By Watipaso Mzungu
The destinations chosen by Lonely Planet span the world and
are intended to inspire and excite travellers as they plan their trips in 2022
and beyond.
According to a press release shared with Nyasa Times, the
countries were judged on their topicality, unique experiences and 'wow' factor,
plus a particular emphasis this year on sustainability - ensuring these are
destinations in which travellers can make a positive impact.
With the world still emerging from the Covid pandemic and
international travel still under restrictions, the 2022 list is intended as a
bucket list for the future as well as a to-visit list for right now.
The statement emphasizes that Malawi is certainly full of
wonderful experiences and is fast becoming one of the most complete destinations
in Africa, offering its visitors a unique combination of thrilling safaris,
stunning landscapes, amazing beaches and warm & friendly people.
"The country has always taken a considered and
sustainable approach to its tourism, is fully open and can be easily visited by
all nationalities straight away," says the report.
According to Lonely Planet's VP of Experience Tom Hall, the
Lonely Planet's 17th annual "hot list" of destinations and travel
experiences could not be more timely.
"After an enforced hiatus, it's time to take those
long-postponed travel plans off the shelf and make them a reality. These lists
celebrate the world in all its wonderful enticing variety," Hall said.
The Best in Travel lists are very carefully compiled,
beginning with ALL members of the Lonely Planet staff, over 200 travel writers,
bloggers and more sharing their passion and experience of places they believe
should be hot in the year ahead. The long list of thousands is whittled down to
a shortlist for an expert panel to make final decision upon, taking into
account:
How much the destination has demonstrated a commitment to
sustainability, inclusivity and community in tourism.
How much this destination will be ready to welcome visitors
and that visitors will be keen to return in 2022.
How excited the judges were by the destination and the idea
of traveling there.
The statement says there have been just 14 appearances on
Best in Travel by countries on the African continent during the last 10 years,
and two of those are for Malawi, so it's clearly a country that continues to
stand out and excite the Lonely Planet community of travel experts.
"With Sustainability, Community and Diversity at the
heart of the selection criteria, it's no surprise that Malawi scored highly
again. The country is in the middle of a conservation revolution, with the
approach of African Parks to the management of a number of Malawi's National
Parks and Wildlife Reserves proving hugely successful and shining as an example
to the world.
"Hailed as the 'Warm Heart of Africa', Malawi has long
been recognised as having the friendliest people in the world and offers
unrivalled opportunities for natural cultural interaction with welcoming local
communities. And you would be hard pushed to find a Malawi lodge that isn't
actively helping its local communities through not only employment and
secondary enterprises but active projects that are supported by tourism,"
it says.
Malawi's tourist industry, it adds, and all the people and
environments that it supports, have suffered badly during the pandemic but this
boost for the country going in to 2022 gives great hope that the trajectory of
tourism growth established pre-COVID will be quickly recovered next year as
more and more international visitors appreciate its attractions and delights.
The report further states that Malawi is a genuine hidden
gem in Africa. It is a small yet beautifully varied and welcoming country which
remains uncrowded with tourists. The Landscape, the Wildlife, the Lake and, of
course, the People, combine to make this one of Africa's most amazing
countries.
Travellers and tourists are just starting to discover its
attractions. Neglected in the past for no better reason than it was little
known, this is one of the safest and friendliest countries in all Africa, with
a fascinating variety of sights and experiences on offer.
The national parks, diverse landscapes and huge Lake (an
inland, freshwater sea surrounded by golden sand beaches) provide the
foundation for a massive variety of experiences and activities.
Wildlife safaris are possible by 4×4, by boat, on foot or
even on horseback. Lake Malawi offers sailing, kayaking, snorkelling, scuba
diving, water-skiing, swimming or just relaxing on a beach. The highlands and
forests are great places for trekking, climbing, mountain biking and walking.
All of this in a country where natural cultural interaction is a daily
occurrence and the genuine smiles that greet all visitors really do make it the
'Warm Heart of Africa'.
Lonely Planet is a world-leading travel publisher: a
globe-spanning digital travel media company and the world's number one travel
guidebook brand. We've been providing both inspiring and trustworthy
information for every kind of traveller since 1973. We reach hundreds of
millions of travellers each year online and via our mobile products and help
them unlock amazing experiences.
"Over the past 40 years we've printed over 145 million
guidebooks as well as countless other titles showcasing the wonders of the
world for travellers of all types. Lonely Planet can be found on
lonelyplanet.com, mobile, video and in 14 languages, 13 international
magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks and more.
"At Lonely Planet we seek to make a difference in
people's lives by spreading the power of travel. We firmly believe that travel
has a significant positive impact on people's lives and outlooks and is a force
of positive change.
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