Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
November 28, 2017
Labrador Recognized as Best of the World Destination in 2018 by National Geographic Traveler
The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, today expressed his appreciation that Labrador has been named to National Geographic Traveler magazine’s Best of the World list, which highlights 21 must-see destinations to visit in 2018.
The full results of this highly anticipated annual list are available in the December/January 2018 issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine. Labrador was chosen because of its Aboriginal peoples’ involvement in Akami- Uapishkᵁ -KakKasuak-Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve.
Akami-Uapishkᵁ-KakKasuak-Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve protects approximately 10,700 square kilometres of a stunning array of pristine landscapes, vegetation and wildlife. Canada’s newest and 46th national park protects cultural landscapes of importance to Innu, Inuit, and other people in the region. The traditional names of the park are Akami-uapishku, an Innu word meaning White Mountains across, and KakKasuak, a Labrador Inuit word for mountain.
The 2018 Best of the World destinations are (in alphabetical order):
- Albania
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Dublin, Ireland
- Friesland, Netherlands
- Harar, Ethiopia
- Jordan Trail, Jordan
- Jujuy Province, Argentina
- Labrador, Canada
- Madagascar
- Malmö, Sweden
- Oahu North Shore, Hawaii
- Oaxaca, Mexico
- Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Ruaha NP, Tanzania
- San Antonio, Texas
- Santiago, Chile
- Seoraksan National Park, South Korea
- Sydney, Australia
- Tbilisi, Georgia
- Tétouan, Morocco
- Vienna, Austria
As one of the more than 50 initiatives outlined in The Way Forward: A Vision for Sustainability and Growth in Newfoundland and Labrador, the 2017-20 Provincial Tourism Product Development Plan will contribute directly to the Provincial Government’s commitment to double resident and non-resident visitor spending by 2020.
Quotes
"I am thrilled to see Labrador get recognized and promoted by National Geographic Traveler magazine as one of the worlds must-see destinations. Guided by The Way Forward, our Provincial Tourism Product Development Plan will help guide guests to authentic and culturally-rich experiences, some of which are only found in Labrador. As the only Canadian destination on the list, the Big Land is a dream itinerary for intrepid travellers who want to discover an array of culturally rich and incredible historical experiences.”
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“As a destination, Labrador truly stands out in its uniqueness, with a rich cultural heritage and awe-inspiring land and seascapes. With so many natural and historic wonders, travel experiences in Labrador are the true definition of one-of-a-kind and it is no surprise that National Geographic has named Labrador one of the Best of the World destinations for 2018.”
Dion Finlay
Chair, Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador
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Learn More
National Geographic Traveler magazine – www.NatGeoTravel.com/BestTrips2018 
Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador – www.hnl.ca
Destination Labrador - www.destinationlabrador.com/guide
Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation - www.TCII.gov.nl.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @TCII_GovNL
Media contacts
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Melissa Ennis
Manager, Policy and Communications
Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador
1-800-563-0700, ext. 231
mennis@hnl.ca
2017 11 28 1:50 p.m.