Australia has taken out the title for the 2020 Destination of the Year from Travel + Leisure Magazine.
The title of the Destination of the Year goes to places that the magazine says captures the travel zeitgeist of the moment, whether that’s cultural relevance, energy or experiences.
Editor-in-chief Jacqui Gifford explained “why now” in a statement to Yahoo News.
“Why Australia? And why now? It's always been considered a 'bucket list' spot, a place that people would reserve for a once-in-a-lifetime trip when they had a longer window of time to travel,” she explained.
“In today's 24/7-connected world, we want you to switch off and take that time. If the thrill of travel is to be pushed, mentally and physically, to discover something new — and to appreciate the simple, awe-inspiring beauty of this earth — Australia and its seven states deliver and then some.”
The magazine has released travel guides for all seven states of Australia, which focus on some of the natural wonders that the nation has to offer. However, it was also the culinary delights available in Australia that tipped the scales in the country’s favour.
“New experiences and hotels have opened up less-frequented destinations. Innovative chefs and winemakers are putting a global spin on native ingredients,” according to a statement on their website, which was key in helping Australia win the top spot of Destination of the Year.