LAKE TAHOE RECOGNIZED AS NO. 1 TRAVEL DESTINATION IN U.S.

AND NO. 10 WORLDWIDE BY TRIPADVISOR

Latest Accolade Expands the Long List from National Media;
Resort Noted for Spectacular Scenery, Endless Indoor and Outdoor Activities 

(South Shore Lake Tahoe, Calif./Nev.) – Lake Tahoe was named the “No. 1 Travel Destination in the U.S” and the “No. 10 Destination Worldwide” by TripAdvisor, an online social network with over 30 million monthly visitors who post reviews and opinions on destinations worldwide. The 2008 Travelers’ Choice Destinations Awards represents the opinions of millions of travelers with winners determined by a combination of voters’ favorite places and overall popularity.

The inaugural TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Destinations Awards honor the world’s top destinations, earning their distinction from those who know them best – the traveling consumer.

“Whether it’s the unique beauty or abundance of attractions, the 2008 Travelers’ Choice Destinations Awards honor the most beloved destinations from around the world,” said Michele Perry, vice president of global communications for TripAdvisor. “Determined by millions of travelers, the Travelers’ Choice Destinations Awards are unique because they single out not just popular places but truly exceptional places that enthrall travelers and keep them coming back.”

“This award comes at a perfect time with our summer season upon us,” said Sue Barton deputy director of Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. “This summer is full of events starting with Opening Days Lake Tahoe, June 20-22, Fourth of July Fireworks and the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship, complementing Tahoe’s breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventure that traveler’s crave.”

Other Lake Tahoe awards include top rankings from Orbitz.com as the No. 1 ski destination in 2007; and numerous designations from SKI Magazine, Skiing Magazine, Transworld Snowboarding for diverse categories such as snow quality, scenery, off-hill activities, and terrain parks for Heavenly Mountain Resort, Kirkwood Mountain Resort and Sierra-at-Tahoe.

Good Morning America’s Ron Claiborne said, “Tahoe is a special place with the lake and the mountains. It’s my favorite spot in the world.”

South Lake Tahoe is ranked No. 9 for some of the best outdoor-oriented towns year-round according to Sperling’s BestPlaces, a web site that analyzes data and rates places to live for major publications.

South Shore has chalked up additional media mentions including MSNBC.com (June 2005) “Best Place for Fireworks” for Fourth of July Fireworks, a “Top Destination for New Years Eve” (June 2005) by Priceline.com.

~Courtesty of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority