Mayor Joe Riley was pleased the city he’s helmed since 1975 is now the No. 1 tourist destination in America.
“We love to share our extensive heritage and tradition of hospitality,” Riley said in a prepared statement. “It is thrilling to see that the visitors who come here not only enjoy what they see and experience, they also find an open welcome from the city. Great food and lovely hotels add much to the enjoyment of our guests who come either for a day or a week. We look forward to the opportunity to show visitors what makes Charleston a great place to visit.”
Voters annually evaluate cities based on six categories: atmosphere/ambience, culture/sites, friendliness, lodging, restaurants and shopping. The city with the highest composite appeal wins top honors.
Please note that Santa Fe was third in the survey! Blessings, Ken Semon
Savannah’s in the top ten as well. I *love* Charleston, Savannah and Santa Fe. It’s interesting — they list NYC and Boston as the two top cities in the NE . . . but both are “big city” cities, while the three I list above definitely have “small-town” feels.
I’d add Carmel, CA, one of the other top ten, as a city that has a “small town” feel.