For Immediate Release, October 2019
Charleston Named Top City in the World Outside the U.K. and No. 1 Small City in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler
Charleston International Airport and Kiawah Island Receive National AccoladesCHARLESTON, S.C. – For the ninth consecutive year, Charleston has been named the most popular city in the U.S., according to Condé Nast Traveler magazine. Charleston also earned the top spot in the inaugural list of the Top 20 Cities in the World Outside the United Kingdom.
In its first year as a global brand, Condé Nast Traveler combined its annual reader surveys in the U.S. and U.K. into one global Readers’ Choice Awards list. Charleston is one of only three U.S. cities voted among the top world destinations outside the U.K.
Results of the 32nd annual awards were announced today and will be celebrated in the November issue.
Over 600,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers submitted a recording-breaking number of responses evaluating their travel experiences to provide a full snapshot of where and how we travel today.
“Charleston, South Carolina for me: well-made, thoughtful, sophisticated not without a certain humor. It is a city for wandering alone, for getting lost, its neighborhoods revealing themselves like stage screens in the theater,” commented Melinda Stevens, Editor in Chief of Condé Nast Traveler. “A sea-salty tang on the air from the water, the tropical palms...you’re reminded all the time just how south - how practically Caribbean - you really are...Everyone says hello, with a smile, a ready laugh.”
The Readers’ Choice Awards are widely regarded as the longest-running and one of the most prestigious recognitions of excellence in the travel industry and are commonly known as “the best of the best of travel.”
"We are humbled that the readers of Condé Nast Traveler continue to recognize the uniqueness and authenticity of Charleston. It is an honor to be the recipient of the inaugural Top City in the World Outside the U.K. Award, and it makes this year even more special," said Michael Tall, Board Chair of Explore Charleston. "These prestigious accolades are reminders that Charleston’s charm shines brightly through its people, rich history, renowned cuisine, world-class accommodations, pristine island communities, and thriving cultural arts and shopping scenes."
Condé Nast readers also voted Charleston’s airport among the best airports in the U.S. Ranked No. 7, this is the first time Charleston International has earned a distinction among Condé Nast Travelers’ top 10.
“It’s more than mere proximity to one of our readers’ favorite cities that sets this airport apart. A recent terminal upgrade created a bright, airy space where it’s a pleasure to hang out, with outposts of local favorites like the Caviar & Bananas gourmet market and the Charleston Beer Works,” stated Condé Nast Travelers’ Barbara Peterson.
In April, travel between the Lowcountry and the U.K. became more convenient when British Airways launched flights between London and Charleston. The new flight is South Carolina’s first transatlantic passenger service.
Thanks to the success of the inaugural season, British Airways announced it will continue the flights in March 2020. The current season runs through October 24, 2019.
“International travelers are essential to our industry’s continued success. Growth in air service strengthens our industry and the broader economy. It helps our travelers - domestic and international - and is also a quality of life driver for local residents,” said Helen Hill, CEO of Explore Charleston and Board Chair of the Charleston County Aviation Authority.
In addition to Charleston’s No. 1 Small City in the U.S. and Top City in the World Outside the U.K rankings, Kiawah Island was voted No. 2 on the list of Best Islands in the U.S.
The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort and Wild Dunes Resort were named among the top 10 resorts in the South.
The following were named the top hotels in the Charleston area for 2019 (listed alphabetically):
Belmond Charleston Place
The Dewberry Charleston
French Quarter Inn
HarbourView Inn
The Inn at Middleton Place
The Restoration
The Spectator Hotel
The Vendue
Wentworth Mansion
Zero George Street
For the complete list of 2019 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
