National Geographic unveiled their 2017 World Legacy Awards today and Santa Fe has been named No. 1 in the highly competitive Sense Of Place category.

Sense Of Place recognizes “excellence in enhancing cultural authenticity, including using vernacular architecture and design, support for the protection of historic monuments, archeological sites, indigenous heritage, and artistic traditions.”

“Applicants in this category will showcase how they are involved in the protection and promotion of cultural heritage, providing examples of their projects and initiatives, along with results. These may encompass using vernacular architecture and design, protection of historic sites, support for local cultural and artistic traditions, helping to safeguard indigenous peoples' heritage, and efforts to share and expand on the importance of protecting cultural heritage, including educating local stakeholders and travelers."

The World Legacy Awards, a partnership between National Geographic and ITB Berlin, showcase the leading travel and tourism companies, organizations and destinations—ranging from entire countries to small islands and from urban hotels to jungle retreats—driving the sustainable tourism transformation of the global travel industry.

Finalists in five award categories were selected by an international team of more than 20 judges. A multi-step judging process also included on-site inspections of each finalist.

For more on the award, click here.