SHETLAND is the only UK location worth visiting this summer, according to travel bible Lonely Planet.
The “breathtaking” islands claimed sixth place in the guide’s top 10 list of must-see European destinations for summer 2019.
The isles, which rest 170 kilometres off the mainland coast, boast “awesome coastal trails” and “wicked wildlife watching”, according to the respected guide.
Other top-rated destinations include France’s picturesque Lyon region and Switzerland’s Vevey, which was selected for its three-week wine festival and 20-course tasting menus. Mountainous Liechtenstein and historical Istria in Croatia also made the list.
READ MORE: Stark, steadfast and stoic: How I fell in love with Scotland's islands
High Tatras in Slovakia was ranked in first place thanks to its impressive forests, followed by Spanish city Madrid.
Iceland’s Arctic Coast Way, with its “thunderous waterfalls” and “colossal glaciers”, came third. “Picture-perfect” Hercegovina, known for its cycling trails and mountain villages, and “reinvigorated” Bari in Italy, also narrowly trumped Shetland’s ranking in fourth and fifth place respectively.
VisitScotland’s chief executive, Malcolm Roughead, commented: “Shetland, a Unesco Global Geopark, has something for everyone – it boasts breathtaking scenery, unparalleled opportunities to see amazing wildlife and birds, a stunning coastline, delicious local food and drink, unique culture and heritage and an incredible historical and archaeological story to tell.
“It is somewhere you can enjoy both a relaxing break and an activity-fuelled trip.”
Tourism is a big part of the region’s economy. Roughead added: “It is important that we encourage the tourism industry to provide world-class service, facilities, events and attractions to keep up with ever-changing consumer demands and ensure visitors continue to have memorable experiences in Shetland.
“Tourism is more than a holiday experience – it is the heartbeat of the Scottish economy and touches every community, generating income, jobs and social change.”
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