Panelists exchanged comments, which were kept anonymous to maintain survey neutrality, during the rating process. These 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.
Amboseli, Kenya
Score: 54
"Great wildlife viewing, mass tourism a problem for local conservation efforts, lodges maintained and owned by local people, but the majority of tourists do not stay overnight."
"There is concern that without immediate attention to successful methods of ecotourism, this place will be lost to the future. Good intentions are present, but good practices are less evident."
"Extraordinary African wildlife."
"Mass tourism degrading area, but efforts at advanced stages to incorporate local Masai people into wildlife and cultural tourism. Benefits to local conservation efforts minimal."
"This site is in moderate trouble. The safari vehicle use is very poorly managed, leading to heavy negative environmental impact."
Fez, Historic Center, Morocco
Score: 71
"Extremely authentic. By design, the maddeningly confusing labyrinth of streets seems impervious to 'Disneyfication.' As the religious heart of a surprisingly and quietly religious country, Fez hasn't seen the extreme 'hucksterism' that mars Tangier and Sahara."
"Good balance between the local population and tourists. Good preservation of the historic part."
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Score: 74
"Major problems in generating local economic benefits, although environmental benefits seem adequate."
"Despite good ecological management and recent efforts to be community friendly, the majority of South Africans find it [like other South Africa National Parks] too expensive."
"Fantastic and relatively unspoiled. Some signs of wear and tear on certain roads, although overall the landscape has been preserved. Great way for tourists to encounter the natural ecosystem with minimal impact."
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Score: 55
"Lack of community benefits from tourism will compromise long-term ecological sustainability; people need to become more a part of tourism revenue benefits."
"Too much inappropriate resort development now allowed along the crater rim."
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Score: 63
"Little involvement of locals in ecotourism-related ventures. Locals are very poor, and may not support tourism wholly."
"Money does not go back to local communities; poachers are a problem, but this destination still offers great wildlife viewing."
"The migration experience is unparalleled, and community projects are getting better."
Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe
Score: 52
"Heavy population pressure on surrounding woodland and poor visitor facilities to control impact."
"Falls stunning but need more protection on the Zimbabwe side. Doesn't appear that locals are benefiting from tourism in the area."