On March 1, 2017 in Berlin, Germany Santa Fe was given yet another prestigious, well-deserved award from an organization that knows a pretty city when it sees one:  The National Geographic.


Santa Fe beat out 100 entries from 45 countries to win a “World Legacy Award” under the “Sense of Place”category.  The awards aim to highlight sustainable and global tourism and recipients represent the future of travel and sustainability.  The awards come as the United Nations declared 2017 "The International Year of Sustainable Tourism Development."


The “Sense of Place Award” was judged on organizations that enhance cultural authenticity, supports and protects historic monuments, archaeological sites, vernacular architecture, indigenous heritage and artistic traditions.


Tourism of Santa Fe Executive Director Randy Randall said, " This is an incredible international honor for Santa Fe to be singled out as number one in 'Sense of Place.' It is a testament to what makes Santa Fe so special and truly The City Different."


"National Geographic stands for exploration, conservation and stellar storytelling. World Legacy Awards celebrate the people, places and experiences that exemplify our mission in the global travel industry," said National Geographic Travel editor-in-chief George Stone in a statement.


This isn't the first time Santa Fe has been recognized by National Geographic. It has been named on the Best Adventure Towns and of The Best High Altitude Cities.  As a state, New Mexico possess three of the 21 coveted World Heritage Sites recognized by the United Nations: Chaco Culture National Historic Park, Taos Pueblo and Carlsbad Caverns National Park.