A stunning mural, the latest addition to the Downtown Kingston Art District, was unveiled by the Ministry of Tourism, on World Tourism Day, September 27, as part of activities to mark Tourism Awareness Week (TAW) 2024. Executed through a collaborative effort between the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) and Kingston Creative, the mural, titled “Tourism and Peace: Out of Many, One Love,” is a vibrant representation of Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage and the unifying role of tourism. The project was brought to life by lead muralist Sheldon Blake, with assistance from Rohan Cargill, and stands as a striking symbol of the connection between tourism, peace, and cultural exchange.

This fall, the Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort on the island of Moorea in the Islands of Tahiti, just an 8-hour flight from the West Coast and a quick ferry from Tahiti, is working with top tour operators to the islands, offering exclusive deals for travel in the new year that includes Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora, international air, inter-island ferry/or flight transportation, hotel stays, daily breakfast, select excursions, and much more. These incredible deals are only available from now until April 30, 2025, for travel between November 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025, and are available here. Additional dates available upon request.

2024 was the Year of the Great Recharge, where sleep retreats made headlines, mindful drinking rose in popularity and wellness-themed guest rooms took off. Today, as the post-pandemic leisure travel boom normalizes, travelers surveyed in Hilton’s annual Trends Report are looking to pair their desire to relax and recharge with high-impact adventures and experiences to maximize their time and financial investment.

VERANÓ Hotels + Resorts, an operator of luxury lifestyle hotels and resorts, is pleased to announce the Spring 2025 opening of VERANÓ San Juan, the first Leading Hotels of the World® in Puerto Rico.  The culturally relevant luxury lifestyle hotel is poised to become an instant landmark in the heart of Santurce’s business and cultural district, providing convenient access to San Juan’s vibrant galleries, acclaimed restaurants, and key corporate hubs.

Fat Bear Week, the most beloved week in wildlife conservation, kicks off its 10th anniversary from October 2-8, 2024.  In partnership with Katmai National Park, Katmai Conservancy, and explore.org, Fat Bear Week highlights the remarkable transformation of brown bears at Brooks River in Katmai National Park Alaska as they prepare for hibernation.

A new study by Phocuswright, a leading travel industry research firm, reveals that social media has evolved beyond a mere source of travel inspiration.  It’s now a powerful force driving actual bookings and influencing key decisions throughout the traveler’s journey.  The report, titled “F Is for Funnel: Social Media and the Path to Travel Purchase,” uncovers how travelers are increasingly turning to social platforms to not only dream about their next trip but also to plan and book it.