FOLLY BEACH, S.C., Sept. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- All local businesses with ties to hospitality are enjoying a business boom since Charleston's recent rush of welcoming titles.
Travel + Leisure magazine named Charleston the "World's Best City" in July, and its waves are reaching Folly Beach and beyond. The #1 ranking is huge for a local economy driven by tourism, and the total impact is expected to reach near $4 billion this year. Those who live here say Travel + Leisure announced to the world what locals already knew – the Holy City has the best historical sites, hospitality, and the best beach. Just 15 minutes from downtown, Folly Beach is Charleston's go-to destination for surf, sun and laid-back fun.
Proof Charleston's press is benefiting Folly tourism? Follybeach.com, the visitor marketplace for lodging, restaurants and event news, received a huge influx of traffic immediately following the "World's Best City" title. In fact, data shows that the day of the award and the day following broke web traffic records for Folly Beach. While traffic began its return to the normal seasonal trend, it remained above average until the next award!
Last month, the Holy City received more praise when it was officially dubbed the friendliest city in the world in Conde Nast Traveler's 29th annual Reader's Choice Awards, a title it has held for several years running. One reader said Charleston "has the charm of the South, the sophistication of the city, and warmth and friendliness that is unmatched." That southern charm can indeed be found in the surrounding barrier-island communities.
Folly Beach experienced another noticeable bump in traffic the week following Conde Nast's announcement as new visitors discover this unique and charming island town. Follybeach.com Director Blake Bookstaff says vacation rental requests have increased 15% over this time last year.
"This is a great time to discover Folly Beach," Bookstaff says. "We love introducing new vacationers to this picture-perfect destination." He adds that other nearby beach communities like Edisto and Seabrook Island are seeing the same.
There's little doubt Folly Beach sees the benefit from Charleston's press, and it's fair to say the barrier island will continue to promote Folly as the top beach destination for tourists.
Robert Hart
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843-353-3227
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SOURCE Folly Beach
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