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For the first time this year, the world travel authority Lonely planet has featured lists not only of places, but also of people and communities that are transforming the travel industry.
In 2021, Lonely Planet foresees the major changes that are taking place globally, from sustainability to diversityand shed light on the future of travel.
“Traveling is a much more considered exercise in 2021 than ever”, Luis Cabrera, CEO of Lonely Planet said.
“With travelers re-engaging with the world cautiously and focused on ensuring their impact is safe and positive for host communities, we have decided to highlight the destinations and people that truly enable visitors to have transformative experiences and make genuine contributions.” .
Traveling is always changing. Best in Travel 2021 advocates for people who make travel a force for good, most essential in a year in which COVID-19 has disrupted and deprioritized travel. Best in Travel 2021 reflects how travel contributes to sustainability, community and inclusion, and reflects on how we can better explore the world in a responsible way. Rather than offering a list of to-do destinations, Lonely Planet focused on how people travel now: outdoors; in family groups; on purpose; paying special attention to the communities they will explore.
After a tumultuous year of travel, Best in Travel also symbolizes Lonely Planet’s commitment to these values. “We are taking the opportunity to re-emphasize what we are here for and why: our mission remains to be a trusted travel companion. One that inspires, informs, and guides, while at the same time syncing up with your travel wishes and needs, ”said Cabrera.
Lonely Planet kicked off the process for the 2021 Best in Travel list by seeking nominations from Lonely Planet’s vast community of staff, writers, photographers, videographers, bloggers, editorial partners and more. Then the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and like the rest of the travel world, Lonely Planet hit the pause button. But other things also changed. The conversation around diversity took a decisive turn. The future of travel moved toward small group participation and decades-long issues like excessive tourism came back to the forefront. As a result, Lonely Planet’s selections fit this new approach and are designed for travel in 2021: a year that will be like no other.
Highlights on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel list for 2021:
Sustainability
Discover the extraordinary people and places that transform travel and make the world a better place, for current and future generations. The winners include:
- Soraya Abdel-Hadi
- Dante’s ways
- Rwanda
- Antigua & Barbuda
- Rocky mountaineer
- Greece
- Virginia Mountain Bike Trail
- Grootberg Lodge, Namibia
- Palau
- Gothenburg, Sweden
Diversity
Everybody has a different story to tell. Celebrate the people and places that illuminate the mosaic of stories and perspectives found around the world. The winners include:
- Gabby Beckford, Packs Light
- Costa Rica
- El Hierro, Spain
- Hiakai, New Zealand
- Jeff Jenkins for Chubby Diaries
- Wheels of the world
- Karl Krause and Daan Colijn, male couple
- Gullah Islands, United States
- San Diego, USA
- Amman, Jordan
Community
Who knows best what type of travel will benefit their communities? People who live and work there, of course, offering authentic and unforgettable experiences that give back to local communities. The winners include:
- Invisible cities, United Kingdom
- Kazakhstan
- Faroe Islands
- Medellin Colombia
- Tesfa Tours, Ethiopia
- Australia
- Hesham Moadamani, Refugee Voices Visits
- Footprints Café, Cambodia
- Burren EcoTourism Network, Ireland
- Georgette Jupe, Girl in Florence
The Best in Travel list is also a two-way street in 2021. In January, Lonely Planet will announce reader nominations of its own favorite people and places that are shaping the future of travel this year and beyond. Voting for Reader’s Choice begins today and can be found on the Best in Travel home page.
For more information on the Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2021 list, visit https://www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel.
