Downtown Victoria Wins Praise in Michelin Green Guide

For immediate release

In the latest edition of Michelin Green Guide British Colombia and the Rockies, Victoria was awarded the highest possible overall rating of three stars. Downtown Victoria also earned two of the coveted Michelin stars, and the city was praised for its “cosmopolitan culture, shopping, outdoor lifestyle, and simple verve.”

A three-star Michelin rating indicates that a destination is “highly recommended”, while two stars indicate that it’s recommended. Earning any stars at all is not an easy feat. Notoriously discriminating, Michelin Guides have been around for 100 years and are a trusted source of
information for tourists around the world.

Downtown Victoria’s appeal goes far beyond the famous hanging baskets and the antique street lights it’s known for. It’s also gaining a strong international reputation as a foodie hotspot, a fashion-forward style mecca, and a generally hip and vibrant urban hangout. Local listings are consistently packed with music, arts, and cultural events, and there’s always something to discover downtown. “Our city is rich with diverse & exciting activities, locally made products, and splendid scenery. I couldn’t be more proud to call Victoria my home”, remarks Darlene Hollstein, Chair of the DVBA.

The DVBA, through its precinct marketing program, is helping to make downtown even more interesting and welcoming, and supports downtown businesses in getting the word out about who they are to locals and tourists alike.

In 2008, Condé Nast Traveler also deemed Victoria the third best city in the Americas. The combination of natural beauty, interesting culture and heritage, outdoor experiences and worldclass shopping puts Victoria in a category with the world’s finest cities, and our downtown is considered one of the best in North America.

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The Downtown Victoria Business Association’s mission is to help make Downtown Victoria the destination of choice for Greater Victoria residents and visitors - for shopping, dining, entertainment, and other services; and to act as catalyst for vibrancy and prosperity in the downtown core through advocacy, marketing, events, improvements, and co-operative measures.

For More Information:
Ken Kelly, DVBA, 250-386-2239
Brian Heiler, MapArt Publishing, 1-888-231-6277