Texas Ranked Fifth Amongst Lonely Planet's Top 10 Regions For 2014

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Lonely Planet, the world's leading travel media company, has named Texas fifth in its Top 10 Regions for 2014 list. The Lone Star State is the only United States destination on the list this year.

The list is featured in Lonely Planet's annual "Best in Travel" book, which invites Lonely Planet authors and select members of their online travel community to nominate destinations worth visiting in 2014, taking into consideration activities, adventure, culture, events, family, food and "off-the-beaten-track" experiences. A panel of in-house experts selects the final ten in each category and gives each destination a score for topicality, excitement and "x-factor." This year, Texas was highlighted for its events, food and family activities.

"We are thrilled and honored to be selected as Lonely Planet's only U.S. destination on its Top 10 Regions for 2014," Texas Tourism Director Brad Smyth said. "Texas offers a variety of fun and unique experiences for every type of traveler, from the iconic BBQ and cowboy culture to the unexpected gourmet cuisine and major arts districts, it's no wonder Texas was ranked among some of the most captivating regions in the world."

Travel to Texas is on the rise. During 2012, more than 220 million travelers visited Texas diverse destinations, solidifying the Lone Star State as a premier travel destination in the United States. As identified by Lonely Planet's "Best in Travel" book, Texas offers something for everyone: "Yahooing cowboy country and oil-rich business districts aren't the only things cooking up on the multifaceted menu of Lone Star State diversions." Featured festivals and events include the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the inaugural Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival, Bishop Arts District in Dallas and Austin's Formula One US Grand Prix.

For more on all there is to see and experience in Texas, visit www.traveltex.com and find us on Twitter (@texastourism), Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.

About Texas Tourism:
Texas Tourism's mission is to enhance and extend local economic development efforts by marketing Texas as a premier travel destination in out-of-state domestic and international markets, generating non-Texan travel to the state, thereby creating revenue and jobs. Travelers in Texas enhance state and local economies as evidenced by $65 billion in direct travel spending in 2012 and more than 220 million domestic visitors to Texas destinations last year. Travel and tourism directly supported 568,000 Texan jobs and generated $4.4 billion in state and local taxes in 2012.

SOURCE Texas Tourism