Holy City named a top destination

The economy might be in the dumps, but the travel industry is still throwing praises at Charleston as a don't-miss tourist destination.

Lonely Planet, one of the world's more popular global tourism guides, says the Holy City is one of its "Top Cities to go to in 2010."

The endorsement is particularly noteworthy, considering other destinations on the list include cities that pre-date Charleston by hundreds of years, including Kyoto, Japan; Istanbul, Turkey; and Cork, Ireland.

Even so, the description given by Lonely Planet writers goes heavy on the cliche.

"This South Carolina city is the United States' home of aristocracy," the listing reads. "Etiquette is something this historic town is proud of, together with its numerous churches and palm-tree lined thoroughfares. The well-groomed locale has a thriving tourism business with notable luxury accommodations, historical sites and, recently a food festival and a Fashion Week."

Mayor Joe Riley said the listing is a recognition reinforcing Charleston's reputation among the must-see cities of the United States, and a shot in the arm when the global economy is suffering.

"It's very important," he said. "We're involved in competition" with other tourism-based destinations.

The listing came as part of the company's widely read "Best in Travel" destinations issued this month and seen by millions worldwide.

Other cities on the Lonely Planet's 2010 list include Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates; Cuenca, the third-largest city in Ecuador; Lecce in southern Italy; Sarajevo; Singapore; and Vancouver, Canada.

This collection, released Monday, is the fifth edition detailing the best places to go for the upcoming year. The focus is on things to do in the year ahead, including trends and places to discover.

Reach Schuyler Kropf at 937-5551 or skropf@postandcourier.com.

Earlier versions of this story misidentified the intersection pictured above. The intersection is the corner of Meeting and Tradd streets. The Post and Courier regrets the error.