An actress, a singer, and a chef were among the diverse cast of Instagram influencers to take part in the world first #helloworldRELAY on Sunday.
The various influencers curated a visual story focused of individual destinations around the world. Earlier this month, travel group helloworld announced it was marking the United Nations World Tourism Day on 27 September with the #helloworldRELAY initiative. As the sun rose on what was World Tourism Day, the Instagrammers posted images until sunset in their destination. The project began at sunrise in Samoa and traveled across the world like a Mexican wave until it finished at sunset in the Cook Islands, 36 hours later.
@garry_norris in Apia, Samoa (124,000 followers)
Gold Coast photographer and Instagrammer Garry Norris, had the honour of posting the first shot in the #helloworldRELAY when the sun rose in Samoa. His mission was to bring to life the rich culture of the island nation, famous for its rugged sea cliffs, lush rainforests and plunging waterfalls.
@isabellecornish in Machu Picchu, Peru (187,000 followers)
Australian actress Isabelle Cornish took on the challenge of UNESCO World Heritage site Machu Picchu with Geckos Adventures. A bucket list trip for many travellers, her journey finished in Cusco 12 hours later as the sun set.@erinvholland in Amilla Fushi, Maldives (154,000 followers)
Singer, model and TV host Erin Holland, had plenty of picture perfect moments in the Maldives. Located in the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Amilla Luxury Resort provided the backdrop for iconic shots of blue waters and white beaches the Maldives is famous for.@lauradundovic in Monaco (75,200 followers )
Exploring the glamour of Monaco wasn't a stretch for actress, model and former Miss Universe Australia Laura Dundovic, who arrived via helicopter. At just over two square kilometres, Laura was able to showcase the whole country, from the Formula 1 race track to a harbour full of super yachts.@benlowy in Dehli, India (189,000 followers)
Best known for his reportage in conflict zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan, American photojournalist Ben Lowy took on the megacity of Delhi. Ben is a champion of iPhone photography; enjoy his exploration of the chaotic bazaars and captivating ruins which have left their mark on the city.@laurenepbath in Nizwa, Oman (422,000 followers)
Australia’s first professional Instagrammer and travel photographer Lauren Bath showcased the natural beauty of Oman. Her travels took her from sunrise at Jebel Shams or ‘Sun Mountain’ – the highest point on the Arabian peninsula – to the Sultanate’s old capital of Nizwa, on to the fascinating pottery town of Bahla, before winding down the day in one of Oman’s most charming villages, Misfah Al Abreeyan.@paulyvella on Hawai'i Island, Hawai'i (297,000 followers)
Poised for adventure, Australian landscape photographer Pauly Vella captured the natural beauty of Hawai'i Island. Nicknamed the 'Big Island' and nearly twice as large as all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined, you can find all but two of the world's climatic zones within this island’s shores as well as Hawai‘i's only active volcano.@gavman18 in Cape Town, South Africa (135,000 followers)
Cape Town was brought to life by South African native Gavin Pickford, who captured the rich heritage and colourful culture of the city. Known for his love of chasing the light, Gavin’s sunrise and sunset shots are spectacular.@emmalucey in Vanuatu (66,800 followers)
Travel blogger Emma Lucey shared candid snaps of Vanuatu, a country rebuilding itself post-cyclone Pam. Witness their recovery and garner insights into island life, from powder white sandy beaches to traditional ceremonial sites and ancient customs that have transcended time.@apairandaspare in Hong Kong (135,000 followers)
Blogger and author Geneva Vanderzeil shared her second home with the world. She uncovered corners of the bustling city only the locals knew and discovered the melting-pot of cultures which makes Hong Kong so unique and diverse.@jewelszee in Lord Howe Island, Australia (101,000 followers)
Nature-loving Instagrammer Jewels Lynch, captured the pristine paradise of Lord Howe Island. Jewels swum with turtles and uncovered the secret life of the land lobster, found only on Lord Howe Island.@thegoodly in Wales, Britain (109,000 followers)
Berkshire based photographer Colin Roberts took a trip through Wales as he looked out for hidden waterfalls, fern-filled gorges and spectacular mountain ranges in the Brecon Beacons National Park. He also found out why Wales lays claim to being the castle capital of the world, including a 1,000-year-old fortress in the heart of Cardiff.@atmoorehead in South West England, Britain (186,000 followers)
See South West England through the eyes of Devon photographer, Alex Moorehead, home to the famous surf coast of Cornwall, ancient Roman baths in Bath and iconic Glastonbury festival.@wilde_oates in Scotland, Britain (127,000 followers )
Mobile photographer Steve Oates toured Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Scotland’s first National Park and home to rolling mountains, ancient lochs, sparkling rivers and dense woodland. He then made the short 30-kilometre trip to the bustling Scottish city of Glasgow, rich with arts, culture and architecture.The unique itineraries for each Instagrammer were developed in partnership with Helloworld and local partners on the ground, highlighting the unique aspects of each city and location. The incredible moments truly embodied the notion of 'holidays worth sharing' and Instagram provided the perfect real-time platform for these inspired shots.