For Immediate Release: Nanaimo BC has been chosen as a best destination in the Top 25 Canada category by TripAdvisor(r) in the 2008 Travelers' Choice(r) Destinations Awards. In their inaugural year, the TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Destinations Awards honour the world's top destinations, earning their distinction from those who know them best - real travelers.

Only TripAdvisor's Destinations Awards represent the opinions of millions of travelers. The winners were determined by a combination of TripAdvisor's travelers' favorite places and overall popularity on TripAdvisor.

"Whether it's for their unique beauty, or abundance of attractions, the 2008 Travelers' Choice Destinations Awards honour the most beloved destinations from around the world," said Michele Perry, vice president of global communications for TripAdvisor. "Determined by millions of travelers, the Travelers' Choice Destinations Awards are unique because they single out not just popular places but truly exceptional places that enthrall travelers and keep them coming back."

Chelsea Barr, Communications Clerk with Destination Nanaimo, is thrilled to see Nanaimo in the top 25. "An important part of my role is ensuring Nanaimo information is available on-line. The reality is on-line reviews, blogs and social forums are key components of the travel research one does when planning to visit a specific destination." "Destination Nanaimo and Tourism Nanaimo realize that an on-line presence is a vital part of a successful destination marketing plan" said Hannah King, Destination Marketing Coordinator. Destination Nanaimo continues to encourage visitors, guests and locals to post their Nanaimo experiences on TripAdvisor.

Nanaimo is located on the east coast of Vancouver Island, 113 km north of Victoria, and 55 km across the Strait of Georgia from Vancouver. Nanaimo is Vancouver Island's second largest city, B.C.'s third oldest city and the ancestral home of the Snuneymuxw First Nation, a Coast Salish people. It is no wonder Nanaimo is listed in the top 25, it has one of the most beautiful harbourfronts on the west coast. A 5-km walkway winds along the shoreline with views over to Newcastle, Protection and Gabriola Islands. Nanaimo is a 2008 Cultural Capital of Canada, home to one-of-a-kind festivals and events and is a popular shopping destination.

To plan your trip to Nanaimo, visit Tourism Nanaimo. Flip through the on-line Nanaimo Visitor Guide and Restaurant Guide. To read the Nanaimo reviews, go to TripAdvisor.com and for the complete 2008 Travelers' Choice list, visit www.tripadvisor.com/TCDestinations.