Costa Rica
Score: 62

Hailed as a leader in ecotourism, Costa Rica's middle-of-the-road showing in this year's rankings was unexpected. The country's green reputation may have panelists holding it to higher standards. Other factors influencing the score: "large-scale resorts" rising on the Pacific Coast and "growing crime, including against tourists."

Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:

"An early adopter and leader of ecotourism. Has been rewarded with a significant growth in international visitation because of outstanding opportunities for nature-based tourism, reasonable prices, decent service, and generally sensitive development. It now wrestles with the threat of overcommercialization. It will have to stick to original principles to retain its reputation and the benefits that come from ecotourism."

"Costa Rica has a lot going for it: a plethora of nongovernmental organizations, numerous parks and reserves, and many dedicated Ticos (diminutive for Costa Ricans) and expatriates who are working to preserve the environment. On the other hand, the government has frequently subsidized large resorts while failing to help smaller lodges and hotels that provide a more genuine experience."

"A bit overrated in my opinion. At least most tourism development is concentrated along certain reaches of the Pacific coast, where "Californization" appears rampant. Much of the rest of the country is still fairly natural, and not unlike similar sites in Nicaragua or Panama. Crime is becoming a bigger problem every year."

"A jewel in Central America that is fragile and needs protection from overdevelopment of tourism. Too many tourists visiting, and new hotels are everywhere, especially Manuel Antonio and Nicoya Peninsula. The Atlantic coast reefs are a worry. Local residents receive little help."

"While still a generation ahead of most neighbors with its environmental, human rights, education, and public-welfare programs and policies, Costa Rica needs to redouble its efforts to bolster management of its underfunded and understaffed protected-area system."