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Lyon, the only French destination among the 12 nominees for "Europe’s Leading City Destination" 2021 at the World Travel Awards

Lyon, the only French destination among the 12 nominees for "Europe’s Leading City Destination" 2021 at the World Travel Awards

Press

Publication date : 19/04/2021

Described as the “Oscars of Tourism” by the Wall Street Journal and internationally renowned, the World Travel Awards today officially announced Lyon’s selection among the 12 finalists in the category Europe’s Leading City Destination 2021. Chosen from among 76 candidates and the only representative of France, Lyon has done remarkably well to make it into this sought-after category, up against 11 high-profile destinations: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Geneva, Lisbon, London, Moscow, Rome, Saint Petersburg, Venice and Vienna. In the gloomy period we are going through, this announcement is fantastic news for Lyon and a sign of bright times ahead as we tread the path to recovery. It is a huge challenge, but the city is determined to give the title its best shot with a major mobilisation campaign.

Les quais de Saône © Martin M303_114141880 / Shutterstock ©WTA

International recognition

Coming just days after the introduction of stricter measures to slow the spread of Covid in the Rhône, being among the 12 leading European city destinations in 2021 is a very welcome opportunity for all of the city’s tourism stakeholders to rejoice. This selection confirms that Lyon is now a major destination in France and Europe. Having already been awarded the title Europe’s Leading City Break Destination 2016 at the World Travel Awards, Lyon is known for its exceptional art of living. Our destination has also received various accolades in the media in recent years, including the New York Times, Lonely Planet, Condé Nast Traveler and National Geographic.

“Do you love Lyon? Vote for her!”

This is the message that ONLYLYON Tourism and Conventions (Greater Lyon tourist office) is looking to spread far and wide with today’s launch of a major mobilisation campaign for everybody who loves Lyon. The destination that gathers the most votes between now and the 14th of July will be named the winner. While the votes of the 310,000 international tourism professionals that are members of the World Travel Awards will be decisive to win the title, Lyon is also counting on the mobilisation of its economic, cultural and sports stakeholders, as well as its network of 27,000 ambassadors and its residents, however long they have lived in the city. This is quite a challenge for Lyon, which is competing with big-name European destinations, so it is also looking to win the support of people living in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and France as a whole, seeing as it is the only city representing the country in this category.

Working together for tomorrow

This campaign is also a unifying initiative that brings hope for everybody working in Lyon’s tourism, culture, food and events sectors, which need support and positive prospects now more than ever in these difficult times. A win would be a boost for the tourism industry’s recovery and a considerable asset for the city, at a time when destinations will be stepping up their communication efforts to attract tourists.

visit www.jaimelyon.com to findout how to vote for Lyon.

Votes are open from the 30th of March to the 14th of July 2021.

The results will be announced on the 5th of September 2021.

ONLYLYON Tourism and Conventions (Greater Lyon tourist office) press contact:
Stéphanie Engelvin
Tel. +33(0)6 35 23 15 13 – E-mail: [email protected]