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The Lofoten Islands. Photo: Matt Munro/Lonely Planet
The Lofoten Islands. Photo: Matt Munro/Lonely Planet

Press release -

Thank you, Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet has chosen Norway as one of ten countries worth a visit in 2022. A recognition received due to the efforts for developing a sustainable tourism destination.

«We are so proud! Lonely Planet is known as one of the world’s foremost society of ambassadors for sustainable activities. When they say go to Norway – a large crowd of travelers from all over the world listens carefully», says Bente Bratland Holm, Director of Tourism in Innovation Norway.

Best in Travel 2022 is Lonely Planet’s 17th annual collection of the world’s hottest destinations and the must-have travel experiences for the year ahead. This edition places particular emphasis on the best sustainable travel experiences — ensuring travelers will have a positive impact wherever they choose to go.

“A major effort is made throughout the Norwegian travel industry, working hard for a more sustainable future – and it its thanks to this joint effort Norway today receives this recognition from Lonely Planet. Going forward we will have our new, ambitious national tourism strategy point out the direction for us,” says Bratland Holm.

In May 2021 the Norwegian travel industry, presented a new, ambitious national tourism strategy. One of the main initiatives in the national tourism strategy is the industry’s commitment to a 50% reduction of its climate emissions by 2030 (based on 2019 levels), and in reducing annual transport emissions by 10%. This does not affect the country’s growth ambitions for tourism neither in export income nor in employment rates.

“Sustainable growth within the tourism industry has to be combined with a lower climate footprint from the industry. The travel industry cannot be ringside whilst the fight against climate change continues. We must act responsibly and join forces to do our bit to save the very foundation of our industry. This is the reason the strategy states that sustainability is non-negotiable”, says Bente Bratland Holm, Director of Tourism at Visit Norway.

Each year, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel lists start with nominations from Lonely Planet’s vast community of staff, writers, bloggers, publishing partners and more. The nominations are then whittled down by a panel of travel experts to just 10 countries, 10 regions and 10 cities. Each is chosen for its topicality, unique experiences, ‘wow’ factor and its ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism practices

According to Lonely Planet’s VP of Experience Tom Hall the release of Lonely Planet’s annual “hot list” of destinations and travel experiences could not be more timely. “After an enforced hiatus, it’s time to take those long-postponed travel plans off the shelf and make them a reality,” Hall said on release of the list today.

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022 - Destination Top 10’s

Top 10 Countries

1. Cook Islands
2. Norway

3. Mauritius
4. Belize
5. Slovenia
6. Anguilla
7. Oman
8. Nepal
9. Malawi
10. Egypt

Top 10 Regions

1. Westfjords, Iceland
2. West Virginia, USA
3. Xishuangbanna, China
4. Kent’s Heritage Coast, UK
5. Puerto Rico
6. Shikoku, Japan
7. Atacama Desert, Chile
8. The Scenic Rim, Australia
9. Vancouver Island, Canada
10. Burgundy, France

Top 10 Cities

1. Auckland, New Zealand
2. Taipei, Taiwan
3. Freiburg, Germany
4. Atlanta, USA
5. Lagos, Nigeria
6. Nicosia/Lefkosia,Cyprus
7. Dublin, Ireland
8. Merida, Mexico
9. Florence, Italy
10. Gyeongju, South Korea

The Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2022 guidebook is available from book shops or online at www.lonelyplanet.com

About Lonely Planet:

Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures Company, is a world-leading travel publisher: a globe-spanning digital travel media company and the world’s number one travel guidebook brand. We've been providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. We reach hundreds of millions of travellers each year online and via our mobile products and help them unlock amazing experiences. Over the past forty seven years we've printed over 145 million guidebooks covering 221 countries as well as countless other titles showcasing the wonders of the world for travellers of all types.

Lonely Planet can be found on lonelyplanet.com, mobile, video and in 14 languages, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks and more. At Lonely Planet we seek to make a difference in people's life by spreading the power of travel. We firmly believe that travel has a significant positive impact on people's lives and outlooks and is a force of positive change. Visit us at lonelyplanet.com and join our community of followers on Facebook (facebook.com/lonelyplanet), Twitter (@lonelyplanet) and Instagram (instagram.com/lonelyplanet)

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Visit Norway is Norway's official tourism board.

Norway is the place to experience the magical northern lights and the midnight sun above the Arctic Circle or world-famous fjords surrounded by spectacular mountains and glaciers. In the midst of stunning scenery, travellers can enjoy local food and culture in vibrant cities like Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger and Tromsø. 

For best advice on Norway, click on www.visitnorway.com.

Preliminary enquiries about professional assistance can be sent by filling out our media form on https://business.visitnorway.c...

All PR annd press activities and enquiries are handled by our main office in Oslo.

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Harald Hansen

Press contact Media specialist +4748045755

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Visit Norway is Norway's official tourism board

Welcome to Visit Norway's global newsroom. Visit Norway is Norway's official tourism board.
Norway is the place to experience the magical northern lights and the midnight sun above the Arctic Circle or world-famous fjords surrounded by spectacular mountains and glaciers. In the midst of stunning scenery, travellers can enjoy local food and culture in vibrant cities like Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger and Tromsø. For best advice on Norway, click on www.visitnorway.com.
Here you will find relevant information, story ideas, news, and material for your stories from Norway. Preliminary enquiries about professional assistance can be sent by filling out our media form on https://business.visitnorway.com/en/media-and-press/assistance/.
All PR annd press activities and enquiries are handled by our main office in Oslo.