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9月27日は世界観光の日。世界観光の日とは、観光に対する意識の向上と、観光の価値を世界中に知らしめるため、世界観光機関（UNTWO）が1980年に制定したものだ。それ以来、教育や多様性、世界的な気候変動など、観光地をめぐるテーマが広範囲になっている。
今年のテーマは、「観光と水：私たちの共通の未来を守る」で、公式式典がモルジブで開催された。モルジブはインド洋に浮かぶ島国で、青く澄んだオーシャンビューと、白い砂のビーチで知られている。世界観光の日のテーマにびったりの場所だ。
関連記事
World's Best Islands (PHOTOS)
No. 1 Palawan, Philippines(01 of06)
See More of the World\'s Best Islands
\r\nThis lightly populated archipelago of 1,780 islands makes a splashy debut on the World’s Best Islands list by nabbing the No. 1 title thanks to its unspoiled beauty, abundant wildlife, and seascapes, which T+L readers deemed second to none. Seek out the serenity of the beaches of El Nido, where Bacuit Bay’s coral reefs teem with tropical fish, or, for bragging rights, the world’s longest underground navigable river.
\r\n\r\nWhere to Stay: On the edge of a tropical rainforest, the palm-thatched villas of new luxury hideaway El Nido Pangulasian Island front a sandy cove where you can dive with sea turtles. elnidoresorts.com\r\n
Photo: Francisco Guerrero
\r\nThis lightly populated archipelago of 1,780 islands makes a splashy debut on the World’s Best Islands list by nabbing the No. 1 title thanks to its unspoiled beauty, abundant wildlife, and seascapes, which T+L readers deemed second to none. Seek out the serenity of the beaches of El Nido, where Bacuit Bay’s coral reefs teem with tropical fish, or, for bragging rights, the world’s longest underground navigable river.
\r\n\r\nWhere to Stay: On the edge of a tropical rainforest, the palm-thatched villas of new luxury hideaway El Nido Pangulasian Island front a sandy cove where you can dive with sea turtles. elnidoresorts.com\r\n
Photo: Francisco Guerrero
No. 3 Maui, HI(02 of06)
See More of the World\'s Best Islands
\r\nMaui has won over T+L readers once again as the most sought-after Hawaiian island. Can you blame it? Just consider the evidence: the surfer haven of Paia; the heart-stopping scenic drive past secret waterfalls to Hana; miles of perfect coastline like Napili Beach; lush valleys; and otherworldly trails along Haleakala volcano.
\r\nWhere to Stay: Favored celebrity hideout Four Seasons Resort at Wailea caters to every whim with three stellar restaurants, Pacific and volcano views, and customized spa packages.\r\n
Photo: DU BOISBERRANGER Jean /Hemis/Corbis
\r\nMaui has won over T+L readers once again as the most sought-after Hawaiian island. Can you blame it? Just consider the evidence: the surfer haven of Paia; the heart-stopping scenic drive past secret waterfalls to Hana; miles of perfect coastline like Napili Beach; lush valleys; and otherworldly trails along Haleakala volcano.
\r\nWhere to Stay: Favored celebrity hideout Four Seasons Resort at Wailea caters to every whim with three stellar restaurants, Pacific and volcano views, and customized spa packages.\r\n
Photo: DU BOISBERRANGER Jean /Hemis/Corbis
No. 4 Santorini, Greece(03 of06)
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\r\nGleaming white houses and blue-domed buildings perched on soaring cliffs above the sparkling Aegean Sea—it must be Santorini, a distinctly picturesque island among the many-splendored Greek Isles. Roam the palapa-shaded black sands of Perissa Beach or ogle the dramatic sunsets of cliff-top village Oia, one of the most photographed spots in the world.
\r\n\r\nWhere to Stay: Oia’s Katikies Hotel overlooks the sweeping caldera basin with 27 whitewashed cubist cottages situated around two infinity pools.\r\n
Photo: Jessica Sample
\r\nGleaming white houses and blue-domed buildings perched on soaring cliffs above the sparkling Aegean Sea—it must be Santorini, a distinctly picturesque island among the many-splendored Greek Isles. Roam the palapa-shaded black sands of Perissa Beach or ogle the dramatic sunsets of cliff-top village Oia, one of the most photographed spots in the world.
\r\n\r\nWhere to Stay: Oia’s Katikies Hotel overlooks the sweeping caldera basin with 27 whitewashed cubist cottages situated around two infinity pools.\r\n
Photo: Jessica Sample
No. 5 Prince Edward Island, Canada(04 of06)
See More of the World\'s Best Islands
\r\nWhile it’s known as the setting of the much-loved children’s series Anne of Green Gables, Canada’s smallest and least populous province also attracts visitors with its cobalt blue seas, vibrant emerald pastures, and red sands. Head to Thunder Cove beach and prepare to be wowed by the rust-colored dunes and crashing waves.
\r\n\r\nWhere to Stay:Dalvay-by-the-Sea, Tudor-style cottages on the edge of picturesque Prince Edward Island National Park, with Adirondack chairs dotting the expansive lawn and water views.\r\n
Photo: Barrett & MacKay/All Canada Photos/Corbis
\r\nWhile it’s known as the setting of the much-loved children’s series Anne of Green Gables, Canada’s smallest and least populous province also attracts visitors with its cobalt blue seas, vibrant emerald pastures, and red sands. Head to Thunder Cove beach and prepare to be wowed by the rust-colored dunes and crashing waves.
\r\n\r\nWhere to Stay:Dalvay-by-the-Sea, Tudor-style cottages on the edge of picturesque Prince Edward Island National Park, with Adirondack chairs dotting the expansive lawn and water views.\r\n
Photo: Barrett & MacKay/All Canada Photos/Corbis
No. 6 Bali, Indonesia(05 of06)
See More of the World\'s Best Islands
\r\nSugary beach landscapes, jewel-green rice paddies, and ancient temples: the physical and spiritual beauty of Bali was enthralling travelers well before the Eat, Pray, Love phenomenon—and continues to do so. Start your quest for inner peace by watching the sunrise on Sanur beach’s sweeping sands, then experiencing a Balinese massage along the promenade.
\r\n\r\nWhere to Stay: The new Regent Bali is the ultimate place to meditate, with 94 ultra-luxe beachfront suites on 10 acres of tropical gardens. regenthotels.com\r\n
Photo: David Kukin
\r\nSugary beach landscapes, jewel-green rice paddies, and ancient temples: the physical and spiritual beauty of Bali was enthralling travelers well before the Eat, Pray, Love phenomenon—and continues to do so. Start your quest for inner peace by watching the sunrise on Sanur beach’s sweeping sands, then experiencing a Balinese massage along the promenade.
\r\n\r\nWhere to Stay: The new Regent Bali is the ultimate place to meditate, with 94 ultra-luxe beachfront suites on 10 acres of tropical gardens. regenthotels.com\r\n
Photo: David Kukin
No. 7 Kauai, HI(06 of06)
See More of the World\'s Best Islands
\r\nA playground for nature enthusiasts, laid-back Kauai is covered with verdant mountainous landscapes, plunging waterfalls, scenic hiking trails (layered along the dramatic Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon), and more than 60 beaches. The South Shore’s Poipu Beach or Princeville’s Hanalei Bay beach will put you in instant vacation mode—especially if you have a mai tai in hand.
\r\n\r\nWhere to Stay: Poipu’s Koa Kea Hotel & Resort provides a more intimate escape than nearby mega-resorts, while St. Regis Princeville is carved into a cliff with an 11,000-square-foot spa and 5,000-square-foot infinity pool.\r\n
Photo: iStockphoto
\r\nA playground for nature enthusiasts, laid-back Kauai is covered with verdant mountainous landscapes, plunging waterfalls, scenic hiking trails (layered along the dramatic Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon), and more than 60 beaches. The South Shore’s Poipu Beach or Princeville’s Hanalei Bay beach will put you in instant vacation mode—especially if you have a mai tai in hand.
\r\n\r\nWhere to Stay: Poipu’s Koa Kea Hotel & Resort provides a more intimate escape than nearby mega-resorts, while St. Regis Princeville is carved into a cliff with an 11,000-square-foot spa and 5,000-square-foot infinity pool.\r\n
Photo: iStockphoto
Best Islands
#10 Nosy Be, Madagascar(01 of10)
Located off the northwest tip of Madagascar, Nosy Be is a great destination for those looking to get off the grid. It\'s \"refreshingly devoid of bling,\" says Lonely Planet.
#9 Easter Island, Chile(02 of10)
Given its location way, way off the coast of Chile, Easter Island is the place to non-metaphorically get away from it all. Aside from visiting the famous stone heads, visitors can dive and snorkel, horseback ride, hike and more.
#8 Koh Tao, Thailand(03 of10)
Koh Tao, in the Gulf of Thailand, is a scuba diver\'s paradise. It\'s one of the world’s cheapest places to get your open-water dive certification, says Lonely Planet, and its shallow-water reefs are great for beginners. \n\n:
#7 Moorea, French Polynesia(04 of10)
When picturing French Polynesia, perhaps visions of overwater bungalows and honeymoon resorts come to mind. But the beautiful scenery and outdoor adventures are also worth the trip. (credit:Alamy)
#6 Isla Mujeres, Mexico(05 of10)
One of the coolest times to visit this island off the coast of Cancun is during the annual Whale Shark Festival when visitors have the chance to swim with hundreds of sharks.
#5 Santorini, Greece(06 of10)
Famous for its whitewashed buildings, Santorini is less of a party spot than equally-well-known Mykonos, as Matador points out.
#4 San Juan Island, Washington(07 of10)
One draw of San Juan Island are it\'s nature- and adventure-focused activities. Zip lining, orca watching and visiting lavender farms are all popular activities. (credit:Alamy)
#3 Bora Bora, French Polynesia(08 of10)
The island of Bora Bora is synonymous with luxury, beauty and world class resorts. Prepare to be entranced by cobalt and turquoise waters, the sweet smell of Tiare flowers, and even the occasional giant turtle swimming by.
#2 St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands(09 of10)
One of the world\'s best islands is so close to home -- you don\'t even need a passport to get there! While on island, search out sights like Virgin Islands National Park and the secluded beaches of Reef Bay and Little Lameshur Bay.
#1 Ambergris Caye, Belize(10 of10)
This delightful spot in northern Belize has actually been recommended as one of the world\'s best places to retire. The area is flecked with mostly low-key resorts and is popular with divers and fishermen. The town of San Pedro features sand streets and a nightlife of dance clubs.
World's Best Beaches
#25 Woolacombe Beach, North Devon, England(01 of25)
#24 White Beach, Boracay, Philippines(02 of25)
#23 Seven Mile Beach, Georgetown, Cayman Islands(03 of25)
#22 The Baths, Virgin Gorda, BVI(04 of25)
#21 Akumal Beach, Akumal, Mexico(05 of25)
#20 Fort De Soto Park, Verde, Florida(06 of25)
#19 Turquoise Bay, Exmouth, Australia(07 of25)
#18 Gulf Islands National Seashore, Pensacola, Florida(08 of25)
#17 Anse Lazio, Praslin Island, Seychelles(09 of25)
#16 Siesta Key Public Beach, Sarasota, Florida(10 of25)
#15 Ka’anapali Beach, Lahaina, Hawaii(11 of25)
#14 Playa del Norte, Isla Mujeres, Mexico(12 of25)
#13 Chesterman Beach, Tofino, B.C., Canada(13 of25)
#12 Playa de ses Illetes, Balearic Islands, Spain(14 of25)
#11 Playa Paraiso Beach, Cuba(15 of25)
#10 Rhossili Bay, Swansea, Wales(16 of25)
#9 Eagle Beach, Aruba(17 of25)
#8 Horseshoe Bay Beach, Southampton Parish, Bermuda(18 of25)
(credit:Flickr:put_the_needle_on_the_record)
#7 Lopes Mendes Beach, Ilha Grande, Brazil(19 of25)
#6 Playa de las Catedrales, Ribadeo, Spain(20 of25)
#5 Flamenco Beach, Culebra, Puerto Rico(21 of25)
#4 Baia do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha, Brazil(22 of25)
#3 Whitehaven Beach, Airlie Beach, Australia(23 of25)
#2 Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos(24 of25)
#1 Rabbit Beach, Lampedusa, Italy(25 of25)
Travel Channel's Best Beaches 2013
Best Exotic Beach: Mustique, St. Vincent and the Grenadines(01 of10)
(credit:Getty Images)
Best Beach Boardwalk: Venice Beach, California \(02 of10)
(credit:Getty Images)
Most Romantic Beach: Matira Beach, Bora Bora, Tahiti(03 of10)
(credit:Alamy)
Best Beach Bar: Rick's Cafe, Negril, Jamaica(04 of10)
(credit:Alamy)
Best Beach For Adventure: Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay, Oahu (05 of10)
(credit:Getty Images)
Best Beach You Haven't Heard Of...Yet: Nevis, Caribbean(06 of10)
(credit:Getty Images)
Sexiest Beach: Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil(07 of10)
(credit:Alamy)
Best Family Beach: Destin, Florida(08 of10)
(credit:Alamy)
Best Party Beach: South Beach, Miami, Florida(09 of10)
(credit:Alamy)
Best Overall Beach: Matira Beach, Bora Bora, Tahiti(10 of10)
(credit:Alamy)