Scottish Highlands has been named as one of National Geographic’s ‘Best of the World’ destinations for 2023 in the nature category
The much-awaited listing of top, trending destinations for 2023 around the world, prepared by the National Geographic magazine has been released. In the listing, the Scottish Highlands has been named as one of National Geographic’s ‘Best of the World’ destinations for 2023 in the nature category. Incidentally, across the entire listing, the Highlands is one of the only two destinations from the UK to make the cut and figure in the annual list.
In the nature category, the Scottish Highlands figures 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, according to a press statement.
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.
“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,” says Tourism Minister Ivan McKee on the listing.
“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,” says Malcolm Roughead, VisitScotland Chief Executive.
“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,” he adds.
“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,” says Raymond Bremner, Highland Council Leader.
“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,” Bremner adds.
