National Geographic Names Santa Fe Winner in World Legacy Awards

Sense Of Place recognizes “excellence in enhancing cultural authenticity, including using vernacular architecture and design, support for the protection of historic monuments, archeological sites, indigenous heritage, and artistic traditions.”

“Applicants in this category will showcase how they are involved in the protection and promotion of cultural heritage, providing examples of their projects and initiatives, along with results. These may encompass using vernacular architecture and design, protection of historic sites, support for local cultural and artistic traditions, helping to safeguard indigenous peoples' heritage, and efforts to share and expand on the importance of protecting cultural heritage, including educating local stakeholders and travelers."

The World Legacy Awards, a partnership between National Geographic and ITB Berlin, showcase the leading travel and tourism companies, organizations and destinations—ranging from entire countries to small islands and from urban hotels to jungle retreats—driving the sustainable tourism transformation of the global travel industry.

Finalists in five award categories were selected by an international team of more than 20 judges. A multi-step judging process also included on-site inspections of each finalist.

"We owe so much of our thriving, beautiful city to the hundreds of years of Santa Feans who came before us and strengthened our traditions, culture, and commitment to diversity with each successive generation,” said Santa Fe Mayor Javier Gonzales. “The recognition we get today honors each of them, renews our commitment to continuing to expand access to our culture and way of life, and inspires us to keep working hard to pass our values down to our children."

Randy Randall, Executive Director for TOURISM Santa Fe, said, “We were delighted to have National Geographic visit Santa Fe to evaluate our application for The World Legacy Awards. We have close to a thousand top quality, authentic, travel-related businesses that work extremely hard every day to protect, preserve and produce the truly unique and world-renowned sense of place here in Santa Fe.”

In December, when finalists were announced, Costas Christ, Chairman of National Geographic World Legacy Awards, said, “We have reached a tipping point as more of the travel industry understands that there can be no future for tourism without sustainability, including environmentally-friendly business practices, protection of cultural and natural heritage, and tangible social and economic benefits to local people in travel destinations. Those countries and companies that understand this today will be the travel leaders of tomorrow. These 15 World Legacy Awards finalists are showing the way forward to a brighter future for people and the planet.”

For information on Santa Fe please visit www.santafe.org.