Updates from The New York Times Travel Show
Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New York Times Travel Show — those are the three events that punctuate my year.
The latter is a massive annual event in New York City that brings together people from across the travel industry and across the globe, each hoping to catch the interest of the opinion-makers and travellers who attend the show.
I always learn a huge amount, and this year was no different. Here are some of the highlights from this year’s event:
There are now tours just for architecture enthusiasts. Founded just over a year ago by the venerated American Institute of Architects, Architectural Adventures is offering 11 trips a year to Europe, Asia and the United States.
All are led by leading architects and architectural historians, and while sometimes the destinations are surprising (Detroit, anyone?), others seem adroitly suited to this type of exploration, like Vienna and Cambodia.
Plus, there’s a tour that’s back by popular demand: A trip from Lisbon, Portugal, through the Pyrenees to Barcelona, Spain. Visit architecturaladventures. com for more details.
Or perhaps you really love archaeology — and a good plate of pasta? Two erudite and charming professors (one of archaeology and one of cuisine) have joined forces to create Elifant Archaeo-Culinary Tours, which take a two-pronged approach to seeing Italy.
You learn about the ancient culture of “The Boot” by touring important archeological sites during the day, and then enjoying a delicious variety of cuisines in the evening, as you’re taken to some of the best restaurants in the country.
Days also are spent touring non-archaeological sites of importance (museums, churches) and visiting local food markets. Go to www.elifanttours.com for information.
The destinations that sponsor booths is always an indication of the places that will be spending big advertising dollars in the coming year, hoping to attract visitors and shape the conversation on travel.
This year saw a mix of regions and countries, with Calabria taking up three times the space as Egypt (a sad sign of how the latter’s touristic fortunes have fared), and Taiwan outshining mainland China. There also were massive experiential sections from Indonesia, the state of Florida, South Africa, a recreational vehicle company called Escape Campervans, the LGBTQ travel community, the islands of the Caribbean and cruise entities (both the lines and the sellers).
What does the future hold for travelers? I feel like I got a good preview at the New York Times Travel Show.