Indian Ocean island named a top 10 country to visit in 2014

The Indian Ocean island of Seychelles was voted the 7th best country to head to in 2014 behind Brazil, Antarctica, Scotland, Sweden, Malawi, and Mexico.

The Indian Ocean island of Seychelles was voted the 7th best country to head to in 2014 behind Brazil, Antarctica, Scotland, Sweden, Malawi, and Mexico.

Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, said that this recognition by Lonely Planet is a great plug for Seychelles. “As small as we are, once again we are being featured amongst big and traditional must-visit countries. Seychelles has been steadfast in its policy of safeguarding what the islands have been blessed with. Our natural beauty is recognized right around the world, but that alone would never give us the appeal we today command as a tourism destination in our own right. This is why we are pushing our culture, and through this asset, our people, as this remains the strongest USP we can ever call on to keep our beautiful islands ahead of the pack,” Minister St.Ange said.

Seychelles also is one island destination that believes in regional and international cooperation. They have worked and continue to work closely with islands like La Reunion, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros, Mayotte, and Maldives in the creation of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands Organization which is set to make the Indian Ocean the new tourism region. The also work with KwaZulu Natal of South Africa, Swaziland, and Mozambique in the EAST3ROUTE Grouping to bring tourism to the grassroots level.

The rationale for the compilation of the list by Lonely Planet refers to “jam-packed schedule of world-class events” made it “the place to be” in 2014.

Lonely Planet said its Best in Travel annual is a collection of the world’s hottest trends, destinations, and experiences for the year ahead. It highlighted the top ten countries, cities, and regions to visit in 2014:

In the Top 10 Countries: Number 7 โ€“ Seychelles, with a tagline: Paradise within reach

Lonely Planet writes: An idyllic spot on Anse Lazio beach on Praslin in the Seychelles.

These 115 divine islands strewn across the peacock-blue Indian Ocean have all the key ingredients for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, but their reputation as a millionaireโ€™s playground may have kept you away. Good news: on top of exclusive island hideaways and elegant eco-villas, you can benefit from the wallet-friendlier B&Bs, picturesque Creole guesthouses, and self-catering apartments that have sprung up over the past decade. And if expensive air tickets deterred you from visiting, rejoice! Increased competition has dramatically changed the situation over the past few years. And thereโ€™s much more to do than sipping cocktails on the beach. Hiking, diving, snorkeling, boat tours, and other adventure options are all readily available, with the added appeal of grandiose scenery. Wildlife lovers will get a buzz, too โ€“ the Seychelles is not dubbed โ€œThe Galรกpagos of the Indian Oceanโ€ for nothing.

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/lonely-planets-best-in-travel-2014-top-10-countries#ixzz2jAUUz3iR

TOP 10 COUNTRIES

1. Brazil
2. Antarctica
3. Scotland
4. Sweden
5. Malawi
6. Mexico
7. Seychelles
8. Belgium
9. Macedonia
10. Malaysia

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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