Auckland has been named the number one city to visit next year in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2022, an announcement will bring some much needed encouragement to the struggling tourism and hospitality industries in Tāmaki Makaurau
The book, Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2022 is now on sale in stores and online around the world, and is the travel brand's 17th annual collection of "the world's hottest destinations and must-have travel experiences for the year ahead."
It features what Lonely Planet considers to be the top 10 countries, cities and regions to visit in 2022.
The lists were compiled independently by a panel of Lonely Planet contributors across the globe and judged against a criteria addressing topicality, unique experiences, 'wow' factor and sustainability.
Top 10 Cities to visit in 2022 according to Lonely Planet
- 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
Lonely Planet's senior director of Trade, Sale and Marketing Chris Zeiher says it's "amazing recognition of Auckland and its surrounding attractions".
"Within the city's boundaries there are 53 volcanoes, more than 50 islands, three wine regions and numerous beaches that make this a truly exciting and vibrant city," he said.
"There is so much to discover or rediscover in Auckland and this recognition, especially now as people start contemplating travel again, places Auckland as the number one city on the map."
Tāmaki Makaurau previously made an appearance in the Lonely Planet list's top 10 back in 2014, however this is the first time it's taken out the top spot.
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says while the title will bring in additional tourists from overseas when borders open, he hopes it will inspire Aucklanders to rediscover their city when the Government's new COVID-19 Protection Framework begins in the region.
"Seeing Auckland through the eyes of an international traveller is one way to understand how breath-taking, exciting, creative, and full of energy our region is," he said.
"Knowing it is top of the list for travellers around the world, Aucklanders and New Zealanders have the first chance to explore and rediscover everything Tāmaki Makaurau has to offer."
Goff said with vaccination rates tracking well, and the Government's COVID-19 Protection Framework outlining a pathway to reduced restrictions,summer could be the ideal time for Kiwis to take full advantage of enjoying our region when the opportunity comes.
What Lonely Planet has to say about Auckland:
"[New Zealand's] biggest and most diverse city has always been beautiful, but one unpredicted consequence of COVID-19 has been the blossoming of Auckland's cultural scene, putting a fresh spotlight on exciting local creativity."
The book lists five Auckland highlights as West Coast beaches, Hauraki Gulf Islands, Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland Art Gallery and volcanic cone climbs.
The Cook Islands claim the coveted spot as the number-one country to seek out in 2022.
If you had to be a tour guide for a day and show someone who had never been to Auckland the best parts of the city, where would you take them? Let us know in the Newshub Travel Facebook Group.
