(TAN): Australia has been recognised in Lonely Planet’s annual Best In Travel Awards, receiving the ‘Community Restoration’ award.
Reflecting the ways in which the world and attitudes to travel have been changed, Lonely Planet has created new award categories for 2021, including ‘Community’, ‘Sustainability’ and ‘Diversity’, to recognise not just the places but also the people and communities that are transforming the industry.
Australia secured the ‘Community Restoration’ award in recognition of its recovery efforts at both a local and national level to rebuild communities and preserve Australia’s unique wildlife following the 2019/20 summer bushfires. Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said that the award was a reflection of the significant efforts made by Australians to help drive the recovery of communities and the tourism sector more broadly following the bushfires.
[ALSO READ: You could win a stay at Shah Rukh Khan’s Delhi home, thanks to Airbnb]
“There is no doubt that this has been the most challenging year our industry has faced, having to first deal with the impacts of last summer’s bushfires followed directly by a shutdown of travel due to Covid-19,” Harrison said. “But in response to these challenges, we really have seen the best examples of the Australian spirit shining through particularly as people across the country rallied behind those communities both directly and indirectly impacted by the bushfires, with so many extending offers of support.”
Australia is one of 30 destinations, inspirational individuals and tourism projects selected by Lonely Planet to shine a light on pioneering sustainable practices, efforts by local communities towards restoration and the importance of diverse representation in all aspects of travel.
[ALSO READ: Uganda- 200-acre marijuana farm found in Queen Elizabeth National Park]
“Travel in 2021 and beyond will be a much more considerate exercise than it has been ever before,” Lonely Planet CEO Luis Cabrera said. “With travellers cautiously re-engaging with the world and focusing on ensuring their impact is safe and positive for host communities, we have decided to highlight destinations and individuals that truly enable visitors to make genuine contributions through regenerative travel.”
