Newcastle was the only Australian city to be named on Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Cities list in its Best in Travel 2011 guide published today.
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nicholas Saunders, and Newcastle Lord Mayor, John Tate, congratulated Newcastle on being ranked ninth by the travel guide for its ‘unique blend of imagination, sophistication and laid-back surf culture’.
“I’m a proud Novocastrian and thrilled that Newcastle has been named in the top 10 cities in the world for 2011,” Professor Saunders said.
“Newcastle is a great place and should have an ambitious international vision. Today’s announcement is testament that we are beginning to hit the mark. The whole community should take credit for this significant achievement.”
Lord Mayor, John Tate, said people that live here have known all along that Newcastle is one of the best cities in the world.
“Hopefully inclusion in the Lonely Planet’s Top 10 will serve to enlighten people from across the globe and provide a real boost to our tourism industry.”
In 2010, the University of Newcastle was the first university in the Asia-Pacific region to partner with Lonely Planet to release a customised travel guide for prospective students. Study Newcastle is a pocket sized guide that provides information on study programs, study accommodation, recreation facilities, cultural events and sporting clubs.
“A great part of Newcastle’s appeal is its university, which is a major drawcard for interstate and international visitors to the city,” Professor Saunders said.
“The University has more than 7,300 international students from 80 countries enrolled in our programs in Australia, outside Australia and online. Being named in the top 10 cities in the world will attract not only more visitors but also more students to our great city.”
Lonely Planet is a globally recognised company that produces 500 travel guides for 195 countries, as well as digital PDF chapters and products for iPhone, iPad and Kindle.
For interviews: Professor Saunders through Megan Cunneen, Media and Public Relations Officer, 02 4921 5351 or 0448 369 871; Lord Mayor Cr John Tate 0407 017 154.
