Taranaki is looking to take advantage of being named Lonely Planet's second best region of the world to visit in 2017.

LISTEN ABOVE: South Taranaki Mayor Ross Dunlop speaks to Mike Hosking 

Lonely Planet writers says the result is due to the region's strong new arts and culture scene, adding to its already prosperous natural attractions that allow for great tramping and surfing.

Venture Taranaki Marketing Manager Vicki Fairley said the news is fantastic.

"It's confirmation by Lonely Planet of what everyone in Taranaki has known for a long, long time - that we're an absolutely fantastic region and an awesome place to visit," she said.

Fairley said they expect to start seeing the benefits of the announcement within a year.

"We're certainly going to leverage off the announcement as much as we possibly can in the next 12 months and get the word out there and make sure everybody knows where Taranaki is and what it has to offer."

New Plymouth District Councillor Stacey Hitchcock said the region has been working hard to improve it's tourism sector. She said this announcement is confirmation they are ready for it to grow.

"All open for business, and we'd welcome everyone from around New Zealand and around the world to come and check out the reason why we got given this award."

She said it's now time to cash in on the extra tourists that may come as a result of the accolade.

Lonely Planet named Choquequirao in Peru as the number one region to visit, while The Azores in Portugal is third.