2023 accolades
(November 2023)
Greater Raleigh named Sports Destination Management 2023 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism for 2023 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series™
Sports Destination Management
(November 2023)
Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (GRCVB) named 2023 Readers’ Choice Award Winner
ConventionSouth
(November 2023)
The Umstead Hotel and Spa is one of the Best Resorts in North Carolina
ThePlanetD
(November 2023)
Ajja named One of the Best New Restaurants in America
Esquire
(October 2023)
Raleigh Denim Workshop hosts one of the most fun bespoke shopping experiences in the world
Hemispheres
(October 2023)
Raleigh is home to some of America’s Top Art Museums and Cultural Institutions for Student Groups
Group Tour Magazine
(September 2023)
The Umstead Hotel and Spa is one of 11 Best U.S. Hotels for Foodies
TimeOut
(August 2023)
The Neuse River Greenway Trail is a Can’t-Miss North Carolina Bike Path
Our State
(August 2023)
One of the Most Underrated Cities in the South
The Discoverer
(August 2023)
One of the Best Ultra-Affordable Destinations for a Family Vacation
Budget Travel
(July 2023)
Howling Cow Creamery is one of the Best Southern Ice Cream Parlors for Homemade Treats
Southern Living
(June 2023)
Best Cities for Black Families 2023
Parents
(June 2023)
Where to Celebrate Juneteenth Across the U.S.
The Points Guy
(June 2023)
Cities to Visit to Celebrate Juneteenth Weekend
ESSENCE
(March 2023)
One of The Best Affordable Cities in the U.S.
The Times
(March 2023)
One of The South’s Best Cities
Southern Living
(January 2023)
Heights House Hotel named one of 10 New Hotels for Your Next Getaway
The Local Palate
Thanks to the RCVB for the above content!
2023 Quotes
TravelPulse
(December 2023)
“For a truly top-tier dining experience, you might choose to eat and stay at the Five-Star, Five-Diamond Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, North Carolina.”
Trekaroo
(December 2023)
“This charming capital city packs a huge punch for family travel with cultural events, first-class museums, outdoor adventures, a walk-able core and budget-saving opportunities around every corner.”
Sports Destination Management
(December 2023)
“Since its inception as GRCVB’s sports marketing division, GRSA has been a driving force in transforming Raleigh/Wake County into a premier destination for sporting events—drawing athletes, fans and enthusiasts from all corners of the globe.”
En Vols
(December 2023)
“Raleigh, capital of North Carolina, is a destination where history meets innovation, providing visitors with an experience full of discovery. Nestled in the heart of the region known as “The Research Triangle,” this vibrant city is known for its thriving arts scene, picturesque green spaces and friendly atmosphere, attracting travelers looking for a stimulating yet relaxing getaway.”
Sports Planning Guide
(December 2023)
“[Raleigh] continually strives to be the best at not only [esports] hosting duties, but also in providing variety and its all-round reach within and outside of North Carolina.”
Sports Planning Guide
(December 2023)
“Raleigh is a vibrant and exciting destination that offers a wealth of attractions and experiences.”
“I cannot adequately express how welcomed, supported and appreciated we feel by [the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance] and the entire organization.” – Sherry Fadool, executive director, Triangle Volleyball Club
Sports Destination Management
(November 2023)
“A sold-out crowd of 56,961 fans attended the 2023 NHL Stadium Series between the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, generating $13.6 million in total economic impact. The tremendous partnership led by the Carolina Hurricanes, N.C. State University and the NHL, and supported by multiple community partners, was a massive success by any measure.”
Esquire
(November 2023)
“There’s no other restaurant quite like Ajja, because there’s no other chef (and musician) quite like Cheetie Kumar.”
Southern Living
(October 2023)
“Cary (once a small suburb of Raleigh) has blossomed into a coveted destination in its own right. Home to dozens of wonderful local restaurants, great shopping, unique stays and a thriving art and culture scene, Cary is making the case that there has never been a better time to do a little further digging into the state’s famed Research Triangle. ”
The Infatuation
(October 2023)
“[T]here’s nothing second-tier about Raleigh’s restaurants. With proximity to the coast and Carolina farmlands, they’re spoiled with limitless options for everything from king mackerel to juicy heirloom tomatoes.”
Viestra Magazine
(October 2023)
“Through local support and buying locally, Black-owned businesses are continuing to grow and succeed, reviving the dynamic Black Main Street corridor in downtown Raleigh.”
ESPN
(October 2023)
“A place of innovation and fun for all ages; home to James Beard award-winning chefs and the world’s largest draft [beer] selection.”
ConventionSouth
(October 2023)
“Raleigh, N.C., is a smart city not only because of its educated population, but also because of its progressive, Earth-friendly practices.”
Meetings Today
(October 2023)
“While Raleigh may be roaring with meetings and events amenities across its downtown convention campus and four additional meeting districts—Midtown, Airport, Cary and Raleigh West—the city is also brimming with unique and immersive teambuilding opportunities for groups of all sizes.”
Up & Away
(October 2023)
“Whether you want to take home a taste of the South or need to get a jump start on your holiday shopping, Raleigh has the goods.”
USA TODAYPDF File
(September 2023)
“It doesn’t take long to fall in love with Raleigh. Although it’s among the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., it has a small-town feel that exudes Southern charm with plenty to explore.”
Black Meetings and Tourism
(September 2023)
“Vibrant meetings and conventions are on and thriving in Raleigh, N.C. The city eagerly invites you to come together, plan, laugh, discuss and experience the off-screen experiences here that make locals’ lives richer.”
Good Grit
(September 2023)
“Raleigh, North Carolina, [is] a destination that beckons with a culinary scene that rivals the best in the South. Nestled amidst rolling hills and stunning mountains, Raleigh has emerged as a destination that captivates both locals and travelers alike.”
Budget Travel
(August 2023)
“Raleigh’s historic neighborhoods, world-class museums, Southern diners, outdoor green spaces, performing arts venues and local shops all work together to create a dynamic downtown and city. Tons of free (or nearly free) experiences and attractions make a trip Raleigh, North Carolina, easy to plan.”
Capital Analytics Associates
(August 2023)
“The Triangle continues to prove itself as a dynamic and thriving region as it plays host to major events that have left a lasting impact on the area’s economy.”
The Center Square
(August 2023)
“In the Raleigh area, 64 conventions drawing 100,050 room-nights in 2022 officially marked a full comeback from the pandemic.”
Up & AwayPDF File
(July 2023)
“Raleigh is a living history lesson wrapped in Southern charm, with elegant Victorian neighborhoods, centuries-old oak trees and free world-class museums.”
Southern Living
(July 2023)
“Raleigh leverages its natural beauty, dedication to learning and shared history to create one of North Carolina’s most underrated cultural hotspots.”
Parents
(June 2023)
“Raleigh has long boasted great property value and generational wealth-building opportunities for Black families. It is one of the earliest cities Black folks settled post-Civil War. According to the National Park Service, the city was a center for advancement and opportunity for Black Americans immediately following the War, and that tradition continues today. “
Groups Today
(June 2023)
“North Carolina’s capital city, Raleigh, is also a food-lover’s destination that belongs on any cuisine-oriented itinerary.“
Marietta Daily Journal
(June 2023)
“When it’s time to eat, Raleigh doesn’t disappoint.”
Daily Hive
(May 2023)
“Known as the ‘Smithsonian of the South,’ this is a town bursting at the seams with museums, tailgates and an overwhelming sense of optimism.”
“…Raleigh (and pretty much, all of North Carolina) is an ideal destination for foodies, sports fans and history buffs alike.”
Speaking Broadly
(May 2023)
“Macaroni au gratin is the dish that star chef Ashley Christensen might be best known for. Served at Poole’s Diner in Raleigh, North Carolina, it’s dialed in to perfection. Thoughtfully conceived, utterly delicious, memorable, tweaked where necessary, but never overhauled. This attention to detail that shows in every dish at this 15 year old institution is a reflection of Ashley’s leadership style. Profoundly human, intensely fair and earned over time.”
Medium
(April 2023)
“Dining at Herons at The Umstead Hotel and Spa, I will begin by saying chef Steven Greene is an underrated chef nationally. It was worth flying all the way across the country for a short stay at this soothing property and a meal at Herons. If there were Michelin stars in the Carolinas, Greene should be the first to have one… and this is said from someone who has dined at over 13,000 restaurants globally and many hundreds of those Michelin-starred or The World’s 50 Best fine dining-type restaurants.”
Curiocity
(April 2023)
“Less than a two-hour flight away from Toronto, lies a sports mecca, foodie’s paradise and one of America’s best cities to live all in one region.”
“With a large number of students in and around town, the hospitality sector is packed full of microbreweries, cocktail bars, unassuming eateries and fine-dining spots with an unpretentious air. The downtown is walkable and clean, with a mix of southern heritage and modern conveniences.”
“North Carolina is a gem that has to be seen and experienced to truly be appreciated. The Raleigh-Durham region has become a hotbed of exciting and diverse young professionals, vibrant cuisine and of course, sports of all kinds.“
ESSENCE
(April 2023)
“The [Dreamville] Festival itself provides a cultural and multi-million economic impact that lasts long after the festival wraps each spring.”
The Meeting Magazines
(March 2023)
“There are many reasons to host a meeting in Raleigh. It is centrally located on the East Coast, almost 100 million Americans are within a half-day drive of Raleigh and they are fortunate to be home to one of the best airports in the U.S. The city provides a robust network of intellectual capital in a diverse group of industries. “
EBONY
(March 2023)
“As the up-and-coming thriving city that it is, Raleigh is home to several unique—and delicious—Black-owned restaurants, cafés and businesses.”
The Times
(March 2023)
“The city is thoroughly deserving of its ‘Smithsonian of the South’ moniker and museum-hopping won’t burn a hole in your wallet here.”
Southern Living
(March 2023)
“Consistently voted one of the best places to live in the country, it’s packed with passionate entrepreneurs, chefs and creatives fashioning new experiences across the city.”
Food & Wine
(February 2023)
“As a metropolitan space with a robust dining and cultural scene, Raleigh has no shortage of things to do, see and eat. The city is known for its many green spaces, its dynamic cuisine and its vibrant nightlife. The city offers a variety of attractions, from historic sites to world-class art galleries and museums.”
Eater Carolinas
(January 2023)
“From Ashley Christensen’s mini-empire to exciting strip mall finds, there is a tasty treat for everyone in Raleigh.”
CardRates.com
(January 2023)
“Raleigh is a charming city that embraces a modern vibe while honoring its rich heritage. There’s all kinds of entertainment to be found, from family-friendly to college-town clamoring events and amenities enjoyed on a budget or when you’re looking to splurge. There’s something for everyone in Raleigh.”
HI Travel Tales
(January 2023)
“Cary, North Carolina, offers a small-town vibe with all the benefits of a big city—culture, arts, entertainment, world-class restaurants, amid acres upon acres of greenways.”
Thanks to the RCVB for the above content!