It is a region long recognised for its sizeable contribution to Scottish tourism thanks to a heady mix of scenery, history, and fine food and drink.

The Highlands and Islands has experienced a surge in visitor numbers in recent years and is now set to welcome even more after being named as one of the world’s best destinations.

The area has ranked fifth in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2019, with the prestigious guide describing it as “one of the wildest, least inhabited and most scenic parts of Europe”.

However, the further boost to tourism in the region comes amid concerns over how its infrastructure will cope with the increasing numbers.

In the last year, concerns have been raised over struggling ferry services and the impact on road networks, as well as the strain on facilities such as parking and public toilets.

Local businesses have called for better tourism planning so that visitors enjoy the best possible experience in the Highlands - the only UK destination to make the Lonely Planet top ten.

Tom Hall, Lonely Planet’s Editorial Director, said: “The wild landscapes of Scotland’s Highlands and islands offer the ultimate escape and visiting the region’s remote areas is now easier than ever thanks to impressive developments in accommodation.

“This is a stunning area with so much to offer travellers, from its glorious natural landscape and rich history to enviable local food and drink.”

The Highlands and Islands earned the accolade thanks, in part, to the whisky boom that has seen a swathe of new distilleries open, as well as the impact of popular TV series such as Outlander.

Lonely Planet also lists “unmissable experiences” such as climbing the iconic peak of Suilven and nature watching trips to “discover the wealth of wildlife, from red deer, golden eagles and otters to whales, dolphins and basking sharks” among the reasons to visit.

The North Coast 500 route, introduced in 2014, has also lured tens of thousands of extra visitors to the Highlands.

Businessman Paul Maden, who owns chocolate factory Cocoa Mountain at Durness in Sutherland, said the listing was "fantastic", but warned there is a need to ensure visitor numbers are spread out throughout the year.

He said: "We already get between 20,000 and 25,000 visitors-a-year. In the main six weeks of the season in July and August it is crazy.

“The challenge for VisitScotland and others is to even out the number of visitors.

“There is the potential for good all year round tourism, but the main season is already incredibly busy. I think the area can take more - but it’s a case of when.”

Concerns after last year's peak season prompted the Scottish Government to launch a £6 million rural tourism infrastructure fund to help ease the pressure on the region.

Photographer Kevin Arrowsmith who lives at Durness said: "It is ironic that we have talked for so many years about attracting more people to the area and now we have them, but at times too many of them.

“Planned tourism is what is needed. I think an area can attract too many people because the infrastructure cannot support the numbers.”

Lonely Planet recommends that May and June are “easily the best months” to visit the area due to good weather and the wildflowers on display - as well as to avoid the dreaded midges.

It also recommends “monster hunting” for Nessie in Loch Ness; a day trip to Culloden; and exploring the islands of the Outer Hebrides.

The Highlands and Islands ranked ahead of the Russian Far East; Gujarat, India; Manitoba, Canada; Normandy, France; and Elqui Valley, Chile on the list.

Tourism Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “It’s fantastic to see the Highlands and Islands receive recognition for its breath-taking scenery, history and heritage. I am sure the Lonely Planet’s support will help to inspire and captivate the imaginations of new visitors.”

Malcolm Roughead, VisitScotland Chief Executive, said the recommendation would put the Highlands and Islands “in the global spotlight once again”.

He said: “I am thrilled, though not entirely surprised, to discover that Scotland’s Highlands and Islands have appeared in this prestigious list.

“This stunning part of Scotland punches well above its weight on the world stage, as a thriving holiday destination for people from both across the globe and the UK, as well as a popular location for film production companies looking for a beautiful backdrop for their next blockbuster.”

He added: “It is imperative that we don’t become complacent, as we need to continue to provide world-class experiences, events and attractions to keep up with the ever-changing visitor demands.”