Islands, cities, and hotels across Georgia earned coveted spots in Travel + Leisure’s 2024 World’s Best Awards announced July 9. Travel + Leisure is one of the world’s leading travel media brands, and its annual reader survey-based awards program is considered the travel industry’s most trusted rankings.
For the second year in a row, Georgia’s Golden Isles – Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island, St. Simons Island, and the port city of Brunswick – claimed the top spot for Best Islands in the Continental U.S. and was the only domestic destination to make this year’s list of Best Islands in the World. Cumberland Island emerged as No. 6 Best Island in the Continental U.S. These survey results solidify the state’s coastal region as one of the most beloved destinations among travelers across the globe.
“For decades, Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards have inspired travelers to visit the most exceptional destinations around the globe,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Chief Marketing Officer Mark Jaronski. “It’s great to see Georgia’s unique brand of travel experiences increasingly recognized in the last few years for delivering what today’s travelers need most from destinations truly considered the best.”
According to Travel + Leisure, of all the Southern states, Georgia had the biggest presence on the list of Favorite Resorts in the South, with five properties making the top 15: The Lodge and The Cloister at Sea Island; The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island; The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, in Greensboro; and Barnsley Resort in Adairsville. The Cloister was also recognized as a World’s Best Awards Hall of Fame honoree, a designation bestowed on destinations and brands that have been voted onto a specific list for the past 10 consecutive years.
Savannah – a World’s Best Awards Hall of Fame honoree – leveled up to No. 3 on the list of Top U.S. Cities, and its airport rose three spots from last year to the No. 4 Best Domestic Airport. Readers of Travel + Leisure also voted on their favorite hotels in Savannah, with Perry Lane Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel, being crowned the winner for a second consecutive year. The Alida, Savannah, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel; JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District; Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront; and Kimpton Brice Hotel also cinched spots. These accolades showcase Savannah’s unique Southern charm and hospitality, further cementing its reputation as the “Hostess City of the South.”
Atlanta was also recognized for its welcoming and accommodating hotels. Bellyard, West Midtown Atlanta, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, was named the No. 5 Favorite City Hotel in the Continental U.S. and claimed the top spot for Favorite Atlanta Hotel. The St. Regis Atlanta; InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta; The Whitley, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Atlanta Buckhead; and Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta were also among readers’ favorites in the state’s buzzing capital city. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta Air Lines landed No. 5 on the Best Domestic Airlines list.
“Our diverse destinations across Georgia attract visitor spending into every corner of the state,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Statewide Tourism Director Jay Markwalter. “Together, we drive state and local tax revenues, and power both our tourism and state economies, making Georgia the best place to live and work.”
Georgia experienced a record-breaking year for tourism in 2022, welcoming 167.7 million visitors who spent nearly $40 billion. Tourism is the state’s second-largest economic contributor, supporting over 442,600 jobs and generating $73 billion in total economic impact.
To learn more about the World’s Best Awards, visit travelandleisure.com.
For more information about Georgia’s award-winning destinations and experiences, visit exploregeorgia.org.
About Explore Georgia
Explore Georgia, the Tourism division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, serves the industry statewide and millions of annual visitors through its team of Regional Representatives and nine Visitor Information Centers. Working closely with GDEcD’s Marketing & Communications division, the team inspires travel to and within the state through marketing programs developed and executed in partnership with the state’s travel industry.
