MONTPELIER — Vermont has been named one of the best-rated places in the world for stewardship and authenticity by the National Geographic Society.

The sixth annual Survey of Destination Stewardship, conducted by National Geographic Society's Center for Sustainable Destinations, ranked Vermont fifth in the world and first in the United States. The rankings are published in the November/December issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine.

The National Geographic Society conducted a global survey of 437 panelists in sustainable tourism and destination quality. They looked specifically at six criteria including environmental and ecological quality, social and cultural integrity, condition of historic buildings and archaeological sites, aesthetic appeal, quality of tourism management and outlook for the future.

The survey ranked Vermont sixth in the world in 2004.

"We're incredibly honored to be ranked as a top destination in the world, and we're thrilled that Vermont received an even higher ranking from 2004," said Vermont Tourism and Marketing Commissioner Bruce Hyde. "Vermont has worked tremendously hard to preserve its natural resources and scenic beauty."

For more information, visit traveler.nationalgeographic.com.