Following a banner year for Chicago’s tourism, hospitality, and events community, Chicago has a series of exciting things planned for 2025.
In addition to a wide variety of signature events, festivals and openings, this year Chicago is proud to host the 2025 edition of IPW (June 14-18, 2025), the travel industry’s premier international marketplace, welcoming hundreds of national and international journalists to see for themselves the best of the Midwest.
New accommodations
In summer 2024, the 28-floor, boutique-style Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago opened, overlooking Michigan Avenue...
National Geographic Expeditions will return to Southern Africa in 2026 with a brand-new itinerary – Southern Africa: Living History and Legendary Species.
This newest addition to the company's Signature Land portfolio will explore South Africa and Zambia, welcoming travellers into the wonders of the region with an expertly planned itinerary focused on connecting with the beauty of each destination.
This carefully crafted exploration of Southern Africa brings to life the vast history, culture and wildlife of the region through the authentic storytelling of National...
New York City Tourism + Conventions, the official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for the five boroughs of New York City, has launched the first-ever meetings and conventions planning artificial intelligence chat platform created for business event professionals.
In partnership with GuideGeek—Matador Network's award-winning artificial intelligence travel genius—Ellis provides expert guidance and resources for meeting planners in 45 languages, available at nyctourism.com/meetings and via WhatsApp.
This launch comes as members of NYC...
Orlando is set to welcome more than 25 experiences for 2025, including its first new theme park in over 25 years.
“For the first time in 25 years, Orlando is on the brink of welcoming an entirely new theme park — a milestone that underscores our position as a top destination this year for travellers worldwide,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “If it’s your first time or you haven’t visited in over a year, consider this your invitation to plan an unforgettable Orlando vacation, creating memories with our world-class theme parks, award-winning...
Atlas Ocean Voyages is offering a limited-time offer for its Antarctica expeditions departing February and March 2025.
For the first time ever, guests can enjoy free roundtrip air from select U.S. gateways to Buenos Aires, paired with a one-night pre-expedition hotel stay and up to $600 onboard credit for an all-encompassing experience.
“This is the first time we’ve included complimentary roundtrip air as part of our expeditions,” said James A. Rodriguez, president and CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “This offering provides incredible value and convenience for guests who are eager to...
The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism recently announced new record-breaking passenger arrival numbers, which highlight the continued growth of St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John as a leading tourism destination.
Closing out the year on a high, December 28 recorded 4,606 passenger arrivals, surpassing the single-day arrival record set earlier in March 2024. This achievement also led to a new weekly passenger arrival record, with over 24,000 arrivals, marking a 5.92% increase over the previous record.
"As a destination, we continue to explore, elevate, and improve, which...
The Loire Valley in France offers more than enough reasons to schedule a holiday visit, but some anniversaries happening in 2025 provide additional motivation if need be.
This UNESCO-graded region of France spans about 800 sq. km. and is well known for its lush agriculture, its vineyards and especially its cultural landscapes and architecture.
French tour and attractions operators came to Canada recently to spread the good word about the Loire Valley, at functions held in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. In Vancouver, the Atout France cocktail reception took place at the...
The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok is officially open, introducing a world-class hotel that offers unparalleled hospitality and immersive cultural experiences.
Part of the Luxury Group portfolio by Marriott International, the hotel is set in an alluring 216-meter-high tower at One Bangkok, the largest holistically integrated district and a world-class business and lifestyle destination in the heart of Bangkok. Overlooking the serene lawns and lakes of Lumpini Park, this destination offers a refreshing retreat amidst the bustling energy of the city, transforming guest experiences through...
Destination Toronto has appointed Kelly Jackson as vice-president of destination development, effective Jan. 20, 2025.
With 20 years of experience in government relations, stakeholder and community engagement, and communications, Jackson joins the organization to help elevate Toronto’s destination experience and drive community engagement with its visitor economy.
”Kelly Jackson is a passionate Torontonian with a strong record of building strategic stakeholder relationships,” said Andrew Weir, president and CEO of Destination Toronto. “She joins in a critical role at a critical...
The demolition of the Customs and Excise Department Building on Jeremie Street, completed between December 21 and 22, marked the official launch of the Saint Lucia Cruise Port redevelopment project in Castries.
This significant milestone signals the start of a transformative initiative aimed at modernizing and enhancing Saint Lucia’s cruise tourism infrastructure, positioning the island as a premier destination in the global cruise market.
This event marks the beginning of a new era for the Saint Lucia cruise tourism sector. The redevelopment of the cruise port, with its...