Outer Hebrides makes list of world’s top travel destinations for 2019

By Frances Rougvie

December 4 2018, 3:18 pm

Erisksay island, located at the southern tip of South Uist.

Airbnb has named the Outer Hebrides as one of the world’s top travel destinations to visit in 2019.

The islands have scooped a spot in the global league table of most “trending” destinations, alongside destinations in Canada, Ghana and New Zealand.

Airbnb reported bookings have soared by nearly 150% in a year, while searches for homes in the islands have leapt up by 170% over the last 12 months.

The booking site praised the “beautiful but rugged natural splendour” of the islands and lauded the Isle of Barra where planes land on the shore – one of the only commercial airports in the world that has a beach runway.

Airbnb said the 19 destinations it chose reflected a growing interest from travellers to explore more “off-the-beaten-path” regions, cities and towns.

In an article on their website they said: “We’ve found that most of our trending destinations are places where the increased ‘healthy,’ more sustainable and authentic tourism will benefit residents and travellers alike.”

Of the Outer Hebrides it said: “An island chain of many names off the west coast of Scotland, the beautiful but rugged natural splendour of this region may seem reminiscent of the 1995 film depicting a crucial moment in Scotland and England’s history, and the recent unofficial sequel on Netflix.

“Wildlife really is everywhere: red deer (outnumbering humans 30 to 1!), golden eagles, and in the surrounding waters otters, whales, dolphins and more.”