Destinations
Chicago selected as host city for IPW 2025
Preparations are now underway in the Windy City to welcome delegates who will attend IPW 2025. The international tourism conference and trade marketplace will run June 14 to 18 next year, reports Baxter Media’s Ted Davis, who has been attending IPW 2024 in Los Angeles. Attendees will join the 50 million visitors who come to Chicago each year to see the city’s many attractions, ranging from a towering skyline and lakeside vistas to leading museums, legendary blues and jazz venues, art installations, top dining options and historic sports franchises – and including a wide...
Virgin Limited Edition welcomes luxury safari camp to portfolio
Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition has added the Finch Hattons Luxury Safari Camp in Kenya to its collection of unique retreats. Located in the Tsavo National Park of Kenya, this marks the ninth property within the collection and its fifth footprint in Africa, complementing its other properties across the continent, including Mahali Mzuri, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard, and the famed Kasbah Tamadot. It will also become an integral part of the wider parent company, Virgin Hotels Collection, encompassing Virgin Hotels and Virgin Limited...
NYC gears up for 2026 FIFA World Cup with multiple new experiences
New York City Tourism + Conventions, the official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for the five boroughs of New York City, is highlighting special programming for travellers across sports, history, arts and culture this year and beyond. This comes as the City looks forward to a historic 2026, with major events including America250 celebrations and eight FIFA World Cup games, including the final, on the world’s largest stage. “New York City is ready to once again host some of the world’s largest sporting and cultural events, while welcoming...
U.S. Travel Association president calls on feds to aid in tourism recovery efforts
Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, recently took the stage at a packed morning press conference at IPW 2024 to tell journalists that more regulatory work was needed to solve barriers to visitor growth. He also stressed the need for more participation by the federal government to strengthen the U.S. inbound travel industry. In attendance at IPW 2024 was Baxter Media’s Ted Davis. “It should be our national goal to be nothing short of number one in terms of visitor arrivals, visitor spend and visitor experience,” said Freeman. “But our ambitions...
Envoyage debuts in Chile with 300 attendees
Envoyage proudly commenced its premier global event, Worldwide2024, on May 1, with an impressive turnout of 300 attendees hailing from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the U.S. This much-anticipated gathering in the breathtaking city of Santiago marked the beginning of four days brimming with connection, engagement, and inspired discussions aimed at forging the path ahead for the travel sector. In her opening remarks, Envoyage's global managing director, Danielle Galloway, eloquently introduced the event "For Every Journey" a thoughtful tie into the new bran...
Goway expands private guided travel with luxury Utah trips
Goway is expanding its private-guided travel offerings with the introduction of luxury itineraries to Utah’s Mighty Five national parks as well as other breathtaking parks in the American West. Utah’s Mighty Five national parks, including Canyonlands, Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion, offer some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the American West. Bryan Tutte, reservations manager at Goway, recently returned from a familiarization trip through Utah’s Mighty Five and has come away from the experience stunned by the travel possibilities in the parks. “You...
Railbookers adds Italian tours with La Dolce Vita Orient Express
Railbookers has unveiled a selection of Italian itineraries which feature the debut of the new La Dolce Vita Orient Express train, launching in 2025. Railbookers travellers have the opportunity to enjoy everything the new train has to offer, combined with carefully-curated hotel accommodations and sightseeing activities for the complete Italian luxury vacation. “We’re excited to bring our expertise and wide product collection to travellers who want to experience the new La Dolce Vita Orient Express beginning next year,” said Gareth Jones, director of product development....
Brand USA’s Chris Thompson shares predictions for U.S. tourism at IPW
Chris Thompson, president and CEO of Brand USA, took his final bow as leader of the organization at this year’s IPW 2024, now underway in Los Angeles. At a press conference, Thompson reflected on a rich career of generating international tourism visitations to the U.S. over the course of 12 years as president of Brand USA, reports Baxter Media’s Ted Davis, who is attending the conference and trade exhibition. “Thompson's strategic vision and unwavering commitment to excellence have been instrumental in driving Brand USA's success,” said a statement. “His dedication to...