Charleston Named Travel + Leisure’s Best U.S. City for 11th Straight Year

Travel + Leisure today announced the best travel destinations and organizations across the globe, according to the results of their 2023 World’s Best Awards’ reader survey, and the Holy City once again had a stellar showing. For the eleventh consecutive year, Charleston was named the No. 1 Best City in the United States and ranked No. 19 in the 25 Best Cities in the World, one of only two U.S. destinations on the list.

Additionally, the Wentworth Mansion and the Loutrel were named among the 15 Best City Hotels in the Continental U.S.

“Being recognized by such a highly-regarded publication is an absolute honor,” said John LaVerne, Explore Charleston’s Board Chair and Founder of Bulldog Tour. “The competition grows each year for these accolades and the associated downstream benefits they generate, particularly in the post-pandemic environment. We do not take for granted that it’s the readers – avid travelers – who determine the winners and that most cities in the country would love to be in our position.”

Helen Hill, CEO of Explore Charleston, emphasized how the Travel + Leisure awards elevate the travel industry and fuel the region’s thriving business climate.

“A successful visitor market enhances the quality of life for residents through increased air service, vibrant cultural and entertainment amenities, as well as diverse dining and retail options,” said Hill. “A stronger tax base generated by hospitality and travel reduces the reliance on property taxes paid by local residents and creates revenue that improves the sustainability of our community.”

The College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis estimates tourism generated a record-high impact of $12.8 billion for the Greater Charleston Area in 2022. Over 51,000 local residents, more than ever before, now work in the industry. Almost 25 cents of every dollar spent in the region is attributable to tourism.

In addition the aforementioned awards, Kiawah Island was voted No. 3 on the list of the 10 Best Islands in the Continental U.S.

The Post House, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, and Wild Dunes Resort were all named among the 10 Best South Carolina Resorts.

Plus, Travel + Leisure readers voted the following properties as the 15 Best Hotels in Charleston for 2023 (listed alphabetically): The Charleston Place, The Dewberry, Emeline, French Quarter Inn, HarbourView Inn, Hotel Bennett, John Rutledge House Inn, The Loutrel, Market Pavilion Hotel, Mills House Charleston – Curio Collection by Hilton, Planters Inn, The Restoration, The Vendue – Charleston’s Art Hotel, Wentworth Mansion, and Zero George.

The complete results of the 2023 World’s Best Awards Survey are featured on TravelandLeisure.com/Worlds-Best and in the August issue of the magazine, on newsstands July 21st. 

TOP 10 WORLD’S BEST CITIES 2023

1. Oaxaca, Mexico
2. Udaipur, India
3. Kyoto, Japan
4. Ubud, Indonesia
5. San Miguel de Allende, México
6. Mexico City, Mexico
7. Tokyo, Japan
8. Istanbul, Turkey
9. Bangkok, Thailand
10. Mumbai, India

TOP 10 U.S. CITIES 2023

1. Charleston, South Carolina
2. Santa Fe, New Mexico
3. New Orleans, Louisiana
4. Savannah, Georgia
5. Chicago, Illinois
6. Honolulu, Hawaii
7. New York, New York
8. Nashville, Tennessee
9. Alexandria, Virginia
10. San Antonio, Texas

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