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 2018
Charleston, South Carolina, Named No. 1 Small City in the U.S. by Condè Nast Traveler 2018 Readers' Choice Awards for the Eighth Consecutive Year

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA NAMED N0. 1 SMALL CITY IN THE U.S. IN THE 31st ANNUAL CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

Charleston Voted No. 1 Travel Destination in the U.S. for the Eighth Consecutive Year

CHARLESTON, S.C. (October 9, 2018) –– For the eighth consecutive year, Charleston has been named the most popular city in the U.S., according to Conde Nast Traveler magazine. Results of the 31st annual Readers’ Choice Awards were announced today and will be celebrated in the November issue on newsstands October 16.

The Awards are widely regarded as the longest-running and one of the most prestigious recognitions of excellence in the travel industry. Nearly half a million Conde Nast Traveler readers submitted a recording-breaking number of responses evaluating their travel experiences.

Charleston’s overall rating outpaced other small U.S. cities (populations less than one million) in categories including arts and culture, sights and scenery, public transportation, hotels and resorts, restaurants and friendliness.

“Travelers today have more options than ever. We are both honored and humbled that Conde Nast Traveler readers continue to recognize the Charleston area’s uniqueness, authenticity and charm,” said Michael Tall, Board Vice Chair of Explore Charleston. “World-class accommodations, distinctive culture and attractions, award-winning cuisine, breathtaking waterways and historic streetscapes offer visitors unparalleled experiences.”

Officials at Charleston International Airport credit the national accolades with enhancing the market’s attractiveness to air carriers. Passengers can now fly to and from 30 airports in 25 cities across the U.S.

“Airlines note the consistent recognition this area receives. We continue to see new carriers enter the market and existing partners expand service. This improves our ability to meet the needs of business and leisure travelers from across the country,” said Helen Hill, CEO of Explore Charleston.

In addition to Charleston’s No. 1 Small City in the U.S. ranking, the Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina ranked No. 2 among the top resorts in the South.

The following were named the top hotels in the Charleston area for 2018 (listed alphabetically):

Belmond Charleston Place
The Dewberry Charleston
French Quarter Inn
Grand Bohemian Hotel
HarbourView Inn
John Rutledge House Inn
King Charles Inn
Market Pavilion Hotel
The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel
Planters Inn
The Restoration
The Spectator Hotel
The Vendue
Wentworth Mansion
Zero George Street

For the complete list of 2018 Awards, visit CondeNastTraveler.com/RC

# # #

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. ExploreCharleston.com

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

Request a Visitors Guide

Where should we send your visitor guide?

*We will not sell or give away your personal information. Your privacy matters to us.

Would you like to receive e-mail updates about deals and events in Charleston?
May we send you offers from our partners?
Interests










Request a Digital Visitors Guide

contact_sendemail
udf_544













udf_659