Explore Georgia, the tourism division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, is proud to celebrate the state’s recognition in Travel + Leisure’s 2023 World’s Best Awards announced July 11. Travel + Leisure is one of the world’s leading travel publications, reaching 16 million readers every month. Each year for the World’s Best Awards survey, Travel + Leisure asks readers to rate the top cities, islands, hotels, airlines, airports, and more on a number of characteristics. Georgia’s Golden Isles, Savannah, and Atlanta were voted into top spots across eight award categories.

“Hundreds of thousands of Travel + Leisure readers have voted on the best travel experiences, and it’s clear that Georgia ranks among the top tourism destinations in the world,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Chief Marketing Officer Mark Jaronski. “This recognition is a testament to the hardworking Georgians of our travel industry and only reinforces the impact that tourism makes on our state’s economy and way of life as a growing number of travelers add our destinations, including the Golden Isles and Savannah, as well as Georgia-based travel brands like Delta Air Lines and IHG Hotels & Resorts, to their list of favorites.”

The Golden Isles – St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island, and the port city of Brunswick – reclaimed the coveted No. 1 spot in the “15 Favorite Islands in the Continental U.S.” category and ranked No. 13 on the “25 Favorite Islands in the World” list. The Golden Isles was one of only two U.S. destinations that earned spots on the list, solidifying its place among the world’s most beloved island destinations. Furthermore, the Golden Isles is home to two of the honorees in the “15 Favorite Resorts in the South” category, The Cloister at Sea Island and The Lodge at Sea Island, which made the list at No. 7 and No. 9, respectively.

Savannah earned the prominent No. 4 position on the list of “15 Favorite Cities in the U.S.,” and its airport was named No. 7 in the “10 Favorite Domestic Airports” category. Readers of Travel + Leisure also voted on their “5 Favorite Hotels in Savannah,” with Perry Lane Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel, placing first, followed by The Alida, Savannah, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel; JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District; Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront; and Mansion on Forsyth Park. These accolades showcase Savannah’s unique southern charm and hospitality, further cementing its reputation as the “Hostess City of the South.”

Georgia’s vibrant capital city of Atlanta also shone brightly in the awards. For their “5 Favorite Hotels in Atlanta,” readers crowned InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta the winner, succeeded by The St. Regis Atlanta; Loews Atlanta Hotel; Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead; and Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta Air Lines climbed to the esteemed No. 3 spot on this year’s list of “10 Favorite Domestic Airlines,” after ranking No. 5 for the last four years.

The complete survey results can be found at www.TravelandLeisure.com and in the August issue of Travel + Leisure.

For more information about Georgia’s award-winning destinations and experiences, visit www.ExploreGeorgia.org.