
For Immediate Release, July 2018
Charleston, South Carolina Named No. 1 City in the U.S. Travel + Leisure 2018 World's Best Awards
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA (July 10, 2018) – For the sixth consecutive year, the readers of Travel + Leisure have ranked Charleston the No. 1 City in the U.S. In addition, Charleston has been voted the No. 10 City in the World. Charleston is the only domestic destination named among the Top 15 Cities in the World. The news was shared by Jacqui Gifford, senior editor of Travel + Leisure, on the TODAY Show on July 10. Charleston exceeded other destinations in the categories of sights/landmarks, culture/arts, restaurants/food, people/friendliness, shopping and value to earn the No. 1 City in the U.S. and No. 10 City in the World rankings.
Travel + Leisure Editor in Chief Nathan Lump said, “Charleston continues its run as Travel + Leisure readers’ pick for the top city in the United States with good reason. This is a city that is not content to rest on its laurels as one of the most beautiful and well preserved historic urban environments in the country. Thanks to a creative local population intent on creating world-class experiences, there is always something new and exciting going on here, from a vibrant cultural scene to innovation in food and drink to fresh takes on style and design.”
“We are thrilled that the readers of Travel + Leisure continue to recognize the uniqueness and beauty of the Charleston community,” said Linn Lesesne, chairman of Explore Charleston and vice president of public relations and sales for Charming Inns of Charleston. “Receiving this distinguished award for the sixth consecutive year is a reminder that Charleston’s charm shines brightly through its people, historic streetscape, award-winning restaurants, world-class accommodations, pristine beaches, culture and shopping scene.”
Please help us congratulate the following recognized in Travel + Leisure's 2018 World’s Best Awards.
Top 10 Islands in the Continental U.S.
No.3 Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Top 10 Charleston City Hotels
The Spectator
Planters Inn
French Quarter Inn
Zero George
The Dewberry
Wentworth Mansion
The Vendue
John Rutledge House Inn
HarbourView Inn
Market Pavilion Hotel
Travel + Leisure readers voted on their favorite hotels, cities, islands, spas, cruise lines, airlines, tour outfitters and car-rental agencies. The 2018 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, online at: www.TravelandLeisure.com/Worlds-Best, and in the World’s Best Awards 2018.
Follow the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2018 conversation with #tlworldsbest and #explorecharleston.
###
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.