Lonely Planet lists top 10 countries to visit next year

Lonely Planet has released a new guide that includes a list of the top ten countries to visit next year.

The Best in Travel 2010 book features a selection of lists covering various subjects, with the run-down of the leading countries including El Salvador, Germany, Greece, Portugal and the US.

Suriname, Malaysia, Morocco and Nepal also featured in the list, along with the perennial favourite of New Zealand.

George Hickton, chief executive of Tourism New Zealand, said: "Being singled out as one of the top ten countries for 2010 by Lonely Planet is an astonishing result for New Zealand, given the competition out there from established and emerging tourism destinations."

He went on to say that the country's ability to compete with new locations is testament to its desire to offer a unique tourism experience and its innovation.

Other lists in the Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2010 guide include the world's leading cycling routes, the best locations to go birdwatching and the top places to walk your dog.

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