In case you missed it: Georgia makes National Geographic Traveler “Best of the World” list

The Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Tourism division last week announced that Georgia has been selected as one of National Geographic Traveler magazine’s 21 “Best of the World” destinations for 2017. The annual list will be featured in the December 2016/January 2017 issue of the magazine, available on newsstands nationwide starting Nov. 29.

“It is an honor that National Geographic Traveler has selected Georgia as one of 21 of the world’s best destinations,” said Gov. Nathan Deal. “From our mountains to our coasts, Georgia is home to talented musicians, world-class artists and others who help make our state a top tourist destination and a wonderful place to call home. We are proud that Georgia is on the mind of so many, both here and around the world.”

The National Geographic Traveler features Georgia in the culture section for its live music and music heritage. Georgia Tourism proclaimed 2016 the “Year of Georgia Music” and focused its marketing on the state’s rich music heritage, world-class venues and unique festivals. A few of Georgia’s iconic music destinations noted in the feature include Macon, Dahlonega, Athens and Atlanta. Georgia is home to more than a thousand live music venues, seating anywhere from 100 to 20,000 people per performance. The destinations were all chosen by the Traveler editors and fall into one of three categories – Cities, Nature or Culture.

National Geographic Traveler is the world’s most widely read travel magazine with 8.5 million readers. Its readership is comprised of travelers with the highest passport ownership, most international and domestic trips, and most outdoor recreation spending than competitive magazine audiences.

The complete list of National Geographic Traveler’s “Best of the World” can be found here.