For Immediate Release, July 2015
Charleston, S.C. is Ranked the No. 1 Top City in the U.S. and Canada in the Travel + Leisure 2015 World's Best Awards
Charleston, S.C. (July 7, 2015) – Citing its warm southern hospitality, amazing array of acclaimed restaurants, and charming atmosphere, readers of Travel + Leisure have ranked Charleston the No. 1 City in the U.S. and Canada for the third consecutive year in the 20th Annual World’s Best Awards. Charleston also ranked No. 2 City on the list of Top 10 Cities in the World in the annual readers’ poll. The announcement was shared on NBC’s TODAY Show on July 7. The complete results of the 2015 World’s Best Awards Survey are featured on TravelandLeisure.com and in the August issue of the magazine, on newsstands July 17.
This marks the third consecutive year that Charleston has been named a top North American travel destination by readers of the leading national magazine. Readers rank cities on sights and landmarks, culture and arts, restaurants and food, people, and value.
“It’s not easy to win anything three years in a row, but Charleston clearly keeps on delivering one of the most satisfying travel experiences in the United States, and the world. Now more than ever it’s great to see T+L readers recognize what’s so special about the city, from terrific food to historic architecture to a local population that exudes hospitality,” said Travel + Leisure Editor Nathan Lump.
“Charleston is endowed with many attractive attributes – be it the sunny weather and raw natural beauty or the grand tradition of Lowcountry cuisine,” added Dan Blumenstock Director of Fennell Holdings and Chair of the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “No matter what compelling reason draws a visitor to the Charleston area, all visitors have the chance to experience the warmth and genuine hospitality put forth by the local community.”
In addition to the No. 1 City in the U.S. and Canada ranking, the following five Charleston area hotels received 2015 Top Small City Hotel World’s Best Awards. Five of the nation’s six Top Small City Hotels in the Continental U.S. are located in Charleston.
Top Small City Hotels in the Continental U.S. (Fewer than 100 rooms):
1. Wentworth Mansion
2. French Quarter Inn
3. Planters Inn
4. The Vendue
6. Market Pavilion Hotel
Top Hotels Overall (worldwide):
35. Wentworth Mansion
77. French Quarter Inn
Top Islands in Continental U.S. and Canada
5. Kiawah Island
Top Resorts in the Continental U.S.
19. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Travel + Leisure readers voted on their favorite hotels, cities, islands, spas, cruise lines, airlines, tour outfitters, and car-rental agencies. The 2015 World’s Best Awards readers’ survey results (listed by overall and regional rankings) and survey methodology are featured in the August issue of Travel + Leisure magazine and online at: www.TravelandLeisure.com.
Follow the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2015 conversation with @TravelLeisure #tlworldsbest
The mission of the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is to unify and lead the local travel industry in marketing the Charleston area as an individual, meeting, incentive and group destination to both the domestic and international markets.
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