For Immediate Release, July 2019
Charleston, South Carolina Named No. 1 City in the U.S. Travel + Leisure 2019 World's Best Awards
CHARLESTON, S.C. (July 10, 2019) – Charleston continues to shine with its unique blend of hospitality, history, culture and creativity. For the seventh consecutive year, the readers of Travel + Leisure ranked Charleston the No. 1 City in the U.S. In addition, readers ranked Charleston as the only U.S. destination among the Top 15 Cities in the World.
The complete results of the 2019 World’s Best Awards Survey are featured on TravelandLeisure.com/Worlds-Best and in the August issue of the magazine.
The news was shared by Jacqui Gifford, Editor-in-Chief of Travel + Leisure, on the TODAY Show on July 10.
“Congratulations to Charleston on being named the No. 1 city in the United States for the seventh year in a row,” said Gifford. “It’s been exciting to watch the evolution of this uniquely American city, beloved by our readers for its welcoming spirit, nourishing, inventive food, and world-class cultural events. There’s always something happening in Charleston—and you don’t want to miss out on the party.”
“It is an honor to be recognized by such a highly-regarded publication. We never lose sight of the fact that readers determine who receives these prestigious awards. Travelers today desire authentic experiences and genuine hospitality. Charleston delivers, thanks to the incredible people in our community,” said Michael Tall, Explore Charleston’s Board Chair and President and COO of Charlestowne Hotels.
“The competition grows each year for these respected accolades and the associated downstream benefits they generate,” continued Tall. “We do not take for granted that most cities in the country would love to be in our position.”
Kiawah Island also remains a favorite destination for Travel + Leisure readers. The island community again made the list of Top 10 Islands in the Continental U.S.
Helen Hill, CEO of Explore Charleston, emphasized how the Travel + Leisure awards elevate the travel industry and, in turn, strengthen the region.
“Tourism remains one of the area’s leading economic drivers. In many ways, its success paves the way for further economic and corporate growth,” commented Hill.
The College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis estimates the tourism industry accounted for $8.13 billion in economic impact across the greater Charleston area last year. The industry directly employs over 40,000 individuals throughout the region.
“A thriving visitor market enhances the quality of life for local residents through increased air service, vibrant cultural and entertainment amenities, as well as expanded dining and retail options. A stronger tax base generated by the hospitality and travel industries reduces the reliance on property taxes paid by local residents,” said Hill.
In addition to the No. 1 U.S. City award, The Spectator Hotel was voted one of the top 100 hotels in the U.S. The following hotels were named by Travel + Leisure readers as the Top Charleston City Hotels for 2019: The Spectator Hotel, Wentworth Mansion, Zero George, The Vendue Hotel, John Rutledge House Inn, The Restoration Hotel, Planters Inn, The Dewberry, Belmond Charleston Place and French Quarter Inn.
Follow the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2019 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.
Doug Warner, Director of Media Relations, Explore Charleston
[email protected]
(843) 224-6888
