SA named as one of the world’s top 10 regions by travel guide Lonely Planet
THE world’s most authoritative travel guide Lonely Planet has named South Australia in its Top 10 Regions to Visit in 2017. Hong Kong-based couple Greg Earle and Kristina Parker, agree — read why.
SOUTH Australia’s reputation as “Australia in a nutshell” has earned the nation’s only listing on the influential Lonely Planet world guide for top 10 places to visit in 2017.
The publisher’s list of Top Ten Destinations covering countries, cities and regions puts SA at number 5 on its regions list — the only Australian destination to trend for next year.
The invaluable ranking comes as SA enjoys multiple tourism success including a record cruise ship season, airlines Qatar and China Southern commencing direct flights, and winning the rights to the world’s largest aviation trade event, World Routes 2019, predicted to inject more than $20 million into the state’s visitor economy.
Lonely Planet author Chris Zeiher, who wrote the SA section of the guide, said the state’s broad appeal ranges from pristine beaches and wine country to the far reaches of the Outback.
“For overseas visitors, this really is Australia in a nutshell,” he said.
“You can see so much, and there are so many unique experiences here, but it is accessible without too many hours of driving or flying.
“We look at underrated and overlooked places and also like to pose the question ‘why?’ - in SA’s case it is easy to discuss why.
“People have preconceptions about places and some fly under the radar — in SA you get the full authentic Australian experience from the big city to the Outback and you also now have much better access with more airlines flying directly into Adelaide for a global audience planning their 2017.”
Tourism Minister Leon Bignell said the prestige would be used by the South Australian Tourism Commission in marketing SA to the world, starting with a celebratory “block party” on Friday across the new small bar precinct of Leigh, Peel and Gilbert streets.
“The great thing about this is it really cuts across so much SA has to offer, from beautiful beaches to our wine regions, the Flinders and Outback, KI, Riverland, the peninsulas and Limestone Coast,” he said.
Friends Bonnie Lai and James Cameron from Melbourne decided to meet up with Hong Kong-based friends Greg Earle and Kristina Parker in SA to explore areas, including McLaren Vale’s vineyards — where Greg popped the question to Kristina on Tuesday night at Coriole winery.
“This has been the best get together ever,” Bonnie said.
“It’s been the perfect backdrop for memories.”