TASMANIA has been singled out as Australia’s best offering to the world with its inclusion in The New York Times’ list of top travel destinations for 2009.The New York Times’ list of ‘The Top 44 Places to Go in 2009′ includes destinations such as Las Vegas, Alaska and Hawaii.Coming in at number 40, Tasmania was singled out for its vibrant cultural scene, with Mona Foma, an edgy art and music festival, and the art museum at Moorilla Estate receiving special mentions. The Times’ list particularly praised the wine and wineries in Tasmania, stating that “Some of the world’s most delectable pinot noirs, chardonnays and sparkling wines are being grown in Australia’s remote island state.”“With more than 1.4 million subscribers, and as many as 14 million people visiting The New York Times on-line, this is fantastic publicity for Tasmania, and yet another example of our tourism industry being kept front-of-mind in potential travellers all over the world”, said Tasmania’s Minister for Tourism Michelle O’Byrne.
Surprisingly, Beirut was the number 1 destination, followed by Washington DC and Galapagos.This accomplishment follows a string of awards and acknowledgement for the Apple Isle, with Tasmania being named the ‘World’s best Island for 2008’ in Australia by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine.
Last weekend, Tasmania took out four titles in The Weekend Australian, Travel & Indulgence section’s annual Travel & Tourism Awards.Tasmania was voted best in the categories of Best Lodge Accommodation (The Lodge at Tarraleah), Best Eco-Wilderness Experience (Bay of Fires Walk), Best Heritage Tourism (Port Arthur Historic Site) and Best Food Experience (Stillwater Restaurant and the Mill Providore, Launceston).
The New York Times Top Ten destinations:
* 1. Beirut
* 2. Washington DC
* 3. Galapagos
* 4. Berlin
* 5. Las Vegas
Filed under: Tasmania, holidays, travel, travel news | Tagged: australia, holidays, travel, travel news, world
