Jamestown, St Helena. Picture: ISTOCK

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COMMERCIAL flights to tiny South Atlantic island St Helena are set to start next year, putting it on travel advisor Lonely Planet’s list of its Top Ten Regions to visit in 2016.

Lonely Planet’s Best Travel year book was released late last month, with 17 themed lists, the most popular of which are those of Top Ten regions, countries and cities to visit next year. Botswana is listed as the first of the Top Ten countries to visit.

St Helena governor Mark Capes said in a statement that Lonely Planet’s recognition of the island "once again underlines how St Helena continues to achieve tremendous success on a global scale, with limited resources and the challenges that our remoteness brings. The prospect of growth in our tourism industry and the resultant enhanced quality of life for the residents of St Helena in the years to come is particularly pleasing."

Just over 4,000 people live on St Helena, where the economy depends largely on financial assistance from the UK, although income is earned from fishing, livestock and handicrafts. A large number of those born on St Helena leave to take up employment overseas. Test flights to the island’s new airport have been completed, but a date for the start of commercial flights has not yet been set.

"Tourists are unlikely to overrun this speck in the South Atlantic Ocean," writes Lonely Planet, "but the islanders are building a 32-room hotel just in case. Whatever happens, it won’t change the relaxed pace of life here, nor lessen the lure of a place as curious now as it was when Charles Darwin swung by in 1836."

The island is 2,000km from the nearest landmass, making it one of the most remote populated places on earth. Until commercial flights commence the fastest way to get there from SA is by ship, a journey that takes several days.

Despite the coming airport, Lonely Planet says it expects St Helena will retain its remote feel. "Mobile phone reception will remain a rumour, cars will be decades behind the times, drivers will still wave when passing and island life, including the unique flora and fauna that so intrigued Darwin, will continue at its own somnambulant pace."

Hotel group Mantis Collection plans to open a four-star hotel of 32 rooms — now under construction — with restaurant and bar facilities. It will be located in lower Jamestown, a short drive from the airport.

Aviation company Comair has a contract to run flights to St Helena for three years, with potential extensions of two years each. Comair will run a weekly flight from OR Tambo International Airport on its Boeing 737-800.

On Botswana, Lonely Planet says the country is, "democratic, progressive, enlightened — but above all, invigoratingly wild. The story of Botswana’s journey from poverty to become one of Africa’s most stable, thriving societies is inspirational; the country celebrates 50 years of independence in 2016 and there’s a lot for it to shout about, not least the way it has balanced economic growth with protecting its natural riches. Prepare for a severe case of slack-jawed-with-awe syndrome when you visit."

Lonely Planet Top 10 Regions 2016

  1. Transylvania, Romania
  2. West Iceland
  3. Valle de Viñales, Cuba
  4. Friuli’s wine regions, Italy
  5. Waiheke Island, New Zealand
  6. The Auvergne, France
  7. Hawaii, US
  8. Bavaria, Germany
  9. Costa Verde, Brazil
  10. St Helena, British Territories

Lonely Planet Top 10 Countries 2016

  1. Botswana
  2. Japan
  3. US
  4. Palau
  5. Latvia
  6. Australia
  7. Poland
  8. Uruguay
  9. Greenland
  10. Fiji

Lonely Planet Top 10 Cities 2016

  1. Kotor, Montenegro
  2. Quito, Ecuador
  3. Dublin, Ireland
  4. George Town, Malaysia
  5. Rotterdam, The Netherlands
  6. Mumbai, India
  7. Fremantle, Australia
  8. Manchester, England
  9. Nashville, US
  10. Rome, Italy