Malawi named best for visiting in 2014

LILONGWE, Malawi - Nov. 13, 2013 - PRLog -- Malawi has been named one of the top countries in the world for travellers in 2014. The country receives the accolade in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2014, the highly anticipated collection of the world’s hottest trend destinations and experiences for the year ahead.

Malawi ranked fifth in the list headed by Brazil and Antarctica, but comes ahead of the likes of Mexico and Seychelles. The book raves about Malawi’s rich and diverse landscapes and describes it as the big five and beach life without the crowds. Malawi is often overshadowed by the bigger and trendier African safari destinations but with the draw of it’s stunning lake, which they describe as ‘the Maldives without the sharks and the all-inclusive buffets’, pristine beaches and mountain hikes it is rightly grabbing the spotlight.

The book goes on to say “International media attention has been rolling in of late, spurred on by the country’s revitalized parks and reserves, the beauty and diversity of the lake and the ever-increasing range of lodgings aimed at wallets both big and small”.

Malawi Travel Marketing Consortium is elated with the international attention which this recognition will bring. Managing Director Kelly White boasts “to be recognised by the Lonely Planet brand, which is read by thousands of travellers every year, is a huge boost for the country. 2014 will be a great year for Malawi. As well as celebrating 50 years of independence it sees investment in new accommodation, exciting developments in Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve on the back of the success of the Majete restocking program, and new flight routes in and around the country.”

Travel experts have predicted Malawi will be on the top of the hottest safari and adventure holiday destinations for travellers in 2014.

Lonely Planet’s advice is “best get there quick! This slip of a country has so far escaped the safari-suited ‘bush and beach’ crowd. You get up close to elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo without the pesky 4WD scrum so common in Africa’s best known parks.”

Kelly White continues, “Malawi is a growing tourism force to be reckoned. Our on-going marketing will support the trade and continue to draw upon the county’s first class wildlife experiences, pioneering conservation efforts, stunning beaches, water-sports, landscapes, culture, people, much famed lake and relaxed ‘bare foot’ luxury appeal, making it a compelling holiday destination for a broad range of travellers.”

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2014 is the 9th edition of the travel annual. The destinations featured in the book are selected for various reasons; it could be that there is something special going on that year, that there's been recent development and a lot of buzz about the place, or that we think it's up-and-coming and suggest you visit before the crowds do. The book also contains 17 inspirational travel lists, such as the best value destinations for the year ahead, the best destinations to get fit and the best places to try something new. Selecting what to include in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel publication is a considered process involving Lonely Planet’s authors, editors and online community. The final selection and ranking is made by a panel of in-house experts who give each destination in the shortlist a score in line with criteria such as topicality, excitement and “x-factor”.