Cleveland was ranked the 30th best place to travel in the world in 2023 on Travel Lemming’s 50 Best Travel Destinations list, published Nov. 15, according to a news release.

Travel Lemming is a US-based online travel guide read by over 6 million travelers. Known for encouraging travelers to “get off the lemming trail,” its annual list highlights emerging destinations and hidden gems around the world. Travel Lemming’s library also includes free guides to Ohio.

“It’s a nice recognition that we’re back,” David Gilbert, president and CEO of Destination Cleveland, told the Cleveland Jewish News on Nov. 17. Travel and tourism before the (COVID-19) pandemic, now with all the research we’re getting and all the monitoring we’re doing, we’re seeing good indicators that the industry is coming back very strongly. “

As Travel Lemming writer Nilani Thiagarajah wrote about Studio West 117, Cleveland made the list with diversity in both its communities and attractions. Karamu House, America’s oldest African American theater, with new shows in 2023; And the Western Reserve Historical Society is opening a black history exhibit.

“It’s exciting that we’re being recognized for something that’s so authentic and unique to Cleveland,” said Gilbert, a Moreland Hills resident and member of Park Synagogue in Cleveland Heights and Pepper Pike.

He said diversity has become more valuable as an element of travel over the years.

“Cleveland’s recognition as a top place to travel in 2023 underscores the welcoming nature of our residents and the inclusiveness of our visitor experiences,” said Emily Lauer, vice president of PR and communications for Destination Cleveland. “It is an honor to be celebrated as a place that embraces all travellers. With more than 100 ethnicities represented in the region, residents of all abilities and identities can feel and experience the city’s diversity in our vibrant and eclectic neighborhoods, attractions, restaurants and more.

The list also pointed to the city’s entertainment scene, which includes clubs on West 6th Street, shopping at Tower City Center and venues for concerts, shows and sports, nature experiences along the lakeshore, and 23,000 acres of parks and nature. Protects.

“Anyone who says there’s nothing to do in Cleveland probably hasn’t been there,” Thiagarajah said in the release. “Exploring the city, you will find that it has it all – nature, city entertainment, educational experiences and more. It also has a huge range of options for foodies!

The annual catalog is a collaborative project of the publication’s team of over 25 travel writers and editors. By region, the full list of 50 locations includes seven in Europe, five in Asia, four in South America, four in Oceania, four in Africa, six in North America (excluding the United States) and 20 in the Americas.

2023 is shaping up to be the year of ‘revenge travel,’ as travelers go further afield and make their trips bigger,” Nate Hack, CEO of Travel Lemming, said in a statement. “Our unique list of 50 hidden gems is the perfect source of inspiration for a unique once-in-a-lifetime destination.”