GARFIELD COUNTY — For a record-breaking 18th year in a row, the “Michelin Guide” has awarded Bryce Canyon National Park three stars.
“We are thrilled to once again receive the esteemed three Michelin stars,” said Falyn Owens, Garfield County director of tourism. “This honor indicates just how much Bryce Canyon has to offer its visitors.”
The distinguished guide only gave out five three-star awards to locations and attractions in Utah.
“Many people living in Utah don’t realize that a world-renowned attraction is right in their own backyard,” Owens said. “We pride ourselves on making Bryce Canyon an experience for visitors, and we encourage travelers to take their time while in the area.”
About the “Michelin Guide”
The “Michelin Guide” is a high-profile European guidebook, known for being the first to implement the system of awarding stars to restaurants. Later it expanded to include reviews of cities and attractions.
Authors of the guide take into account nine criteria for awarding stars, which cover first impression on the visitor, popularity, beauty and esthetic qualities, authenticity and charm and quality of reception and visit among other factors.
“Michelin doesn’t easily distribute three stars,” Olivier Barthez, from the Utah Office of Tourism France said. “For example, Zion National Park and Monument Valley are both rated two stars.”
The star system is as follows: One star indicates that a place is worth visiting, two stars means it’s worth the detour, and three stars justifies a trip.
“Michelin is one of Europe’s most recognized brands and the ‘Michelin Guide’ is THE reference in travel guides within the French-speaking countries,” Barthez said. “The three stars will definitely make an impact on European visitors who plan a trip to the Southwestern United States.”
Garfield County
Garfield County is located in Southern Utah and provides access to nearly a dozen national and state park and forest areas, including Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef national parks. Visitors enjoy epic road trips while exploring Scenic Byways 12 and 143 — highways so spectacular they’ve been recognized by the Federal Highway Administration for their one-of-a-kind features. The area is only an hour drive to a commercial airport and four hours from either Las Vegas or Salt Lake City.
Resources
- The “Michelin Guide” on Bryce Canyon – Web page
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