Providence Named America’s Favorite City by Travel & Leisure Magazine

PROVIDENCE, RI– Mayor Angel Taveras announced today that Providence has been named America’s Favorite City by Travel & Leisure Magazine – the first time ever this designation has been awarded. Taveras was joined by Martha Sheridan, President and CEO of the Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau; Lynn McCormack, Director of Providence Arts, Culture & Tourism; James Bennett, Executive Director of the Providence Office of Economic Development; and others from the business, arts and creative communities to make the announcement.

“This is a great honor for those who live, work and study in our city,” said Mayor Angel Taveras. “This award – voted on by so many people across the country – is testimony to all that we do right, every single day. Our quality of life, our world-class institutions, our quirkiness and independent nature, our fine cuisine, architecture and art, and so much more have earned us this award. To be named first among so many world-class cities is truly an honor and a distinction each person in Providence and Rhode Island can take pride in.”

Travel & Leisure narrowed their rankings to 38 cities nationwide from more than 1200, in dozens of categories including those in culture, shopping, quality of life, people, food and drink and more. Providence was rated first overall by readers of the widely-read monthly magazine, and ranked second, third, fourth and fifth in a number of other categories. (A list of these accolades follows.)

“So many people are passionate about this city and have been working together for more than a decade to move Providence forward,” said Martha Sheridan, President and CEO of the Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau. “What is interesting to note is the variety of categories in which we excelled – from culinary to arts, architecture to geeks. It shows Providence has a rich and diverse civic life and – most importantly – is a fun place to hang out.”

The Mayor noted in his remarks that Providence’s own data supports the ranking and increased interest in the city. Increased hotel occupancy rates, hotel tax revenues and increased convention bookings support the magazine’s findings.

According to Travel & Leisure, “This year’s overall America’s Favorite Cities winner has a bit of everything: great food; an exciting bar scene and endless curb appeal.”  Providence was named America’s Favorite City followed by: (2) Houston, (3) Kansas City, (4) Minneapolis/St. Paul and (5) Los Angeles.

The magazine tallied more than 50,000 votes, with voters rating their choice of over 1,200 destinations in up to 67 categories. The final results reflect a subset of the survey data for 38 cities, based on votes cast during June and July of this year. Among the categories, Providence ranked:

  • Best Overall City
  • Best City for Bakeries
  • Best City for Diners
  • Geekiest City in America
  • #2 for Notable Restaurants
  • #2 for Gay-Friendly Vacations
  • #2 for Food Trucks
  • #2 for Pizza
  • #2 for Sandwiches
  • #2 for Being Hip/Cool
  • #2 for Hamburgers
  • #2 for Art Scene
  • #3 for Galleries
  • #3 for Cocktail Bars
  • #3 for Brunch
  • #3 for Coffee
  • #4 for Intelligence
  • #4 for Quirkiness
  • #4 for Wine
  • #5 for Theatre
  • #5 for Architecture
  • #5 for Most Attractive People
  • #5 for Bars
  • #5 for Girlfriend Getaway

For more on America’s Favorite Cities, visit:http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/americas-favorite-cities-2014

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Avatar About the Author: The Rhode Island Small Business Journal is a printed monthly magazine and an online resource for the aspiring and start-up entrepreneur and small business owner.

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