Reflecting the ways in which the world and attitudes to travel have been changed, Lonely Planet has created new award categories for 2021, including Community, Sustainability and Diversity, to recognise not just the places but also the people and communities that are transforming the industry.

Australia secured the Community Restoration award in recognition of its recovery efforts at both a local and national level to rebuild communities and preserve Australia's unique wildlife following the 2019-20 summer bushfires.

Tourism Australia Managing Director, Phillipa Harrison, said that the award was a reflection of the significant efforts made by Australians to help drive the recovery of communities and the tourism sector more broadly following the bushfires.

Challenging year

"There is no doubt that this has been the most challenging year our industry has faced, having todeal first with the impacts of last summer's bushfires followed directly by a shutdown of travel due to COVID-19," Ms Harrison said.

"That spirit of resilience has really endured as recovery efforts have continued, despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is heartening that this has been recognised as part of these awards."

Australia is one of 30 destinations, inspirational individuals and tourism projects selected by Lonely Planet to shine a light on pioneering sustainable practices, efforts by local communities towards restoration and the importance of diverse representation in all aspects of travel.

Next year and beyond

"Travel in 2021 and beyond will be a much more considerate exercise than it has been ever before," Lonely Planet CEO Luis Cabrera said.

"With travellers cautiously re-engaging with the world and focusing on ensuring their impact is safe and positive for host communities, we have decided to highlight destinations and individuals that truly enable visitors to make genuine contributions through regenerative travel."

Lonely Planet hopes the Best in Travel 2021 awards will champion those who make travel a force for good at a time when COVID-19 has disrupted and devastated the industry worldwide, affecting so many in the industry. Rather than delivering a destination bucket list, Lonely Planet has focused on how people travel now: outdoors, in family groups, purposefully, with careful attention to the communities they will explore.

"We are taking the chance to re-emphasise what we are here for and why our mission remains to be a trusted travel companion – one that inspires, informs, and guides, while being in sync with travel wants and needs," said Cabrera.

In addition, Lonely Planet is inviting readers to add nominations for their favourite people and places that are shaping the future of travel this year and beyond. Voting is open on the Best in Travel website and Lonely Planet will announce the Reader's Choice Awards winners in January 2021.

Useful links

australia.com/en

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