There's cause for epic celebrations today in Wales as the north of the country has made it on to Lonely Planet's 'Best in Travel 2017' list – the only destination in the UK to do so.

A playground for thrill seekers, a haven for foodies, a hideout for stargazers and a goldmine for heritage seekers, North Wales has a holiday for every kind of traveller. But what caught the eye of the Lonely Planet, the world's leading travel authority, is the way the former industrial landscape has been reinvented and repurposed to create a series of truly world class attractions, from high speed zip lining and inland surfing to underground trampolining in a 176-year-old disused slate mine.

Wales has enjoyed two record-breaking years with visitor numbers crossing the 10 million mark for the first time in 2014, and record spend from domestic and overseas visitors in 2015. Wales is looking to sustain this performance with the raised profile from international events such as UEFA Euro 2016, and the success of the 2016 Year of Adventure tourism campaign.

Alongside World Heritage Sites such as Conwy and Caernarfon Castles, North Wales is home to some of the best walking and cycling in Britain, as well as a range of industry-leading attractions, all set against the spectacular backdrop of the Snowdonia mountains.

On the flanks of Snowdonia National Park, Zip World boasts 11 different attractions in total including the ever-popular Bounce Below, a colourful underground world of bouncing nets, slides and rope bridges. Zip World Velocity is the world's fastest zip line with two 500ft high courses that enable riders to exceed 100mph, while Zip World Titan offers Europe's first four-person line – perfect for thrill seeking families. 

A short drive east is Surf Snowdonia, a world-first man-made lagoon where amateurs and advanced riders alike can surf a powerful 6.5ft wave, under the watchful eye of Welsh National Surfing Champion, Jo Denison. It's not hard to see why North Wales is becoming known as the adventure tourism capital of Europe.

With enough to keep even the most hardcore adrenaline junkies quiet, North Wales has a full range of accommodation and services to complete its tourism offer, from five star Chateau Rhianfa to yurts and cabins at Graig Wen, and for the extra brave, cliff camping suspended high above the sea with Gaia Adventures.

Earlier this month, Sosban & The Old Butcher's near Anglesey became Wales' fifth restaurant with a Michelin Star and Palé Hall in Snowdonia has recently re-opened, having undergone a complete renovation.

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Quotes for use in media coverage:

Bear Grylls, official adventure ambassador for Wales, commented: “The beautiful, rugged and wild terrain of North Wales lends itself to so many activities and adventures, and I was thrilled to find out it's been recognised in this way.

”The Bear Grylls Survival Academy is based on the beautiful Llŷn Peninsula in North Wales, an area very close to my heart and a place that's guaranteed to challenge even the most intrepid adventurers!”

Ken Skates, Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure, commented: “This is such fantastic news for Wales as our Year of Adventure draws to a close. Being listed as one of the best in the world by such a well-respected and established publication such as the Lonely Planet is a real coup for North Wales. 

“The award will of course play a big part in our marketing for 2017 as we move on to celebrate the Year of Legends in Wales. I'm sure it will make people who haven't visited before think about Wales as a holiday destination and will also entice those who haven't visited for a while back to Wales.

“This recognition is testimony to the commitment and partnership working between public and private sector to deliver a world class visitor experience. North Wales has reinvented itself over recent years and the addition of some cutting edge, world class facilities to match the awe-inspiring scenery has given people compelling reasons to visit the area. We've seen Investment in products which are attracting people to Wales – many for the first time and once in Wales they experience the warm welcome, culture and history of the area.”

Mari Stevens, Director of Marketing at Visit Wales, commented: "We've seen a huge amount of energy from the public and private sectors in the last few years, taking North Wales to a new level. 

"The honour of becoming one of Lonely Planet's leading international regions will take that a step further, as we look to make North Wales a leading destination on the international stage."

Richard Parks, record-breaking Welsh adventurer and Year of Adventure ambassador, commented: "It's wonderful to have been recognised in this way by such a prestigious institution as Lonely Planet.

"The outdoors, adventure and sport are such a large part of our culture and economy, and I hope this inspires more people to come and visit Wales, and enjoy everything that we have here."

For more information, interviews, images, and press trip requests, contact Weber Shandwick: visitwales@webershandwick.com / 0161 240 9013.