Uzbekistan Has Been Named The World’s ‘Most Desirable’ Emerging Destination, Canada Reviews

For 23 years, travel mag Wanderlust has asked its readers to vote for their favourite places on earth for the annual Reader Travel Awards.

This year, 168,000 travellers voted across 22 different categories, naming a popular Asian capital the most desirable city and an adventure-packed island nation the best of the best in the countries category. 

But it’s not all tried-and-tested travel spots: readers voted on their favourite up-and-coming destinations, too, naming Uzbekistan the most desirable emerging destination. 

About the country, Wanderlust said: ‘This central Asian gem is home to ancient cities such as Samarkand and Bukhara, whose Islamic architecture and vibrant bazaars offer a remarkable time capsule of the past.’

‘Beyond its historical treasures, Uzbekistan also has some impressive natural landscapes for which it rarely receives the attention it deserves, from the vast Kyzylkum Desert to the shores of the Aral Sea,’ it continued. 

But that’s not all there is to see – Uzbekistan is home to the Nuratau Mountains, which have some incredible hiking trails to follow, and there are plenty of chances to immerse yourself in Uzbek culture by delving into the country’s wine-making history and the UNESCO-protected plov (a meal of rice and meat), its national dish. 

Albania claimed second place, and Qatar claimed third. You can browse the entire top 10 below. 

These are the world’s 10 most desirable emerging destinations

1. Uzbekistan
2. Albania
3. Qatar
4. Azerbaijan
5. Kazakhstan
6. Greenland
7. Armenia
8. Nicaragua
9. Moldova
10. Panama

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