New Zealand named Favourite Country at UK Travel Awards

New Zealand named Favourite Country at UK Travel Awards

New Zealand has once again triumphed at the UK’s prestigious Telegraph Travel Awards, beating off global competition to take the title of ‘Favourite Country’ for the second year running.

The Telegraph Travel Awards are recognised as one of the travel industry’s most respected accolades. Chosen entirely by well-travelled Telegraph newspaper readers, the awards attracted a record high of 75,000 votes this year.

Competing against every tourism destination in the world, New Zealand repeated last year’s win.

Tourism New Zealand Regional Manager UK & Europe Danielle Genty-Nott says, “This award is a huge honour and we would like to thank voters for their on-going support of New Zealand. It’s hugely exciting to know that our beautiful and diverse country is providing inspiration to readers of the Telegraph and that their experiences of New Zealand are ones they treasure.”

In its commentary on New Zealand winning Favourite Country, the Telegraph says:

Is there any surprise that New Zealand has topped this category for another year? The Land of the Long White Cloud casts its spell over many people in many places, but seems to exert a special hold over British travellers with its mix of old-fashioned Englishness, stunning alpine scenery, vibrant Polynesian culture and obsession with extreme sport. The fact that it also produces some of the world’s best sauvignon blanc and pinot noir adds to its charm, while the quality (and freshness) of Kiwi cuisine continues to impress.

Apart from its sheer physical beauty, New Zealand is also a very compact country, which is fully geared to the needs of time-poor visitors, whether you’re enjoying a family campervan trip or staying at a top-notch country lodge. The roads are well maintained and largely free of traffic and there’s a modern air-transport system for those who want to pack even more into their travel itinerary. But the country’s single biggest tourism asset is surely its people, who are friendly, relaxed and a little eccentric. Passionate travellers themselves, New Zealanders are the world’s most natural hosts. No wonder so many Brits regard this plucky, outdoorsy and rugby-loving nation as their second home.

For more information on the Telegraph Travel Awards and a full list of winners visit http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/

ENDS

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