Providence Earns High Marks for Food, Arts and Personality in Travel + Leisure's "America's Favorite Cities" Poll

Providence once again earned high marks for its outstanding culinary scene and rich arts community from the readers of Travel + Leisure in its "America's Favorite Cities" poll. Providence came in #2 overall in the nation for food and earned a top ten ranking in every culinary category but one (barbecue), placing #1 for hamburgers. The city also earned a #3 spot for theater and #10 for classical music.

The poll allows readers to vote for 35 cities nationwide in a wide array of categories. Providence ranked higher overall than the other New England cities - Boston and Portland, Maine - included in the survey. High marks were also earned in the "People" category, with city residents placing in the top ten as "diverse" (#7), "stylish" (#7), "offbeat" (#6), and" tech-savvy" (#7).

"Providence's greatest strength is its people,' said Providence Mayor Angel Taveras. "I am pleased that the readers of Travel + Leisure thought so favorably of our citizens and of our city. The high praise earned for our restaurant and arts communities truly cements our reputation as wonderful place to visit and to live."

The city also placed high as a summer (#3), fall (#3), and July 4 (#6) travel destination and as a base for day trips (#2).

"This survey really validates the work we do in marketing Providence, not only as a leisure travel spot, but as a top meeting and convention destination," said Martha Sheridan, president and CEO of the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, which promoted online voting in the poll through its social media channels. "Whether coming here for business or pleasure, travelers can take advantage of our outstanding restaurants, arts offerings, shopping and attractions."

For the complete results of the survey, visit www.TravelandLeisure.com.

The Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization whose mission is to create vibrant growth for the local hospitality economy by promoting, developing, and expanding a united visitor industry. For more information, contact 401-456-0200 or visit www.goprovidence.com.