Featured Press Releases

Use this library of press releases written by the Charleston Area CVB media relations department to mine for story ideas, stay abreast of what is new in the destination and learn about the special events that take place throughout the year.

For additional story ideas, we invite you to visit our blog.

For Immediate Release, October 2020
Charleston Named the No. 1 Small City in the U.S. By Condé Nast Traveler 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards

CHARLESTON, S.C. – For the tenth consecutive year, Charleston has been named the most popular city in the U.S., according to Condé Nast Traveler magazine. Results of the 33rd annual awards were announced today and will be celebrated in the November issue.

More than 715,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers submitted an incredible number of responses rating their travel experiences across the globe.

“The results of this year’s survey, conducted at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, are a testament of the lasting powers of a meaningful travel experience,” said Jesse Ashlock, U.S. Editor of Condé Nast Traveler. “The winners represent the best for our audience and offer plenty of trip-planning inspiration for all the adventures we can’t wait to have next.”

The Readers’ Choice Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry.

"We are thrilled and humbled to be recognized with this accolade for the tenth consecutive year. Achieving this unprecedented milestone as we celebrate the 350th anniversary of Charleston's founding makes it even more meaningful. We never lose sight of the fact that readers determine these prestigious awards," said Michael Tall, Chairman of Explore Charleston's Board of Governors. "Our industry has been deeply impacted by the pandemic. As we safely welcome back visitors with the genuine hospitality synonymous with the Charleston region, it's wonderful to know that the area's illustrious accommodations, breathtaking waterways, vast outdoor experiences, world-renowned cuisine, and authentic history continue to resonate with travelers in such a powerful way."

In addition to Charleston’s No. 1 Small City in the U.S., Kiawah Island was voted No. 5 and Isle of Palms was voted No. 7 on the list of Best Islands in the U.S.

Condé Nast readers also voted Charleston’s airport among the best airports in the U.S. Ranked No. 9, this is the second time Charleston International has earned a distinction among Condé Nast Travelers’ top 10.

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort and the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina were named among the Best Resorts in the South.

The following were named the top hotels in the Charleston area for 2020 (listed alphabetically):

Belmond Charleston Place
The Dewberry Charleston
French Quarter Inn
Harbourview Inn
Hotel Bennett
John Rutledge House Inn
The Restoration
The Spectator
The Vendue
Wentworth Mansion

For the complete list of 2020 Awards, visit www.cntraveler.com/RCA

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The mission of Explore Charleston 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.

High resolution photography available upon request.

Doug Warner, Director of Media Relations, Explore Charleston
[email protected]
(843) 224-6888

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