Singapore named Lonely Planet's top destination to visit in 2015

SINGAPORE - Described as one of the world's most multicultural countries, Singapore has topped Lonely Planet's top destination to visit in 2015.

The listing was published today in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2015 book, with Namibia and Lithuania taking second and third places respectively.

The American travel media company noted that 2015 is a special year to visit Singapore as the nation will be celebrating its Golden Jubilee.

To coincide with the island's 50th birthday, Singapore will be ushering in new attractions next year such as the National Art Gallery and Singapore Sports Hub.

In the book, it said Singapore has been nurturing its blooming fashion and dining scenes, among other areas.

Artisan coffee has taken off like "wildfire" and brunch as become a "thing", said Lonely Planet.

Marina Bay is one of the iconic attractions highlighted in the book. Lonely Planet describes the promenade area as a "funfair for the whole family".

Along with a new crop of swanky hotels, tourists can enjoy the "Singapore experience" on a whole new level, Lonely Planet recommends.

Ms Lynette Pang, Assistant Chief Executive of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), welcomed the accolade as it shows the wide variety of high-quality experiences that Singapore offers, and "will serve as motivation for us to continue delivering innovative tourism concepts that can further elevate the Singapore experience".

She added that 2015 is not just a year of celebrations, but also a time of reflection. "We look back on the journey we have taken with a view to doing even better for the future," said Ms Pang.

wjeanne@sph.com.sg