Readers of Travel + Leisure ranked Charleston as the No. 1 city in the country for the 12th consecutive year, according to an announcement made this morning. Charleston also holds the distinction of being the only U.S. destination among the top 25.
“Being recognized by such a highly regarded publication for 12 consecutive years provides unparalleled exposure and reinforces to potential visitors the many attributes — from outdoor activities in our beach communities to historic sites on the peninsula — that make our region an iconic destination,” said Dan Blumenstock, chair of Explore Charleston’s board of governors and director of hotels for Lowcountry Hotels, in a press release.
Helen Hill, CEO of Explore Charleston, emphasized how the awards underscore and elevate the role that travel plays in the region’s economy.
“A thriving visitor market supports local businesses, creates jobs and generates a stronger tax base that reduces the reliance on taxes paid by local residents,” Hill said in a statement. “The community also benefits from increased air service, vibrant cultural and entertainment amenities, as well as diverse dining and retail options.”
The College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis estimates tourism generated a record-high impact of $13.1 billion for the greater Charleston area in 2023. More than 53,000 local residents, more than ever before, now work in the industry. The percentage of countywide sales attributable to tourism increased to 24.7%, which is also a new record, a college study showed.
Additional accolades earned, kept
In addition to the Best U.S. City award, The Wentworth Mansion was named among the top 10 city hotels in the continental U.S. Kiawah Island remains a favorite destination for Travel + Leisure readers as it retained a spot among the top 10 best islands in the continental U.S. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina and Wild Dunes Resort were named among the 10 best South Carolina resorts.
Travel + Leisure readers voted the following properties as the 15 best hotels in Charleston for 2024 (listed alphabetically):
- The Charleston Place
- The Dewberry
- Emeline
- French Quarter Inn
- Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston — Autograph Collection
- HarbourView Inn
- Hotel Bennett
- John Rutledge House Inn
- The Loutrel
- Planters Inn
- The Mills House Hotel
- The Spectator Hotel
- The Vendue — Charleston’s Art Hotel
- Wentworth Mansion and
- Zero George.
The complete results of the 2024 World’s Best Awards Survey are featured online here and in the August issue of the magazine.
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