Highlands hits top five in tourist destinations for 2019

The Highlands and islands have been named one of the top regions in the world for travellers in 2019, with the region receiving the accolade in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2019**, the highly anticipated annual collection of the best travel destinations, trends, journeys and experiences to have in the year ahead, revealing the top 10 regions, countries, cities and best value places to visit in 2019.**

The Highlands earned their place as a must-see destination for 2019 thanks, in part, to the whisky boom, which has seen a swathe of new distilleries open in the region.

They offer “a great introduction to one of the wildest, least inhabited and most scenic parts of Europe”, with the region’s “innovative and fast-developing” accommodation sector is also highlighted - from purpose-built campervan parking spots to designer cottages modelled on ancient buildings; which make visiting remote areas “easier than ever”.

Unmissable experiences in the region recommended by Lonely Planet’s experts include:

Tom Hall, Lonely Planet’s Editorial Director, said, “The wild landscapes of Scotland’s Highlands and islands offer the ultimate escape and visiting the region’s remote areas is now easier than ever thanks to impressive developments in accommodation. This is a stunning area with so much to offer travellers, from its glorious natural landscape and rich history to enviable local food and drink.”

Here's the 2019 list of regions in full:-

5. Scotland’s Highlands and islands

Sri Lanka – the island opening up to new travellers like never before – has been named the number one country to visit in 2019, while Denmark’s “capital of cool”, Copenhagen, is the number one city, boasting a world-renowned food scene and credentials as a design powerhouse.