Shetland was voted the fourth most desirable island in the world this month as reported in the National Geographic Traveler magazine, by a panel of 522 travel experts from National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destinations.
In the fourth annual Destination Scorecard Survey conducted by National Geographic and assisted by George Washington University, sustainable tourism experts rated 111 islands and archipelagos across the globe. They assessed each island according to the following six criteria:
- Environmental and ecological quality
- Social and cultural integrity
- Condition of historic buildings and archaeological sites
- Aesthetic appeal; quality of tourism management
- Outlook for the future
Shetland came fourth, scoring 82 out of a possible 100, and attracted comments highlighting everything from the spectacular sea cliffs, pristine beaches and rare sub-Arctic flora, to the locals’ pride in their islands, the integrity of conservation efforts and the unique mix of Scottish and Nordic culture. One panelist described Shetland as having ‘everything with bells on’.
Andy Steven, Area Director for VisitShetland, said: “This is absolutely fantastic news for Shetland, and reflects our commitment to ensuring that Shetland remains a world class, sustainable visitor destination with a range of qualities and attributes unlike anywhere else in the world.
“I am delighted that the travel experts recognised the strength of Shetland’s sustainable tourism offering, whether in the form of our abundant wildlife, flora and fauna, or our fascinating geology, unspoilt coastlines and wealth of archaeological heritage. This is right and proper recognition of a uniquely beautiful and sustainable destination.”
