Latest news with #CulturalExploration
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Travel + Leisure
08-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
Travel + Leisure Readers' 10 Favorite Cities in Central and South America of 2025
Well-preserved history, culinary prowess, and genuine connection—those are the qualities driving Travel + Leisure readers' votes when choosing their favorite cities in Central and South America for the 2025 edition of the World's Best Awards. And while they know the value of a trip or experience isn't inherently tied to dollar signs (or Colombian pesos, or Peruvian soles … you get the drift), they do gravitate toward cities where they feel like their time, energy, and, yes, money are all well spent. It tracks, then, that their picks in this region are dynamic urban destinations with strong cultural scenes, friendly residents, and a plethora of dining options. Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 T+L readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.). Cities were specifically rated on the criteria below: Sights/landmarks Culture Food Friendliness Shopping Value For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses. Plaza de Armas in Cuzco, Peru. Maria Ligaya/Travel + Leisure This year was nearly a clean sweep for cities in South America. Peru's capital, Lima (No. 4), remains a favorite for its eclectic architecture, vibrant arts and culture, and a gastronomic scene that's only getting better thanks, in part, to the buzzy Barranco neighborhood. In Colombia, No. 9 Cartagena was lauded for its affordable culinary and cultural offerings. 'There was so much to see and do, with its historical sites, museums, and the walled Old Town area,' says one reader. 'The people were enchantingly warm and friendly everywhere we went. Food and music in Getsemani and the Old Town area were excellent, with abundant choices that were very reasonably priced.' With 2024's No. 10 Panama City falling off the list, this year's Central America's sole honoree is No. 3 Antigua Guatemala—a fixture among T+L readers' favorites and 2021's No. 1. Like its South American counterparts, the city was a hit with World's Best Awards voters thanks to the breadth of experiences to be had, as well as the hospitality of its people. 'Beautiful city, stunning architecture, and excellent food. Warm, friendly locals and plenty to do in the area, from sightseeing to hiking volcanoes,' shares another voter. 'One of our favorite experiences was a visit to a local Mayan family's home where we prepared breakfast in their outdoor kitchen and learned about the textiles which the women craft.' But for the third year running, Cuzco emerged at T+L readers No. 1 pick. Read on to find out why. Cuzco, Peru Cityscape of Cuzco, Peru. Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure Once the seat of power for the Incan Empire, the Andean city serves as a common jumping-off point for trips to Machu Picchu, but it's worth a visit in its own right. 'Cuzco is a very cool city. The history goes back centuries and the ambiance is amazing,' summarizes one voter. 'It has layers, with restaurants and shopping in the center square and hiking and cultural adventures out toward the mountains. Nightlife and food is totally worth visiting for—there's so much to do and discover.' Grab a coffee before walking around to see Plaza de Armas and other historic sights in town, but set aside time for the hikes and ruins just outside the city. The 15th-century fortress Sacsayhuaman is a 15-minute walk from the plaza, while Vinicunca, the famed Rainbow Mountain roughly 3 hours by car, is worth a day trip. 1. Cuzco, Peru WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 90.33 2. Mendoza, Argentina Reader Score: 88.41 3. Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 84.95 4. Lima, Peru Reader Score: 84.71 5. São Paulo, Brazil Reader Score: 83.89 6. Buenos Aires, Argentina WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 82.75 7. Bogotá, Colombia WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 82.55 8. Quito, Ecuador Reader Score: 81.83 9. Cartagena, Colombia Reader Score: 81.80 10. Rio de Janeiro, BrazilReader Score: 80.74
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Travel + Leisure
19-05-2025
- Business
- Travel + Leisure
This Company Lets You Book a Private Jet Trip to Europe Without Knowing the Exact Destination
How adventurous do you think you are, really? Because one travel company would like you to take that wild spirit to its limits. Chapman Freeborn, a global aircraft charter specialist and aviation support company, is offering travelers the chance to do something zany: go on a trip without knowing the destination first. The company has launched its new Blind Booking program, "designed for American travelers headed to Europe," only where they go in Europe is anyone's guess until it's time for wheels up. "Inspired by the same wanderlust-driven mindset fueling the popularity of exploring and immersing in new cultures and destinations, Blind Booking gives travelers the chance to fly by private jet to a holiday retreat they won't learn about until right before takeoff," the company shared in a statement to Travel + Leisure . To get in on the fun, all travelers need to do is choose their departure airport in Europe and select a theme, which the company said could be anything from "a romantic escape, cultural city break, beach holiday, or outdoor adventure." Travelers can then submit a request for a one-way flight for up to six passengers. (So hopefully your crew is just as adventurous as you.) Those interested should hear back from a passenger flight broker who will go over a few details regarding the dates, departure airport, and number of passengers, and reveal the selected blind booking category to ensure everyone is aligned. Then, they will reveal the city, and you can be on your way. Don't worry. There is one more out: if you do not like the destination offered, you can withdraw your request free of charge. "For blind booking customers, the appeal lies in the spontaneity and exclusivity," the company added. "Chapman Freeborn offers an elevated travel experience without the complicated logistical overplanning, ideal for adventurers who want to let go and be surprised, but still expect luxury at every step." The Gulfstream IV private plane during take off. Alex Peake/Chapman Freeborn And if you really love this idea, you can try it out with Chapman, then try and give it a go with Scandinavian Airlines, which started offering a mystery flight called 'Destination Unknown' in 2024. As T+L previously reported, the airline sold tickets for its mystery flight exclusively to members of its frequent flier loyalty program who had the chance to redeem 30,000 miles for a seat. Though its ticket window is now closed, you can sign up to receive an alert about future trips at As for the Chapman trip, those begin at about $3,400, which feels like a great rate for a private plane adventure to … anywhere.
Zawya
13-05-2025
- Zawya
Young Saudis fuel strong growth in domestic tourism: research
A new research report by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts reveals that Saudi Arabia's Generation Z is driving the country's tourism landscape—fueling a surge in domestic travel rooted in cultural exploration, digital engagement, and sustainability. Conducted in partnership with YouGov, the study shows that over half (54%) of Gen Z Saudis have taken a domestic leisure trip in the past six months, with 29% of respondents planning to continue travelling locally in the future. The emerging trends from the research underscore how travel has become a meaningful part of everyday life for young Saudis, not a luxury, but a lifestyle, a result which is driven by the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals to increase domestic tourism to 55 million trips annually by 2030 and raise tourism's GDP contribution to 10%. 'What we're witnessing is a generational shift,' said Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. 'Gen Z travellers in Saudi Arabia are increasingly choosing to explore their own backyard, not just out of convenience, but because they're proud of what the Kingdom has to offer. They're driven by a desire to connect with local culture, contribute to the economy, and travel more sustainably. At Wyndham, we're proud to support this transformation by offering stays that meet their expectations for value, comfort, and digital ease, while helping them engage more deeply with Saudi Arabia's nature, heritage, and communities.' Key Trends: Gen Z Travellers in Saudi Arabia 1. Homegrown Adventures Take Centre Stage The appetite for domestic travel is strong, with 54% of Gen Z respondents choosing to explore the Kingdom, reflecting their engagement with Saudi Arabia's fast-growing tourism ecosystem. This enthusiasm is particularly strong among young women, with 55% of female Gen Z travellers opting for local adventures, a sign of growing independence and deeper cultural curiosity. From heritage villages in Al Ula to coastal escapes in Umluj and urban culture in Jeddah and Riyadh, young Saudis are uncovering the richness of their own country. 2. Travel is a Lifestyle, Not a Luxury Among Gen Z not currently in the workforce, a remarkable 72% have travelled recently, showing how deeply travel is woven into youth culture. With increased investment in festivals, giga-projects, and local experiences, short breaks and micro-trips are gaining popularity. 3. Digital-First Discovery In line with Saudi Arabia's status as one of the most connected societies globally, 39% of Gen Z travellers cite social media as their primary source of inspiration. This digital influence is not just about where they discover destinations, it's also about why they go. A striking 64% say they enjoy travelling to places featured in their favourite movies, TV shows, or trending on social media. Furthermore, 81% are open to using AI-powered travel tools, signalling strong readiness for next-gen, tech-driven travel planning. 4. Value Over Status Gen Z is choosing experiences over extravagance, favouring accommodations that offer comfort, community connection, and affordability. Accommodations that feel like a home away from home, enable longer stays, or reflect the local character are especially popular for their authenticity. Wyndham's growing presence in Saudi Arabia, with five active brands and ambitious plans to expand further, including a recent Ramada by Wyndham signing in Makkah, underscores this shift in traveller preference. Ramada Encore by Wyndham Al Khobar Corniche, which opened in 2023, is a standout example, offering modern comfort, affordability, and local flair that captures the kind of grounded yet connected experience today's Gen Z travellers seek. It's hospitality that speaks Gen Z's language, authentic, rooted, and rewarding. 5. Sustainability is a Standard Environmental awareness is increasingly influencing the travel decisions of Saudi Gen Z. The research shows that over a third (35%) actively seek out eco-friendly hotels, while nearly half (45%) prefer using sustainable modes of transport. These preferences align closely with national efforts such as the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to promote environmental stewardship across industries, including tourism. At Wyndham, sustainability isn't an add-on; it's built into how we operate. Six out of our 10 hotels in Saudi Arabia have earned the Level 1 Wyndham Green Certification or higher—including Wyndham Garden Dammam, which has achieved Level 5, the highest tier in our program. The hotel leads on multiple fronts: it partners with local firms to recycle paper, hazardous materials, and e-waste, earning monthly green certification reports; it engages guests through digital screens and in-room messaging on towel reuse and energy-saving practices; and it's preparing to launch a solar project for its outdoor areas. For Gen Z, responsible travel isn't a trend, it's the baseline. Regional trends confirm this momentum: Across the GCC, Gen Z travellers are setting new expectations for how, why, and where they travel. In the UAE, for example, this generation is driving a shift toward local getaways, cultural discovery, and immersive experiences, often influenced by what they see on TikTok or Instagram. They're choosing hotels that reflect their values: eco-conscious operations, flexible tech-enabled services, and stylish spaces that feel social and shareable. While Saudi Arabia's Gen Z market is at an earlier stage of evolution, it's moving rapidly in the same direction. With one of the youngest populations in the world and a bold national agenda to develop its tourism and cultural economy, the Kingdom is poised to emerge as a regional hub for Gen Z-driven travel. The opportunity to shape this narrative by creating hospitality experiences that resonate with young Saudis is both timely and transformative. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is transforming Saudi Arabia's tourism sector, contributing to Vision 2030 by making travel more accessible, inclusive, and purpose-driven for the next generation. The brand offers a range of brands, including TRYP by Wyndham, a lifestyle brand focusing on urban connectivity, cultural immersion, and social experiences. TRYP's design-led spaces, curated local experiences, and vibrant communal areas cater to the growing interest in cultural discovery and digital convenience among Gen Z. Wyndham's Wyndham Rewards loyalty programme and Wyndham Green sustainability framework are designed to provide value to value-conscious travellers and ensure environmental responsibility is embedded throughout the guest journey. -TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Trade Arabia
12-05-2025
- Trade Arabia
Young Saudis fuel strong growth in domestic tourism: research
A new research report by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts reveals that Saudi Arabia's Generation Z is driving the country's tourism landscape—fueling a surge in domestic travel rooted in cultural exploration, digital engagement, and sustainability. Conducted in partnership with YouGov, the study shows that over half (54%) of Gen Z Saudis have taken a domestic leisure trip in the past six months, with 29% of respondents planning to continue travelling locally in the future. The emerging trends from the research underscore how travel has become a meaningful part of everyday life for young Saudis, not a luxury, but a lifestyle, a result which is driven by the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals to increase domestic tourism to 55 million trips annually by 2030 and raise tourism's GDP contribution to 10%. 'What we're witnessing is a generational shift,' said Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. 'Gen Z travellers in Saudi Arabia are increasingly choosing to explore their own backyard, not just out of convenience, but because they're proud of what the Kingdom has to offer. They're driven by a desire to connect with local culture, contribute to the economy, and travel more sustainably. At Wyndham, we're proud to support this transformation by offering stays that meet their expectations for value, comfort, and digital ease, while helping them engage more deeply with Saudi Arabia's nature, heritage, and communities.' Key Trends: Gen Z Travellers in Saudi Arabia 1. Homegrown Adventures Take Centre Stage The appetite for domestic travel is strong, with 54% of Gen Z respondents choosing to explore the Kingdom, reflecting their engagement with Saudi Arabia's fast-growing tourism ecosystem. This enthusiasm is particularly strong among young women, with 55% of female Gen Z travellers opting for local adventures, a sign of growing independence and deeper cultural curiosity. From heritage villages in Al Ula to coastal escapes in Umluj and urban culture in Jeddah and Riyadh, young Saudis are uncovering the richness of their own country. 2. Travel is a Lifestyle, Not a Luxury Among Gen Z not currently in the workforce, a remarkable 72% have travelled recently, showing how deeply travel is woven into youth culture. With increased investment in festivals, giga-projects, and local experiences, short breaks and micro-trips are gaining popularity. 3. Digital-First Discovery In line with Saudi Arabia's status as one of the most connected societies globally, 39% of Gen Z travellers cite social media as their primary source of inspiration. This digital influence is not just about where they discover destinations, it's also about why they go. A striking 64% say they enjoy travelling to places featured in their favourite movies, TV shows, or trending on social media. Furthermore, 81% are open to using AI-powered travel tools, signalling strong readiness for next-gen, tech-driven travel planning. 4. Value Over Status Gen Z is choosing experiences over extravagance, favouring accommodations that offer comfort, community connection, and affordability. Accommodations that feel like a home away from home, enable longer stays, or reflect the local character are especially popular for their authenticity. Wyndham's growing presence in Saudi Arabia, with five active brands and ambitious plans to expand further, including a recent Ramada by Wyndham signing in Makkah, underscores this shift in traveller preference. Ramada Encore by Wyndham Al Khobar Corniche, which opened in 2023, is a standout example, offering modern comfort, affordability, and local flair that captures the kind of grounded yet connected experience today's Gen Z travellers seek. It's hospitality that speaks Gen Z's language, authentic, rooted, and rewarding. 5. Sustainability is a Standard Environmental awareness is increasingly influencing the travel decisions of Saudi Gen Z. The research shows that over a third (35%) actively seek out eco-friendly hotels, while nearly half (45%) prefer using sustainable modes of transport. These preferences align closely with national efforts such as the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to promote environmental stewardship across industries, including tourism. At Wyndham, sustainability isn't an add-on; it's built into how we operate. Six out of our 10 hotels in Saudi Arabia have earned the Level 1 Wyndham Green Certification or higher—including Wyndham Garden Dammam, which has achieved Level 5, the highest tier in our program. The hotel leads on multiple fronts: it partners with local firms to recycle paper, hazardous materials, and e-waste, earning monthly green certification reports; it engages guests through digital screens and in-room messaging on towel reuse and energy-saving practices; and it's preparing to launch a solar project for its outdoor areas. For Gen Z, responsible travel isn't a trend, it's the baseline. Regional trends confirm this momentum: Across the GCC, Gen Z travellers are setting new expectations for how, why, and where they travel. In the UAE, for example, this generation is driving a shift toward local getaways, cultural discovery, and immersive experiences, often influenced by what they see on TikTok or Instagram. They're choosing hotels that reflect their values: eco-conscious operations, flexible tech-enabled services, and stylish spaces that feel social and shareable. While Saudi Arabia's Gen Z market is at an earlier stage of evolution, it's moving rapidly in the same direction. With one of the youngest populations in the world and a bold national agenda to develop its tourism and cultural economy, the Kingdom is poised to emerge as a regional hub for Gen Z-driven travel. The opportunity to shape this narrative by creating hospitality experiences that resonate with young Saudis is both timely and transformative. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is transforming Saudi Arabia's tourism sector, contributing to Vision 2030 by making travel more accessible, inclusive, and purpose-driven for the next generation. The brand offers a range of brands, including TRYP by Wyndham, a lifestyle brand focusing on urban connectivity, cultural immersion, and social experiences. TRYP's design-led spaces, curated local experiences, and vibrant communal areas cater to the growing interest in cultural discovery and digital convenience among Gen Z.
