An influential magazine has named the Highlands as one of its '25 breathtaking places and experiences' for 2023. The region was picked out by National Geographic with the likes of the Azores and the Big Bend National Park in Texas as one of the best places to visit this year coming for nature.
The famous publication revealed the region is one of only two UK destinations to make the annual list. It was also shortlisted alongside Botswana and Slovenia in the category.
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.
It references areas such as Alladale Wilderness Reserve and the Affric Highlands project which will start restoring 500,000 acres stretching all the way from Loch Ness to the West Coast.
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Speaking about the Highlands being picked out, Tourism Minister Ivan McKee said: “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.”
The region, which has seen a resurgence in recent years thanks to the popularity of shows such as Outlander, the rise in popularity of staycations and the continuing growth of the NC500 has seen thousands head there every year to explore this incredible wilderness in all of its glory.
Malcolm Roughead, VisitScotland Chief Executive, added: “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."
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