[Above: A Norwegian fjord; rating “A-.” Photo: Jonathan Tourtellot]
From 2004 to 2010, National Geographic expert panelists weighed environment, cultural factors, built heritage, aesthetics, tourism management, and overall trend for each destination. These grades reflect their consensus, reported on five pages:
- Below: Among the Best: A to B+
- Doing Well: B and B-
- In the Balance: C+ to C
- Slipping: C-
- In Trouble: D+ to F
Download a pdf of all 440 destination grades, listed by country.
THE LIST part 1: AMONG THE BEST
A
No destination exceeded a National Geographic score of 90, necessary for an “A.”
A-
| Austria | Wachau/Melk Abbey |
| Canada: B.C. | Gwaii Haanas NP Reserve and Haida Heritage Site |
| Denmark | Faroe Islands |
| Norway | Norwegian Fjords |
B+
| Portugal | Azores ⚑ |
| Canada: Newfoundland | Avalon Peninsula |
| Canada: Ontario | Rideau Canal corridor |
| Norway | Lofoten |
| United Kingdom: Scotland | Shetland Islands |
| Chile | Chiloe |
| Japan | Nikko historic areas |
| Belgium | Historic center of Ghent |
| France | Vézelay |
| United Kingdom: Scotland | Isle of Skye |
| Canada: BC | Kootenay/Yoho NPs |
| Australia | Kangaroo Island, South Australia |
| New Zealand | Te Wahipounamu |
| New Zealand | South Island |
| New Zealand | Tutukaka Coast, Northland |
| Austria | Graz |
| France | Aix-en-Provence |
| France | Dijon and Bourgogne region |
| Germany | Potsdam historic areas |
| Iceland | as a whole |
| Sweden | Stockholm’s Gamla Stan |
| United Kingdom | Wales: Pembrokeshire Coast |
| Michigan | Mackinac Island, Lake Huron |
| Canada: Quebec | Gaspé peninsula |
⚑ Recognized in 2014 by the Green Destinations group.
Note—These letter grades interpret some 80% of the numerical survey scores reported by National Geographic (weighted to favor the more recent scores). The Destination Stewardship Center has applied these grades independently, and we take sole responsibility for them. For the original numerical scores and panelist comments, consult the appropriate links to National Geographic. Please also read about methodology.