Islands are in world's 'top 10'
THE serene charm of a cluster of islands 28 miles off the Cornish coast has won them a place alongside Hawaii and Hanoi on a list of the world's must-see destinations.
Renowned international travel guide Frommer's has rated the Isles of Scilly as one of the top 10 destinations in the world to visit in 2010.
The archipelago, which is home to just over 2,000 people, was the only UK destination to make the list – and tourism leaders on the islands are delighted at the stamp of approval.
"Getting into Frommer's top 10 destinations list, which is much anticipated by travel lovers around the world, is a major coup for us," said Isles of Scilly tourism officer Kate Sleep.
"When you look at the other locations we are rubbing shoulders with, and consider we are the only UK destination to make the list, it is the perfect way to kick-start the 2010 season.
The Isles of Scilly, which enjoys a unique climate and is often hailed as a slice of the South Seas on the UK's doorstep, rubs shoulders with a prestigious line-up in the guide. Other destinations include Copenhagen and Abu Dhabi.
Compiled from feedback from travel industry insiders, travel writers and readers, it is the first time the islands have made the prestigious list.
Launching the list, Frommer's wrote of the Isles of Scilly: "The islands are a collection of secluded sandy beaches, Bronze Age burial chambers and rocky promontories, and a smattering of beautifully located cafés ensure plenty of diversions – such as kayaking, sailing and windsurfing – en route.
"Fringed with beaches of soft, pale sand, the archipelago has the exotic appeal of some faraway holiday paradise, an impression enhanced by the balmy, frost-free climate and colourful subtropical plants."
7 Comments
by a local shop owner, pz
Tuesday, December 15 2009, 10:42PM
“karen, suffolk ,,
i wpould love to tell you about maggs but each time anything bad is said about maggs & co it is removed from the site.
lets just say he is paid to do what he has done... ask him why after all this time and effort if he realy cared why was he not at the planning meeting on monday”
by karen, ipswich
Tuesday, December 15 2009, 12:59PM
“Thanks Edgar and also William for your replys to which i am now very interested to read about 2 sides, once again thanks.”
by William Cox, Penzance
Tuesday, December 15 2009, 11:23AM
“To Karen in Suffolk. If you want the true facts regarding your question, please see the web site of the Friends of Penzance Harbour at http://www.friendsofpzharbour.org/
These are people who really care about Penzance and its future and don't want it ruined by harmful development.”
by Edgar Davids, Woolpack
Tuesday, December 15 2009, 9:31AM
“No problem Karen.
Mr Maggs is a religious man and he believes that a small section of beach and rocks, usually a dumping ground for shopping trolleys, is 'holy land'. Unfortunately, this bit of land is exactly where the Route Partnership wants to build a new quay site to make Scillonian passages more comfortable, and safe. We were even given £41,000,000 to complete the project. But Mr Maggs would prefer to keep the small beach and rocks and thus turn down the money. Mr Maggs, if you're reading, please correct me if I'm legally incorrect in any way.
What this may mean for Penzance is that the Scillonian sailing route now gets diverted to Falmouth.
For some reasons, Friends of Penzance Harbour see this as being 'acceptable', in which case I can only presume that the various guest houses and eating establishments are making enough money and do not need the trade of some 200 extra people staying in Penzance each night during the Spring/Summer season?
Of course, there has also been murmering of BIH taking the helicopter service out of Penzance as well, and possibly relocating to Lands End.
All in all, Penzance may well be a very different place within 5 years, and be that good or bad, you can thank Mr Maggs for deciding that for you.”
by karen, suffolk
Tuesday, December 15 2009, 8:52AM
“Please somebody "enlighten me" on the Mr Maggs saga? we are always around that area for hols and also Cornwall so would like to know, somebody please. thanks ,”
by supportingthelink, Pz
Monday, December 14 2009, 3:20PM
“Its great new for tourism, what a pity no-one will be able to get there if Mr Maggs has his way!”
by John, Penzance
Monday, December 14 2009, 1:20PM
“Excellent news well done Scilly.
Instaed of any pride all we can feel is the shame that the facilities to get there, sailing from Penzance may well be kept in the grip of the previous century by John Maggs and his fellow protestors.”