Editorial: Top rating down to our Art Deco

The weather is one of the many things that make our region attractive to tourists.

Hawke's Bay is a gem.

Yesterday was a prime example. The sky was clear, the wind had dropped and families took the opportunity to get out and about during the school holidays.

I watched mothers lather up little limbs in sunscreen before youngsters jumped in the pool. I followed suit. It was bliss - and it's only October.

The weather is one of the many things that make our region attractive to tourists - Art Deco is another.

Napier helped New Zealand grab headlines in the United Kingdom this week and it had nothing to do with rugby.

We were voted the world's "best country" by the Telegraph Travel site - a highly regarded site that attracts more than 500,000 readers and viewers.

Napier's Art Deco character was one of the reasons it made it to the top of a list of 20 countries. Other regions played a part, of course but the travel site declared the Art Deco of Napier to be among the world's very best.

"An Art Deco phoenix risen from the ashes," it stated.

The money the Art Deco Trust spends bringing international media to Napier is a worthy investment. Coverage such as this is priceless.

As Art Deco Trust general manager Sally Jackson says, the spin-off is higher numbers attending our annual celebration of all things Deco. Thus, putting more money into the tills of our cafes, hotels, shops and ultimately our economy. We all benefit.

The hard work the trust puts in year-round pays off. Well done, team.