WASHINGTON (Oct. 21, 2009) National Geographic Society's Center for Sustainable Destinations rates Fjord Norway on top of the list of the iconic destinations in the world!
The Norwegian Fjord won the survey of National Geographic
National Geographic Traveler has devoted its sixth annual "Places Rated" Destination Stewardship survey to the world's most celebrated and iconic travel destinations and how well they have weathered the pressures of mass tourism and other threats.
Like the first Destination Rated survey in 2004, Norway's fjords region has again taken top honors, with a score of 85 points. Judges noted the gorgeous scenery and well-preserved rural life that are vigorously protected. Others making the top "Best Rated Places" category range from Japan's ancient Kyoto (#4, 79 points) for honoring the "serenity and charm of ancient Japan" to Slovenia, formerly part of communist Yugoslavia, tied at #5 (78 points) for being among the most sustainable and authentic places to visit in Europe.
The United Kingdom is the country with the most winners in this year's top category: England's Yorkshire Dales, Scotland's Highlands, and Wales.
A total of 133 destinations were surveyed by a panel of 437 well-traveled experts in a variety of fields related to sustainable tourism. The survey is the cover story of the November-December 2009 issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine, on newsstands Nov. 3.
Read the full press release!
Read more about the survey!