Global travel authority Lonely Planet has today unveiled its top destinations to visit next year with and our very own Malta has been awarded the “Top Destination to Unwind” Award.

Lonely Planet stated that Malta has been “much-loved by European visitors for decades,” adding that it “is attracting more visitors from around the world, beckoned by its prehistoric temples, fantastic scuba diving and buzzy Valletta, its beautiful capital”.

Malta won this award alongside destinations such as Halkidiki in Greece and Jordan.

Lonely Planet’s annual marquee moment celebrates their expert predictions for where to go in the year ahead.

Showcasing 30 incredible destinations around this globe, ‘Best in Travel 2023’ is Lonely Planet’s 18th annual collection of the world’s hottest destinations and the must-have travel experiences for the year ahead.

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2023 aim is to offer a comprehensive set of itineraries aimed at helping travellers to explore the world while following along with some seriously knowledgeable locally based experts along the way.

Each country that wins such an award is chosen for its topicality, unique experiences, ‘wow’ factor and its ongoing commitment to sustainability, community and diversity.

The award was presented to the Minister for Tourism, Clayton Bartolo, Dr Gavin Gulia and Mr Carlo Micallef, Chairman and CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority, during last week’s World Travel Market in London. 

“Malta’s profile in the tourism world is rapidly gaining the strong reputation it truly deserves,” outlined Minister for Tourism Clayton Bartolo.

"Being recognised by Lonely Planet, which can be described as a highly respected global travel institution is a remarkable feat for Malta, even more so this year, when the tourism sector is recovering at such an encouraging pace”, the CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority Carlo Micallef stated.

Well done to all those involved!