WEST YORKSHIRE has been officially announced as one of the top 10 must-see destinations in the world.

National Geographic Traveller (UK) has revealed its Cool List 2019 which highlights 19 of the best locations to visit next year.

The list was compiled by industry experts, as well as the magazine's editors and writers.

It includes destinations as exotic as Corsica, and as far stretching as Antarctica.

West Yorkshire comes at seventh on the list, sat neatly between San Miguel de Allende (Mexico) and Hong Kong.

Sir Gary Verity DL, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire said: “It’s so good to see Yorkshire placed in the top ten of National Geographic’s must-see destinations for 2019 – in the company of so many other world class locations.

We know how much there is to shout about in this part of the county and it’s great that the eyes of the world are being directed here by such a respected publication."

The Yorkshire Sculpture International - a new sculpture festival taking place every three years - is set to begin in 2019, and is listed as a key reason to visit next year.

Our region is the only English location to feature on the list, with Dundee flying the flag for Scotland in 15th place.

Mr Verity said: "Yorkshire Sculpture International will be a highlight of 2019, but as well as being hailed the European Capital of Sculpture, there is so much more on offer, from the finest food, theatre, dance and opera, to the most glorious countryside just minutes away.

"And with the timing of the Road World Championships aligning so perfectly with Y.S.I - 2019 is truly the perfect time to visit.”