CLEVELAND (Nov. 28, 2017) - Cleveland is one of just three domestic destinations featured in National Geographic Traveler's 21 must-see places to visit in 2018. The publication's annual Best of the World list was announced today.
"The travel story of our time is about American urban renewal," said George Stone, National Geographic Traveler Editor in Chief. "Few cities exemplify this as does Cleveland, an immigrant-established industrial city that pulsates with creative energy. You can feel this in revived neighborhoods boosted by a Millennial-driven restaurant renaissance, from Tremont's casual-chic to the brews of Ohio City to the upstarts on East Fourth and Gordon Square. But it's not just a youthful spark or a fleeting fad. Cleveland takes the best of its structural and cultural heritage (Public Square, for example) and makes it relevant and revelatory for travelers today. We love Cleveland, and I'm not biased, either: I'm from Toledo!"
The Best of the World selections were divided into three key categories: Cities, Culture and Nature. Cleveland was the editors' number three pick (and only U.S. location) under the Culture umbrella. The selection process was competitive and involved nominations from National Geographic Traveler's worldwide network of editors, writers, and explorers. The 2018 Best of the World destinations are (in alphabetical order): Albania; Cleveland, Ohio; Dublin, Ireland; Friesland, Netherlands; Harar, Ethiopia; Jordan Trail, Jordan; Jujuy Province, Argentina; Labrador, Canada; Madagascar; Malmö, Sweden; Oahu, Hawaii; Oaxaca, Mexico; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Ruaha NP, Tanzania; San Antonio, Texas; Santiago, Chile; Seoraksan National Park, South Korea; Sydney, Australia; Tbilisi, Georgia; Tétouan, Morocco; Vienna, Austria.
"This recognition amplifies the important progress that has been made in blending the sophistication and the grit of our world-class attractions, neighborhoods, sports teams and greenspace to offer a product that changes Cleveland's narrative as a desired visitor destination," said David Gilbert, president and CEO, Destination Cleveland. "The transformation taking place throughout our community is unprecedented and fueled not just by new investment but by the unique and authentic Cleveland experiences those from across the country and around the world encounter when they visit."
The full results are in the December/January 2018 issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine, now available on newsstands and online at NatGeoTravel.com/BestTrips2018.
A cover image of the magazine is available here.
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ABOUT DESTINATION CLEVELAND: Destination Cleveland is Cleveland's convention and visitors bureau. This private, non-profit organization's mission is to drive economic impact and stimulate community vitality for Greater Cleveland through leisure and business travel. Cleveland welcomes 18 million visitors annually. For more information, visit thisiscleveland.com.
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