Travel + Leisure today announced the best travel destinations and organizations across the globe, according to the results of their 2024 World's Best Awards' reader survey, and the Holy City once again had a stellar showing. For the twelfth consecutive year, Charleston was named the No. 1 Best City in the United States and ranked No. 22 in the 25 Best Cities in the World, the only U.S. destination on the list.
In addition to the Best U.S. City award, The Wentworth Mansion (# 7) was named among the top 10 City Hotels in the Continental U.S., while Kiawah Island (# 9) retained a spot among the top 10 Best Islands in the Continental U.S.
“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.
Helen Hill, CEO of Explore Charleston, emphasized how the awards elevate the region’s profile, fuel its business climate, and enhance residents’ quality of life.
“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,” said Hill. “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. Over 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.
In addition to the country-wide awards, some Charleston properties were named among the best in the state. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort (# 3), The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina (# 5) and Wild Dunes Resort (# 7) were all named among the 10 Best South Carolina Resorts.
The complete results of the 2024 World's Best Awards Survey are featured online here and in the August issue of the magazine, on newsstands July 19.
TOP 10 WORLD'S BEST CITIES 2023
- San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
- Udaipur, India
- Kyoto, Japan
- Hoi An, Vietnam
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Florence, Italy
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Tokyo, Japan
- Ubud, Indonesia
- Funchal, Portugal
TOP 10 U.S. CITIES 2023
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Savannah, Georgia
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- San Antonio, Texas
- Fort Worth, Texas
- New York, New York
- Chicago, Illinois
- Aspen, Colorado
