MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2008
New Zealand Voted Top Country Again
New Zealand has been voted top country (again) by Wanderlust readers.
For the second year running, New Zealand has been voted the Top Country by readers of the UK-based travel publication
Wanderlust.
Nearly 3,000 travellers voted in the annual awards, which are based on customer satisfaction over the past year.
New Zealand received an impressive 96.86% satisfaction followed closely by Madagascar and Namibia.
“Visitors come to New Zealand looking for unique, authentic experiences so the fact that this award is based on visitor
satisfaction is something our tourism industry can be very proud of,” said George Hickton, Tourism New Zealand Chief
Executive.
Wanderlust says New Zealand’s growing popularity as a filming location has also helped raise our profile as a holiday
destination.
Wanderlust said New Zealand’s breathtaking scenery has become a favourite among film makers, having featured in
blockbusters such as The Lord of the Rings and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – and was tipped to be the location
for the recently announced Hobbit films.
This award follows New Zealand win for Best Holiday Destination Worldwide as voted by readers of the British Daily
Telegraph newspaper in November last year.
“The United Kingdom is second largest market for visitor arrivals - contributing almost 300,000 visitors over the past
year so this kind of recognition the travelling public is proof that the UK market has potential to grow even further,”
Mr Hickton said.
ENDS