National Geographic recently voted Pembrokeshire the second best coastal destination in the world sharing second place with the Tutukaka coast in New Zealand and beating places like the Seychelles, Bermuda and Costa Rica.
The magazines’ experts rated 99 of the world’s great islands, coastlines, and beaches for sustainability and authenticity.
Their top 15 – which included Pembrokeshire – were chosen because they are in excellent shape, relatively unspoiled, and are likely to remain so.
The panel was made up of 340 well-traveled experts in a variety of fields, including historic preservation, sustainable tourism, ecology, geography, site management, indigenous cultures, archaeology, travel writing and photography.
Pembrokeshire was applauded for having a “very mature and established tourism industry” that has preserved, rather than eroded, the qualities that make this region so unique.
Other comments from the panelists include:
- “Fabulous example of coastal protection with a very established tourism industry.”
- “Magnificent protected coastline from both ecological and geological perspectives.”
- “The seafood and food grown in the adjoining fields are culinary treats.”
- “Land-based and marine-based conservation tourism appeals to all ages.”
Said Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Councillor Rob Lewis: “This is wonderful news from such a prestigious organisation as National Geographic.
“It is quite some achievement, especially when you consider that Pembrokeshire was competing against some stunning locations from all over the world.
“Apart from our world-famous 186-mile coast path and the fact that Pembrokeshire is the only coastal National Park in the UK, we also have over 50 beaches for holidaymakers to choose from.”
