National Geographic Picks Top Lodges Around the World

Jan 19, 2015

What:
Using a rigorous evaluation process, the National Geographic Society has named 24 distinct lodges as part of its new National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World collection.

Why It Matters:
Given the growing demand for green and experiential travel, this list of accommodations will come in handy when agents are working with clients who want to dive into local culture and wildlife without leaving a footprint. Each of the boutique properties demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and authenticity while also offering an outstanding guest experience. At Tierra Atacama Hotel and Spa in Chile, for example, solar panels and a water-recycling system reduce consumption, and guests enjoy excursions to the remote lagoons of Aguas Calientes, the salt flats of Tuyajito and more. Travelers who book through National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World also receive a complimentary National Geographic Exclusive experience.

Fast Facts:
- The initial collection lists 24 properties on six continents, and more will be added over time.

- Every lodge in the collection was judged on its design and character, as well as its ability to provide guests with experiences that celebrate cultures and landscapes. The quality of those guest experiences and the properties sustainable tourism practices were also taken into consideration.

- National Geographic deployed experts to evaluate each site by meeting staff members and scrutinizing the lodge’s impact on the local environment and community.

- To help raise the profile of these properties, National Geographic is implementing a broad promotional campaign that includes advertising, digital marketing, publicity and social media. In addition, National Geographic will assemble an advisory group of charter lodge members in order to help facilitate the sharing of best practices and to provide input on direction and strategy as the program develops.

- Lodge owners may apply to join the collection at online.

What They Are Saying:
“By creating this carefully curated group of hotels, lodges and retreats that meet internationally recognized sustainable tourism criteria while providing top-notch guest experiences, National Geographic opens a new chapter in the power of travel to protect our planet,” said Costas Christ, a sustainable tourism expert and editor-at-large for National Geographic Traveler magazine. “Travelers can feel confident when they stay in one of these lodges that they are helping to safeguard cultural and natural treasures in some of the world’s most incredible places.”

“The National Geographic brand is universally recognized for its commitment to exploring and protecting the planet, so we are uniquely positioned to unite and promote these exceptional properties and to set a new standard for tourism,” said Lynn Cutter, National Geographic’s executive vice president for travel and licensing. “These lodges share the Society’s vision of preserving the planet for future generations and they demonstrate that sustainability and a world-class guest experience can go hand-in-hand.”