Coventry has been named as a global hotspot for culture by one of the world’s best-read travel magazines.
The city tops the list of destinations in the Culture and History category of the Best of the World 2021 list published by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
The list features 35 extraordinary places around the world within five categories that will “define future itineraries for travellers”.
Martin Sutherland, Chief Executive of the Coventry City of Culture Trust, said: “As we look forward to Coventry being UK City of Culture from May 2021, it is great for the city’s culture and history to be recognised in this way by a world-leading authority on travel.
“Being featured in the Best of the World 2021 list helps to put Coventry firmly on to the global map and into the diaries of visitors for next year.”
Profiling inspiring places, communities and innovations, the list provides an optimistic dose of escapism, as would-be travellers navigate pandemic precautions around the world.
Framed by five categories — Sustainability, Nature & Wildlife, Adventure, Culture & History and Family Travel — each inclusion honours a superlative destination with a relevant story to tell for the year ahead.
Pat Riddell, editor of National Geographic Traveller (UK), said: “Coronavirus may well have scuppered many of our travel plans in 2020, but it hasn’t quashed our desire to see the world. And while we dream of distant shores and warmer climes, this list recognises the extraordinary destinations we can look forward to visiting when the time comes. Ahead of a new year — with the hope of a return to travel — we’re excited to share these 35 places, which will feature prominently on our future itineraries.”
Councillor George Duggins, Leader of Coventry City Council said, “It’s great to see Coventry feature in this very exclusive list. Of course, we know just how amazing our city is – but to see that recognized by National Geographic Traveller is a real boost.
“Lots of hard work is going in to make sure we have the best year we can and we are also working hard to ensure there is a great legacy for local people for years to come.”
The list was compiled in collaboration with National Geographic Traveller (UK)’s colleagues at National Geographic and the 16 local language editions of National Geographic Traveller, which serve millions of readers across their magazines and websites around the world.
National Geographic Traveller (UK)’s Best of the World 2021 list is an extended version of National Geographic’s list of the same name, and includes an additional 10 entries for a UK audience.
The list will be published in the Jan/Feb 2021 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK), on newsstands from 3 December. The Best of the World 2021 list is available online now at nationalgeographic.co.uk/best-of-the-world
PIC Martin Sutherland
Photo credit Ahsen Sayeed