A huge kiss for San Antonio tourism and convention industry going into the new year, as National Geographic Traveler has named San Antonio as one fo the 21 'must see destinations' to visit in 2018, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
"It just goes to show you how much our destination is so unique," Visit San Antonio CEO Casandra Matej told News Radio 1200 WOAI. "With our history, our culture, and everything that we offer to the travelers."
Matej pointed out the growing world class destinations available for the 34 million people who visit San Antonio each year. She cited the Spanish Colonial Missions, which are the only World Heritage Site in Texas, and the fact that UNESCO just named San Antonio as a 'Creative City of Gastronomy,' highlighting San Antonio's booming culinary identity.
"National Geographic Traveler has one of the largest audiences of any traveling magazine," Matej said. "We expect this story to be in front of nearly ten million people."
She also cited two major events which will color the city's calendar in 2018, the Tricentennial, and the Men's Basketball NCAA Final Four.
"This National Geographic designation puts the international spotlight on a World Heritage community that contains a rich diversity of attractions, from arts to history to culinary to family, fun, all complimented by the warmth and hospitality of its residents," Matej said.
San Antonio is included in a list of 2018 Best of the World Destinations that includes Dublin Ireland, the nation of Albania, Oaxaca Mexico, and Vienna. San Antonio is one of only three cities in the U.S. to make the list.