10/31/2008 - 10/31/2008 - NEWS RELEASE
City of Portland
389 Congress Street
Portland, Maine 04101
www.portlandmaine.gov
CONTACT: Nicole Clegg, 207-756-8173, 207-272-4477 (cell) nicoleclegg@portlandmaine.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 31, 2008

Portland Receives Top Marks from National Geographic Traveler
Portland’s downtown is ranked 40th among the top historic places in the world

PORTLAND, Maine – In the November/December issue of the National Geographic Traveler Top 109 Historic Destinations in the World, the City of Portland, Maine was ranked 40th for its “aesthetic charm as a port city.” The destinations were selected for their “integrity of place, authenticity, and stewardship.” Six criteria were used for the evaluation and selection: environmental and ecological quality; social and cultural integrity; condition of historic buildings and archaeological sites; aesthetic appeal; quality of tourism management; and outlook for the future. Wachua/Melk Abbey in Austria received the highest rank with a score of 88. Portland at 40 received a score of 70.

“Portland’s downtown is rich with history and it is nice to receive such high marks from the National Geographic Traveler,” remarked Mayor Ed Suslovic. “As a community, we should be proud of the commitment we have made to maintain the city’s historic and cultural identity while also taking steps to create a sustainable and environmentally responsible city for the future.”

Panelists that participated in the Traveler’s fifth survey made the following statements about Portland:
"Charming, with many evidently successful attempts to reuse historic buildings while maintaining the city's historic character."

"Continues to enhance its aesthetic charm as a port city. Very impressed with the historic architecture and restoration works at the waterfront, and the growing amount of small businesses in the Old Port section of the city. This is a clear indicator that tourism is thriving and benefiting local people."

For more information, visit the National Georgraphic Traveler online.
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