NZ named top place to visit, for second year running

3.00pm

One of the world's biggest travel publishers has named New Zealand the world's top travel destination for the second year running.

Once a year Lonely Planet, which publishes 650 books in 17 languages, asks its staff to vote for the travel "hot spot" of the coming year.

Global travel editor Don George said it was "pretty extraordinary" for one country to top the list twice in a row.

He put the double down to a "perfect storm of spectacular pristine scenery, hospitable citizenry, compelling culture, perceived geopolitical safety and free global big-screen advertising -- courtesy of (Oscar-nominated movies) Lord of the Rings".

New Zealand would experience another tourism boom as a result, Mr George predicted.

"When Lonely Planet says this is a hot destination, a lot of people pay attention."

About 100 staffers voted in the publisher's four offices around the world, citing New Zealand's strong sense of culture, its relaxed attitude and its nuclear-free status.

Others said the "great New Zealand flick" Whale Rider would entice more visitors to the East Coast region, where highlights included watching rugby at Ruatoria, catching crayfish for dinner and staying on a marae.

Tourism New Zealand chief executive George Hickton said the accolade was excellent news because people were making increasing use of guide books.

Last month Tourism Minister Mark Burton said tourism already contributed $16.2 billion a year to the economy.

He said it was "well placed to give dairy a run for its money" as New Zealand's number one export industry.

The rest of Lonely Planet's top-five destinations for 2004 were filled out by Australia, Peru, Croatia and Thailand.

South America was voted the hottest region.

Last year's top five "hot spots" were New Zealand, Cambodia, China, Turkey and Cuba.

- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY