Panelists exchanged comments, which were kept anonymous to maintain survey neutrality during the rating process. These lightly edited excerpts offer a glimpse of panelists' varied points of view and the reasoning behind each score. They are not the views of the National Geographic Society.

Austria: Salzburg historic center
Score: 77

"Not overly touristic—has social/cultural integrity to high degree. All structures, both historic and business, are in fine shape, with great appeal aesthetically. Tourism development is appropriate, not excessive, and not in your face."

"A well-managed cultural city."

"The over-commercialized Mozart tradition dominates the tourist experience."