Tasmania makes National Geographic’s ‘most exciting’ destinations to visit in 2020

This Australian destination is becoming a tourism hotspot for overseas visitors - and it’s not Sydney, Melbourne or the Gold Coast.

When it comes to “best of” lists, normally cities like Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast come out on top.

But National Geographic has named another region in Australia as a must visit in 2020, saying it’s one of the most exciting destinations to have on your travel bucket list in the next 12 months.

The travel magazine has revealed their top-25 places to visit next year on their Best Trips list based on important events, sustainability and new attractions.

The only Australian destination to make the list is Tasmania, which came in at number 16.

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Tasmania is having a big moment.

The list also features several European locations and certain destinations in the US.

Two locations in Spain are popular destinations next year – the Canary Islands is one of the best to visit with its vast terrain that was once considered “the westernmost point of land in the known world”, while Austria is perfect for hills and beaches as well as cheese and cider.

Parma in Italy is good for foodies too, with Parma ham and balsamic vinegar on the menu.

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina also featured on the list, celebrating 25 years of peace next year following the Bosnian War, as did Poland’s UNESCO World Heritage site Białowieża Forest, Egypt’s Abu Simbel temples and Turkey’s Abu Simbel ruins.

Tasmania's natural attractions have become a massive drawcard for tourists.

Tasmania has become a hotspot for both domestic and international travellers, with 2019 figures indicating the region has experienced the biggest growth in international visitor numbers in the country.

In January, the latest figures from federal body Tourism Research Australia show 307,000 international visitors came to Tasmania in the 12 months to September last year – a 15 per cent increase on the previous 12 months.

Speaking to the ABC, federal Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said Tasmania’s growth had largely been driven by China.

“Part of the lift in Tasmanian tourism can be attributed to (having a) high profile in China, associated with President (Xi Jinping’s) visit to Tasmania over the last couple of years,” he said.

“That just shows how every little thing helps in terms of growing tourism.”