Lake District makes the Top 10 best places to visit in 2010
The Lake District has today been given huge tourism boost for next year with the publication of the Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2010.
The respected guide and one of Lonely Planet's best sellers, has named the Lake District as one of the Top 10 Regions to visit in 2010, and is the only British destination to be included.
Best in Travel captures the world's hottest travel trends, destinations, journeys and experiences for the year ahead, bringing together the expertise of Lonely Planet authors, staff and travellers.
The Lake District was chosen ahead of other UK regions because "If anywhere sums up all that's green, great and grand about the English landscape, it's the Lake District.
"There's much more to England's best-loved National Park than just dazzling good looks - think cast-iron literary cachet and history in abundance, not to mention gastronomic adventure and enough first-class fell-walking to fill a lifetime of visits."
Alex McCoskrie, Marketing Director at Cumbria Tourism, said: "To be the only British destination featured as one of the top places to visit in 2010 is a real boost to domestic, but particularly overseas tourism and will raise our profile as we approach the end of this year.
"We know that the Lake District has a world-class landscape, top quality places to stay, visit, and eat and drink but to have the Lonely Planet endorse this is fantastic. Let's hope that an increasing number of people decide to pay us a visit throughout 2010 as a result of this exposure."
The book lists Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain as the area's most ‘defining experience' followed by some ‘hearty grub and home-brewed beer at the historic Wasdale Head Inn'.
‘Essential Experiences' include tackling Striding Edge on Helvellyn, visiting Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount, cruising on Coniston Water, Osprey-spotting at Bassenthwaite Lake, and a stay at the remote Black Sail Youth Hostel at Ennerdale.
Tom Hall, Lonely Planet Travel Editor, said: "The Lake District is already a well-established holiday spot for Brits, we've put the area on the Top 10 Regions list because we think it is a place that deserves a second and third look.
"We are also hoping that more overseas visitors will get off the beaten track and check out the quieter corners of the Lakes."
The other destinations to make the final ten were: Alsace, France; Bali, Indonesia; Fernando de Noronha, Brazil; Goa, India; Koh Kong Conservation Corridor, Cambodia; Lake Baikal, Russia; Oaxaca, Mexico; Southern Africa; and Southwest Western Australia.
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Notes to Editors:
1: For further information please contact Cumbria Tourism Press Office on 01539 825075 or on pressoffice@cumbriatourism.org
2: Cumbria Tourism is the lead organisation for tourism in the county and is at the heart of the Cumbria Visitor Economy. It is also the largest membership organisation in Cumbria with more than 3,000 members. Over 15.3 million annual visitors to Cumbria contribute more than £1.1 billion to the local economy and support around 36,000 jobs. To find out more about the work of Cumbria Tourism, visit www.cumbriatourism.org
3: Cumbria Tourism is supported by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA). The NWDA leads the economic development and regeneration of England's Northwest and is responsible for: Supporting business growth and encouraging investment; Matching skills provision to employer needs; Creating the conditions for economic growth; Connecting the region through effective transport and communication infrastructure; Promoting the region's outstanding quality of life.
4: To book accommodation in Cumbria - the Lake District, visit www.golakes.co.uk
