The Scottish Highlands has been named as one of National Geographic's 'Best of the World' destinations for 2023.

The publication revealed that the region is one of only two UK destinations to make the annual list.*

It has been shortlisted in the nature category, alongside Botswana, Slovenia, Big Bend National Park in Texas and Azores.

The travel list, which is created, researched, reported and written in collaboration with National Geographic Traveler's international editorials teams, celebrates Scotland's rewilding efforts, which aim to restore the original landscape of the Highlands by replanting and restoring native species.

It references areas such as Alladale Wilderness Reserve and the Affric Highlands project which will start restoring 500,000 acres stretching from Loch Ness to the West Coast.

In response to the Highlands addition to the National Geographic Best of the World line-up, Tourism Minister Ivan McKee said: “This is excellent news, Scotland continues to go from strength to strength in developing sustainable tourism and to be recognised alongside Botswana and the Azores reinforces that tourism and environmental protection can be developed alongside each other through strategic planning and appropriate interventions.

“Our scenery is one of the largest draws for our international visitors and it's important that we preserve it for generations to come. Sustainability is therefore a key strand of our Tourism Strategy: Scotland Outlook 2030 and it's encouraging to be recognised for this.”

Malcolm Roughead, VisitScotland Chief Executive, said: “Our landscapes and scenery is one of the top reasons that people visit Scotland and the Highlands is home to some of the country's most important and special natural assets.

“It is fantastic that National Geographic has recognised the valuable environmental efforts that are being undertaken across the region and are sharing this with audiences across the world.

“VisitScotland wants to play a leading role in the development of Scotland as a globally recognised responsible destination. We are committed to working with the industry, communities and visitors to preserve and protect the natural, social and cultural assets which are so vital to Scotland's brand and its future prosperity.”

Highland Council Leader, Cllr Raymond Bremner, said: “To have the Highlands shortlisted as one of only two UK destinations in such a prestigious list of nominees is testament to the stunning unspoilt nature of the place we are lucky enough to call home.

“What is really pleasing is to receive recognition from National Geographic for the efforts in restoring the Highlands' ecosystems through projects like Affric Highland in the rewilding of 500,000 acres, re-introducing native species, improving biodiversity being carried out in areas like the Alladale Wilderness Reserve, and in the rewilding planned to improve biodiversity across 500,000 acres as part of the Affric Highland Project.”

He added: “Our natural assets bring thousands of visitors to the region every year. Like the rest of the world however we are not immune to the effects of Climate Change. As a region it is vital that we work together in the development of  a more sustainable tourism infrastructure. Areas like the Alladale Wilderness Reserve are proof of what can be achieved when you focus on restoring the balance of nature.”

For more information visit: www.NatGeo.com/BestoftheWorld or www.visitscotland.org

ENDS

*National Geographic's “Best of the World 2023” list:

Culture

Appian Way, Italy

Busan, South Korea

Longmen Grottoes, Henan Province, China

Egypt

Charleston, South Carolina

Nature

Scottish Highlands

Botswana

Slovenia

Big Bend National Park, Texas

Azores

Adventure

New Zealand

Choquequirao, Peru

Utah

Austrian Alps

Revillagigedo National Park, Mexico

Community

Dodecanese Islands, Greece

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Alberta, Canada

Laos

Ghana

Family

Trinidad and Tobago

San Francisco, California

Colombia

Manchester, UK

Switzerland

For further information contact:  

Louise Purves

VisitScotland Senior Corporate Press & Social Media Manager

Tel: 07730590102

Email: louise.purves@visitscotland.com

Notes to Editors 

• Follow us on twitter: @visitscotnews  
• VisitScotland is Scotland's national tourism organisation. Its purpose is to deliver a strategic and coordinated approach to supporting the rebuilding of the visitor economy in a responsible way, to ensure tourism thrives.
• The organisation's work will help deliver the Scottish Government's National Strategy for Economic Transformation, and Scotland Outlook 2030, the national tourism strategy, which details the vision of Scotland being the world leader in 21st century tourism. 
• This is delivered through three strategic pillars: Building a responsible destination brand, investigating in Scotland's tourism and events communities and facilitating collaboration and embracing change in support of a fairer, more responsible and inclusive visitor economy.
• Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, spending by tourists in Scotland generated around £11 billion of economic activity in the wider Scottish supply chain and contributed around £6 billion to Scottish GDP (in basic prices).  
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• Scotland's Year of Stories 2022 will spotlight, celebrate and promote the wealth of stories inspired by, written, or created in Scotland. 
• Led by VisitScotland, the Year of Stories 2022 will sustain and build upon the momentum of preceding Themed Years, showcasing a nationwide programme of major events and community celebrations.  
• From icons of literature to local tales, Scotland's Year of Stories encourages locals and visitors to experience a diversity of voices, take part in events and explore the places, people and cultures connected to all forms of our stories, past and present.  
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