In the magazine's November-December issue, 437 experts from a variety of fields ranked the Gaspe in third place of must-see places around the planet with a score of 80 %.
The picturesque Quebec region was ranked behind the Norway Fjords (85 %) and the Kootenay/Yoho national parks in British Columbia (81 %).
The evaluation was based on six factors relating to sustainable tourism: the quality of the environmental and ecological environments, the social and cultural integrity, the quality of tourism management, the state of buildings and archaeological sites, aestheticism and the site's future potential.
The following are a couple of reasons why the Gaspe ranked so highly:
"Jutting into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the colourful Gaspe Peninsula offers 'oceanfront, islands, and inland mountains' within 'excellent parks and reserves,' along with 'authentic Francophone' villages. A big part of the area's appeal is 'tourism development largely on a human scale.'
'Essentially a driving destination, with many natural sites and small villages on the circuit. Many of the most spectacular natural systems are protected in provincial and national parks. Tourism is seasonal, which has reduced the pressure to provide extensive tourism infrastructure. Much therefore remains authentic, particularly in the smaller villages.'
http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/2009/11/destinations-rated/north-amer
In the magazine's October 2009 issue, National Geographic ranked the Gaspe as one of the 50 global destinations that cannot be missed. The Michelin Road Atlas also awarded three stars, the top rating, to the area, making it the only Quebec destination to appear on the list of top 25 sites to visit in North America.
According to Alexander Reford, tourism president for the Gaspe, the honour is an "exceptional recognition of the quality of the Gaspe as a global destination."
"(The area) surprises and seduces with its uniqueness and diversity," added Reford. "Inhabited by numerous ethnicities, it has created an (enjoyable) amalgamation of traditions, cultures, culinary delicacies and colourful accents."
Reford said that the Gaspe's tourism team plans to build on the recognition to increase the number of international visitors to the area through promotional efforts and by using tourism attractions that draw these visitors.
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