National Geographic Traveler
Ranks Mesa Verde National Park
as One of 50 Destinations of a Lifetime
MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK -- The October issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine will name Mesa Verde one of '50 Places of a Lifetime' -- a list of must-see destinations across the globe.
One of only seven places in the United States to be recognized by National Geographic Traveler, Mesa Verde has the distinction of being honored with other world-renowned monuments including the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Giza and Machu Picchu.
Located in the southwestern corner of Colorado, Mesa Verde was the first national park in the United States designated to protect archaeological sites and is designated a World Cultural Heritage Park by UNESCO, an organization of the United Nations entrusted to preserve the work of humankind. The park has more than 4,000 identified archaeological sites built by ancestral Puebloans between 600 and 1300 A.D.
Keith Bellows, editor-in-chief National Geographic Traveler magazine, announced the awards. The list of 50 was compiled from hundreds of nominations submitted by National Geographic Society correspondents, writers and travel authorities.
"Colorado is proud to be home to one of the world's most important travel destinations," Colorado Governor Bill Owens said. "Mesa Verde is unique and offers a perspective into the history of a rich and ancient culture."
Mesa Verde was also selected by Sunset, Smithsonian, Historic Traveler, Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel and Consumer Reports as an exceptional travel destination, and received the Conde Nast Traveler Reader's Choice Award for top historic monument in the world. First Lady Hillary Clinton visited Mesa Verde in May as part of the nationwide Save America's Treasures initiative.
Mesa Verde is managed by the National Park Service. Lodging, dining and tours inside the park are provided by ARAMARK. For information, call 800/449-2288. Online information is available at www.visitmesaverde.com .
Strategic Communication, Inc.
Erika Brandvik, 702/255-0588
erika@strategicpr.com
