Carmel Magazine

Winter 2014

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Voter s Choose Carmel as Top Destination SHORTCUTS AT LARGE W h e n S a f a r i n a M a l u k i p r o - motes Carmel-by-the-Sea, she emphasizes how con- ference groups and leisure guests appreciate the city's charm. Her pitch frequent- ly prompts a visible reac- tion from people who have already visited the area. "It's that sigh, and those half-closed eyes, as the memories come to mind," says Maluki, destination marketing manager at the C a r m e l C h a m b e r o f Commerce. "I capitalize on that. This is an amazing place to get away to." In November, Maluki and her hospitality col- leagues added a national magazine endorsement to their list of promotional t a l k i n g p o i n t s . C a r m e l ranked sixth in Condé Nast Traveler's annual Readers' Choice Awards, edging out New Orleans, New York City, Savannah and Napa. The community also scored highest among three top-10 California cities for atmosphere, and earned high marks for dining and lodging. Condé Nast called Carmel, the smallest city on the list, a place with "a big personality and endless charm and beauty." Voters praised the communi- ty's quaint cottages, artsy boutiques and picturesque landscapes, as well. Though this isn't the first time Carmel was honored, it reinforces efforts to position the city as a premier visitor destination. "It's fantastic for such a small city to have that name recognition," says Carmel Chamber Director Monta Potter. Her organization, together with the City of Carmel and the Carmel Innkeepers Association, launched the Carmel Hos- pitality Improvement Dis- trict in June. The initiative aims to attract small confer- ence groups to the city by promoting unique meeting venues, lodging properties, at-tractions and events. Maluki, who leads that out- reach, believes the Condé Nast recognition speaks to the attention that local busi- nesses give to their guests. "It reinforces that we have some very hospitable individuals here. They are committed to what they do, and committed to giving the visitors that real- ly amazing experience," she says. "Our innkeepers welcome guests, make them feel at home and do nice little things that keep them coming back year after year." Information on the Carmel Hospitality Improvement District can be found at www.meetingincarmel.com. —Renee Brincks 72 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 Condé Nast Traveler has recognized the city of Carmel-by-the-Sea as #6 in its annual Reader's Choice Awards, and also highest for atmosphere in California cities. Photo: Kelli Uldall 046-76 Shortcuts_SU05 Carmel Magazine 1/26/14 2:17 PM Page 14

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