Monte-Carlo Honored as World's Best in TripAdvisor's 2010 Travelers' Choice Destination Awards

NEW YORK, May 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Monte-Carlo, in the Principality of Monaco, was chosen as the world's number one destination by TripAdvisor® in the 2010 Travelers' Choice® Destination Awards. Destinations honored in The TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Destination Awards earn their distinction from those who know them best -- real travelers.

TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice winners are based on the millions of real reviews and opinions from travelers on TripAdvisor.com™ over the past 12 months. The top destination was determined by a combination of TripAdvisor travelers' favorite places and overall popularity on TripAdvisor.

TripAdvisor, the world's most popular and largest travel community, has 15+ million registered members, more than 34 million monthly visitors, and 30 million traveler reviews and opinions.

"We are delighted and thrilled to learn today that TripAdvisor's esteemed audience of travelers have voted Monte-Carlo the world's best destination for 2010," said Maguy Maccario, director, North America, Monaco Government Tourist Office.

Maccario continued, "Monaco is a truly international destination with events, attractions and activities covering a range of interests, budgets and tastes. With its breathtaking views, legendary hospitality, fine dining, acclaimed cultural offerings and premiere sports events, we are confident the magic of the principality will continue to enchant guests from around the world as we welcome them to our fabled shores."

In 2008, Monte-Carlo rated #44 on the Travelers' Choice Destinations Awards list and has made the huge leap to the top beating other great cities including Sydney, Rome, Tokyo, and San Francisco, which topped the best U.S. destination list.

"Millions of travelers on TripAdvisor have identified the world's most amazing destinations," said Christine Petersen, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. "From stunningly beautiful locales to spots with outstanding attractions, the 2010 Travelers' Choice Destination Award winners are truly incredible places that travelers love."

For travelers reviews on Monaco and Monte-Carlo, visit: http://www.tripadvisor.com/TCDestinations-cTop25-g1 and for more on Monaco visit: www.VisitMonaco.com

For the complete 2010 Travelers' Choice Destination Awards list, go to www.tripadvisor.com/TCDestinations.

About the Principality of Monaco

Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the foothills of the Alpes-Maritimes, the Principality of Monaco is blessed with a sunny, welcoming climate and more than 300 days of sun a year. Close to the Nice Cote d'Azur International Airport, the Principality is also accessible by air, road and train.

Throughout the year, Monaco is the setting for many exciting world-class events and dazzling celebrations which encompass artistic, cultural and sporting interests. As one of the world's premiere tourist destinations, the Principality of Monaco stands proudly on its long record of accomplishment in conservation and preservation and its dedication to the world's natural environment.

About TripAdvisor Media Network

TripAdvisor® Media Network, operated by TripAdvisor, LLC, attracts 46 million monthly visitors* across 15 popular travel brands: TripAdvisor®, www.airfarewatchdog.com, www.bookingbuddy.com, www.cruisecritic.com, www.familyvacationcritic.com, www.flipkey.com, www.frequentflier.com, www.holidaywatchdog.com, www.independenttraveler.com, www.onetime.com, www.seatguru.com, www.smartertravel.com, www.travel-library.com, www.travelpod.com and www.virtualtourist.com. TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 34 million monthly visitors*, 15 million registered members and 30 million reviews and opinions. Featuring real advice from real travelers, TripAdvisor-branded sites cover more than one million destinations, hotels, restaurants and attractions and operate in the U.S. (http://www.tripadvisor.com). TripAdvisor® Media Network provides travel suppliers with graphical advertising opportunities and a cost-per-click marketing platform. Collectively, the sites comprising the TripAdvisor Media Network have won hundreds of awards and accolades from press and industry worldwide. TripAdvisor and the sites comprising the TripAdvisor Media Network are operating companies of Expedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPE). TripAdvisor and the TripAdvisor logo are registered trademarks of TripAdvisor LLC in the U.S. and/or other countries.  Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners.

©2010 TripAdvisor LLC.  All rights reserved.  

*Source: comScore Media Metrix, Worldwide, March 2010

SOURCE Monaco Government Tourist Office, New York