Belfast and the Causeway Coast have been named the Number One Region in the world to visit in 2018 by Lonely Planet. The area came in ahead of places like Alaska, the Languedoc-Roussillon region in France and the Aeolian islands in Italy.
The news was welcomed by Tourism Ireland who plan to roll out a promotional campaign in 14 different markets including Britain, the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, the Nordic region, Australia, New Zealand, India and the Middle East.
Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said:
“The inclusion of Belfast and the Causeway Coast as the Number One Region in the world inLonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2018 is wonderful news and will surely help to inspire travellers everywhere to put Northern Ireland on their holiday wish-list for next year. It is another well-deserved accolade, which provides Tourism Ireland with a great hook to continue to promote Belfast and the Causeway Coast around the world as a ‘must visit’ destination.”
This video was also released to show just why Belfast and the Causeway Coast were chosen.
In the 2018 Lonely Planet Best In Travel 2018, Belfast is described as:
“Full of hip neighbourhoods that burst with bars, restaurants and venues to suit all tastes. The rusting old docklands are now the vibrant Titanic Quarter, home to fancy apartments and a sensational museum”.
Road trip, anyone?
The full top 10 reads as follows:
1. Belfast and the Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland
2. Alaska, USA
3. Julian Alps, Slovenia
4. Languedoc-Roussillon, France
5. Kii Peninsula, Japan
6. Aeolian Islands, Italy
7. The Deep South, USA
8. Lahaul and Spiti, India
9. Bahia, Brazil
10. Los Haitises National Park, Dominican Republic
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