U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism is pleased to start the New Year with news that the Territory has been ranked number one on Lonely Planet’s list of “Top 10 US travel destinations for 2012.” The U.S. Virgin Islands, recognized for its natural beauty, off-the-beaten-path accommodation options and soon-to-open attractions, ranked above destinations like Chicago, Yellowstone National Park and Culebra, Puerto Rico.
Each year, Lonely Planet – the world’s leading travel-content provider – compiles a list of the best places to visit in the U.S. for the upcoming year based on recommendations from the organization’s editorial team. The editors make their selections based on what’s new, interesting, up-and-coming or likely to be overlooked by travelers in various cities and destinations across the U.S. The website where the list resides, www.lonelyplanet.com, receives more than 10 million unique monthly visitors from around the world.
“To have such a distinguished organization sing our praises is an honor,” noted Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty. “The Lonely Planet editors hit the nail on the head in recognizing the affordability and range of vacation experiences we offer travelers visiting St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas. It’s proof that our key messages are being delivered in our ongoing media relations efforts.”
The U.S. Virgin Islands is described in the article as the editors’ “#1 choice for an American Tropical getaway.” The Territory is recognized for the unique charm of each of its islands, with the St. John Inn and Maho Bay Camps on St. John, Hassel Island on St. Thomas and the soon-to-open Captain Morgan Rum Distillery on St. Croix being called out specifically.
To view Lonely Planet’s full list of Top 10 US travel destinations for 2012, go to http://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/travel-tips-and-articles/76941.
