Going Places, Near & Far: 2016 New York Times Travel Show to Feature Interactive, Cultural, Culinary Experiences

Karen Rubin

The 2016 New York Times Travel Show, the largest and longest-running trade and consumer travel show in North America, will feature a wide variety of exclusive discounts, cultural performances, kid-friendly activities, culinary tastings and new offerings for the spa and wellness traveler and some 500 exhibitors from Africa, Asia, Australia/South Pacific, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, Mexico and the United States. Sponsors and exhibitors of The New York Times Travel Show will offer deals and giveaways exclusively on-site at the 2016 show, taking place Jan. 8 – 10 at the Jacob K. Javits Center.

The Travel Show starts on Friday, Jan. 8, with a Trade Day open to travel professionals and media. Doors open to the public on Saturday and Sunday (Jan. 9-10) for two days of on-site deals and offers, travel seminars, tips from professionals at Meet the Experts, stage performances, book signings by notable writers, and the Taste of the World culinary pavilion, where you can sample global cuisines, and a “Kids Kitchen” for kids of all ages.

The various booths offer a variety of unique experiences. For example, visit Color Spa in the Wellness Travel Pavilion for an energy tune-up using colored lights. Logbar (booth 1142) will demo a new wearable translation device. The Curaçao Tourism Board (booth 110) will allow attendees to experience –through the lens of virtual reality video — the sights and sounds of Curaçao’s Playa Kenepa (one of Curaçao’s most popular beaches) and the Queen Emma Bridge in downtown Willemstad.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of connecting New Yorkers to the world, The New York Passport Agency will invite attendees to snap a selfie with a giant passport at booth 667

and be among the first to see what the next generation of passports will look like. 

Debuting this year, the Wellness Travel Feature will showcase wellness travel brands including:

  • An aromatherapist from The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, to help you identify your unique chakras
  • A quick test to discover your dosha and personal Ayurvedic constitution from The Art of Living Retreat Center
  • A close-up on the new Body Science program at the BodyHoliday, St. Lucia
  • A 10-minute energy tune-up with colored light from the Color Spa
  • Dr. Mariela de Silveira, of Kurotel Longevity Center and Spa, speaking on brain health
  • A presentation on how to find the “best fit” wellness vacation and where to go in 2016
  • Wellness travel experts talking about what’s new on the wellness travel scene
  • 10 ways to work wellness into your next trip, courtesy of EVEN Hotels
  • Fitness demos in the Mezzanine

Attendees also will enjoy visions and sounds of the world on stage through cultural performances on five different stages across the exhibition floor.

At the Travel Show’s “Taste of the World” culinary pavilion you can sample cuisines from around the globe. “Taste of the World: Kids Kitchen” will invite children of all ages to participate in fun food experiments while learning about nutritious eating and international dishes. Ferguson and Jenn-Air are presenting sponsors of the 2016 New York Times Travel Show Kids Kitchen.  They are also supplying the kitchen that will be used on the Taste of the World stage. FreshDirect will provide all groceries for Taste of the World and Taste of the World: Kids Kitchen.  FreshDirect subscribers will also receive a discount of $3 toward New York Times Travel Show admission.

Attendees will have access to exclusive discounts and deals, plus prizes and giveaways, available only at The New York Times Travel Show. 

Special on-site deals, giveaways and sweepstakes will include, among many others:

Adventure to Africa, Booth 767: Book a 10-day trip to Tanzania Migration Safari, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park and get two nights free (savings valued at $1,165).

Allianz Global Assistance, Booth 726:Visit booth 726 and enter for a chance to win up to $2,500 for an ultimate bucket list trip. Go to allianztravelinsurance.com/nyt for official rules.

Caribbean Hotel Education Foundation, Booth 117:  Join a fundraiser auction of 100+ Caribbean hotel and resort stays, with all proceeds going to student scholarships.  Stays include: 4 nights Atlantis, Bahamas; 5 nights Cambridge Beaches, Bermuda: 7 nights True Blue Bay, Granada: 4 nights all-inclusive Couples Tower Isle, Jamaica: 5 nights The Palms, Turks & Caicos: and 7 nights all-inclusive Coconut Bay, St. Lucia.  

GuideWE Travel, Booth 362:  Show only discounts: Up to $1,000 off selected tours and trips, including adventure vacations, classic China tours and romantic trips.

Hawaiian Airlines, Booth 878:Enter to win a free trip for two to Hawaii on Hawaiian Airlines and sign up for HawaiianMiles membership.

Kurotel Longevity Medical Center and Spa, Booth 1133:  Kurotel Longevity Medical Center & Spa in Brazil is offering attendees an opportunity to win a five-night night Wellness Retreat valued at $2,500.  

National Geographic Expeditions, Booth 682:  Attend the National Geographic Expeditions seminar on national park vacations at 11am on Saturday (1/9) and enter to win an eight day trip to Yellowstone Grand Teton National Parks from National Geographic Expeditions.

SmarTours, Booth 359: Prize giveaway: Enter to win a free trip for two to Cuba, including airfare by joining the smarTours e-mail list.

Sorobon Beach Resort Bonaire, Booth 428: Book an ultimate wellness vacation of seven nights in an ocean view one-bedroom chalet, and get three nights for free at Sorobon Beach resort Bonaire.

The New York Times Store, Booth 925: Enter for a chance to win a Pin Your Journeys Map. Simply subscribe to The New York Times Store emails and connect with us on Facebook and Google Plus.

Valdez Convention & Visitors Bureau, Booth 755:  Enter to win a travel package to Valdez, Alaska, which includes the following prizes, among others: two free round-trip airline tickets from Anchorage to Valdez on RAVN Alaska airlines; free two-night stay for two people at the Robe Lake Lodge.

Zulu Nyala, Booth 762: Enter to win a six-night safari for two at Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge and private game reserve including two game-viewing activities per day valued at $5,950.

You can join the conversation and follow @NYTTravelShow for the latest Travel Show news  (www.NYTimes.com/TravelShow).

* * * 

Tour Operators Confident of Growth in Travel for 2016 

NEW YORK – Tour operators are generally optimistic about 2016, according to an annual travel trend and forecast survey of members of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA). Nine in 10 of the tour operator members anticipate a growth in sales in 2016 with more than half of members (57%) “optimistic” and forecasting a “boom year” with growth anywhere from seven to 10% or higher.

In 2015, three quarters of members responding to the survey reported an increase in sales over 2014, with 40 percent reporting an increase of 10% or higher; 70% also saw an increase in passengers in 2015 with 60% saw numbers grow between four and nine percent, while 36% of indicated growth of 10% or higher.

“The tour operator members of USTOA are showing strong growth for this year, with more than a third (39%) attributing growth to an improved economy and higher consumer confidence,” said Terry Dale, USTOA president and CEO.  “It’s also encouraging that a majority – 57% – are optimistic about continued growth in sales in the coming year, while nearly half plan to increase staff.”

Top Destinations and Trends

When asked which “emerging” and “off-the-beaten path” destinations will gain popularity in 2016, members cited Cuba, followed by Myanmar, Iceland, Colombia, and Ethiopia and Japan (tied for fifth).  “With Cuba making headlines this year, it’s no surprise that it took the first spot in the list of emerging destinations,” added Dale. “About thirty four percent of our members currently offer programs to Cuba, and of that number, more than half plan to increase offerings within the next few years.” 

Italy, for the fourth consecutive year in a row, topped the list as most popular international destination for travelers in 2016, followed by the United Kingdom; China, France and South Africa (tied for third); Peru and India.  On the home front, USTOA members forecast New York and California (tied for first), Arizona and Hawaii (tied for second), Nevada, Florida and Washington DC (tied for fourth) and Alaska as the most popular U.S. destinations for clients in 2016.

Participating tour operator members also named art and culture, honeymoon and romance, and family as the most popular travel categories for passengers.  

Passenger Behavior 

When asked who’s traveling, members responded that a little more than half (55%) of their customer base are baby boomers at 51 years of age and older. The next largest age group was 35 to 50 years old, representing about a quarter (23%) of customers. Roughly half (53%) of members saw a growth in the number of solo passengers in 2015. 

On average, 55% of members reported that consumers and travel agents are booking international travel packages between six to 12 months in advance. For domestic travel, 56% of members said consumers and travel agents are booking less than six months prior. 

While USTOA members are optimistic about 2016, they cited terrorism as the biggest threat to US traveler confidence in 2016. The second potential threat named was global financial instability, followed by political instability. 

Travel agents continue to contribute significantly to USTOA members’ business: 87% percent of responding members report the use of travel agents to sell product in 2015, with  more than half (55%) of USTOA member bookings in 2015 coming through a travel agency. Looking ahead, 91% of members anticipate business booked through travel agents to maintain the same or increase in 2016.  

On the jobs front, roughly half (53%) of members surveyed increased staffing levels in 2015 and nearly half (47%) plan to increase staffing in 2016. Research from the new member survey was revealed at USTOA’s Annual Conference & Marketplace, in December at the Hyatt Regency Chicago in Chicago, IL. 

Representing more than $13.5 billion in revenue, the member companies of U.S. Tour Operators Association provide tours, packages and custom arrangements that allow nearly 8 million travelers annually unparalleled access, insider knowledge, peace-of-mind, value and freedom to enjoy destinations and experiences across the entire globe.  Each member company has met the travel industry’s highest standards, including participation in the USTOA’s Travelers Assistance Program which protects consumer payments up to $1 million if the company goes out of business. As a voice for the tour operator industry for more than 40 years, USTOA also provides education and assistance for consumers and travel agents. For more information on USTOA, visit www.ustoa.com.

* * *

Historic Hotels of Europe Names Best of 2016 Award Winners

 

Castles, a convent, elegant country houses and a former tobacco store are  among the 10 luxury hotels named winners of Historic Hotels of Europe awards for 2016. Guests voted for their favorite hotels in 10 categories, including romance, legend, fine dining, and spa facilities.

‘These awards are an opportunity to reward the outstanding effort that the staff at our member hotels put in to ensure their guests are happy,” Historic Hotels of Europe (HHE) chairman Barbara Avdis said. “It’s also a celebration of the commitment our members make to maintain the incredibly rich heritage and stories encapsulated in these buildings – and to recognize their constant striving to provide an excellent service for their guests.”

HHE is a not-for-profit umbrella company championing more than 500 of Europe’s most historically-significant hotels. Each member hotel is unique and each is wrapped inextricably into the history of their location – and of Europe beyond. That’s why the organization selected ten separate categories for the judging.

“The HHE members are so diverse in location, history and type, so having one common measure would be unfair to all,” Barbara Avdis commented.

The winners of the fourth HHE awards were announced in November at a gala dinner at Château de l’Epinay in Saint-Georges-sur-Loire, France.

Winners include Chesa Salis in Bever, Switzerland. Owners Jurg and Sibylla Degiacomi describe their hotel as ‘your home in the Engadin’, so they were delighted to take home the award for best customer care. Little wonder Chesa Salis is a frequent retreat for celebrities escaping the bustle of nearby St Moritz.

Another winner is Aigialos Hotel, in Santorini, Greece. The 16 renovated neoclassical houses that make up the hotel were originally the homes of the island’s noble captain families. Named best historic hotel with a story to tell, the Aigialos charms visitors with its cobbled walkways, overlooking deep blue seas and the island’s volcano.

Winner of the most romantic hotel is Vadstena Convent Hotel, in Sweden. The property has a remarkable history: originally a royal palace, in the 1300s it was the scene of lavish parties thrown by King Magnus Eriksson and his wife Blanche. But the place underwent an abrupt change of fortune when it was transformed into a monastery and convent so austere that log fires, even in a Swedish winter, were strictly forbidden. Vadstena has even been a nursing home for wounded soldiers during wartime – but today it’s a luxury hotel packed with historic charm.

“Our historic hotels are eclectic and authentic, and we aim to take our guests on a journey of inspiring experiences beyond the expected,” Avidis commented.

The winners are:

1. Best Castle Historic Hotel 2016: Castle Hotel Sonnenburg, Italy, Member of: Schlosshotels & Herrenhäuser

2. Best Countryside Historic Hotel 2016: Hotel See-Villa, Austria, Member of: Schlosshotels & Herrenhäuser

3. Best Customer Care Historic Hotel 2016: Chesa Salis, Switzerland, Member of: Swiss Historic Hotels

4. Best Historic Hotel Spa Award 2016, Szidónia Manor House, Hungary, Member of: Hungarian Castle Hotels Association

5. Best City Historic Hotel 2016: Hotel Elizabeth, Slovakia, Member of: Historic Hotels of Slovakia

6. Best Historic Hotel New Member Award 2016: Hotel Marpessa, Greece,  Member of: Yades Greek Historic Hotels

7. Best Historic Hotel with “A Story to Tell” 2016: Aigialos Hotel Santorini, Greece, Member of: Yades Greek Historic Hotels

8. Best Adventure and Activities Historic Hotel 2016: Knutholmen, Norway,  Member of: De Historiske

9. Historic Hotel Best Restaurant 2016: Marlfield House, Ireland, Member of: Ireland’s Blue Book

10. Most Romantic Historic Hotel 2016: Vadstena Convent Hotel, Sweden, Member of: Countryside Hotels Sweden

* * *

Historic Hotels of America 2015 Awards of Excellence Winners Announced

West Baden Springs, Indiana –Historic Hotels of America 2015 Awards of Excellence winners were announced at West Baden Springs Hotel (1902) at French Lick Resort in West Baden Springs, Indiana. Honors were given in multiple categories ranging from Hotelier of the Year and Hotel Historian of the Year to Best Historic Resort, Historic Hotelier of the Year, and others.

Each year, these awards honor, encourage, and recognize the most exemplary historic hotels, hoteliers, and leadership practices. The Awards of Excellence are presented to historic hotels demonstrating the highest contribution to furthering the celebration of history and demonstrating leadership and innovation.

From more than 200 nominees, the following Historic Hotels of America hotels and hoteliers were honored with these prestigious awards:

 

Historic Hotels of America New Member of the Year: Hilton Chicago (1927) Chicago, Illinois

Best Small Historic Inn/Hotel (Under 75 Guestrooms): Green Park Inn (1891) Blowing Rock, North Carolina

Best Historic Hotel (75-200 Guestrooms): The Jefferson, Washington, DC (1923) Washington, DC

Best Historic Hotel (201-400 Guestrooms):  Loews Don CeSar Hotel (1928) St. Pete Beach, Florida

Best City Center Historic Hotel: Hawthorne Hotel (1925) Salem, Massachusetts

Best Historic Hotel (Over 400 Guestrooms): The Peabody Memphis (1869) Memphis, Tennessee

Best Historic Resort:  Grand Hotel (1887) Mackinac Island, Michigan

Hotel Historian of the Year: Michaelene Lusk Norton, The Lancaster Hotel (1926) Houston, Texas

Legendary Family Historic Hoteliers of the Year: The Lusk Family, The Lancaster Hotel (1926) Houston, Texas

Best Historic Restaurant in Conjunction with a Historic Hotel: Plume, The Jefferson, Washington, DC (1923) Washington, DC

Best Social Media of a Historic Hotel: French Lick Resort (1845) French Lick, Indiana

Historic Hotels of America Sustainability Champion: Xanterra Parks & Resorts

Historic Hotels of America Ambassador of the Year (Quarter Century Service):  Bill Ott, 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa (1886) Eureka Springs, Arkansas

2015 Historic Hotelier of the Year: Dean Lane, Palmer House®, A Hilton Hotel (1871) Chicago, Illinois

2015 Lifetime Achievement Award:  Gayle Cook

2015 Historic Hotels of America Historian of the Year Award: Stanley Turkel, Author and Consultant

2016 Historic Hotels of America Journalist of the Year Award: Peter Greenberg, Travel Editor for CBS News

The hotels were nominated by fellow members, past award recipients, and honorees. A panel of experts judged and weighed the nominees in each category in order to determine a winner. As the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Historic Hotels of America provides the recognition to travelers, civic leaders, and the global cultural, heritage and historic travel market that the members’ hotels are among the finest historic hotels across America.

Historic Hotels of America, founded in 1989 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to recognize and celebrate the finest Historic Hotels, has more than 275 members. These historic hotels have all faithfully maintained their authenticity, sense of place, and architectural integrity in the United States of America, including 44 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Historic Hotels of America is comprised of mostly independently owned and operated properties. More than 30 of the world’s finest hospitality brands, chains, and collections are represented in Historic Hotels of America. To be nominated and selected for membership into this prestigious program, a hotel must be at least 50 years old; have been designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark or listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; and recognized as having historic significance. For more information, visit HistoricHotels.org.

Click here to see the About Historic Hotels of America video. To view the Historic Hotels of America 2015 Annual Directory ebook or download the free app on iTunesAmazonGoogle Play, and the Windows Store.

______________________

© 2016 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin,www.examiner.com/eclectic-traveler-in-long-island/karen-rubin, www.examiner.com/international-travel-in-national/karen-rubin, goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Tweet @TravelFeatures. ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Share this Article