New Zealand named most popular long-haul destination

Wednesday 21 October 2009

Holidaymakers booking flights to New Zealand have voted the country their favourite long-haul destination in the annual Readers' Travel Awards.

The Australasian country beat off competition from Cambodia, Chile, Vietnam and Japan to claim top spot from readers of the Guardian, the Observer and guardian.co.uk.

Further good news came when Air New Zealand was voted passengers' second-favourite airline after Singapore Airlines.

Andy Pietrasik, guardian.co.uk's travel editor, said the results suggested that many travellers wanted to get "as far away as possible from the bad news at home".

"New Zealand also scored more highly than last year in winning this category, showing that the New Zealand experience has lost none of its appeal during the recession," he explained.

"This will stand it in very good stead as the travel environment improves."

Last month, readers of Conde Nast in the UK voted New Zealand their second favourite destination in the world.

Statistics New Zealand figures published today (October 21st) revealed a 9.3 percent increase in the number of overseas visitors arriving in the country during September compared to the same month last year.