our proud residents, and of course our visitors, the extended Scenic Rim family who have become ambassadors for our region, thank you for making the Scenic Rim the top destination it is today."
The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au
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