Lonely Planet names Canberra third best city in the world to visit in 2018

Posted on 25 October, 2017

Lonely Planet, the world’s leading travel publisher, has announced the hottest destinations in the world to visit in 2018, with Canberra ranking third on the exclusive cities list.

Each year a panel of Lonely Planet’s international travel experts contribute to their Best in Travel 2018 guide, compiling a list of the world’s most travel-worthy locations, scoring each destination on topicality, excitement and ‘x-factor’, and showcasing some of the world’s most appealing, interesting and diverse destinations.

At #3 Canberra has achieved the highest ever listing of any Australian city in this annual international publication, coming in behind Seville (Spain) and Detroit (USA).

This is a game-changer.

Chief Minister and Minister for Tourism and Major Events Andrew Barr calls it “a significant acknowledgement of the evolution of our city in the past few years.”

“Our focus on connecting Canberra internationally, through direct international flights and attempts to attract international business to the territory, is clearly working and putting our city on the map.

“Having been the Tourism Minister of the ACT for over 10 years, I have seen how hard the industry has worked with the Government to continually grow and attract more people to our city.”

Author of the Guide’s Canberra chapter, Lonely Planet’s Director of Sales and Marketing (Asia Pacific) Chris Zeiher says Canberra is the perfect choice for such an accolade.

“Canberra is a bit of a hidden gem that has been hiding in plain sight. Rich with history, culture and entertainment, it offers something for every kind of traveller.

“Recent revitalisation efforts have given Canberra a new lease of life, establishing a truly contemporary and unique sense of style, with boutique precincts emerging throughout the city, bursting with cool bars, cafes and restaurants,” he says.

“With endless family-friendly and adventurous activities, opportunities to connect with nature or indulge in a range of gastronomic delights, along with a smorgasbord of cultural, artistic and sporting events, Canberra should be on everybody’s 2018 travel wish list,” Zeiher said.

HerCanberra founder Amanda Whitley says the gong confirms that the rest of Australia (and the world) are beginning to see the side of Canberra that its residents have long embraced.

“The people who live here know what an amazing place Canberra is. We have world class food, wine and coffee; a vibrant creative scene; natural wonders mere minutes from the city—all wrapped up in a beautiful, liveable package.

“It’s well past time that we shrugged off our ’roundabouts and politicians’ reputation and enjoyed acclaim for the brilliant city we are.”

The guide calls Canberra “Criminally overlooked” and praises the proliferation of national treasures and exciting new boutique precincts.