1
EVER WONDER?
Ever wonder why Switzerland’s tourism business keeps booming yet you never hear about issues other destinations have to deal with, like overtourism? One word: It’s expensive! Ok, fine, that’s not one word. But, it makes sense. They’re slowly increasing the number of tourists, but more importantly, they’re increasing how much they spend there – growing slowly (thus sustainably), yet still generating excellent returns. Not to mention, Switzerland has two great tourist seasons: expensive and super expensive (just kidding – it’s more like winter/skiing and summer/hiking). Better save up! From Travel Weekly: “With record tourism growth in Switzerland — 2018 saw a whopping 10% boost in arrivals from the U.S. over the previous year — I’ll bet you think this is another article about overtourism. Actually, it’s not, for while tourism to the destination is robust, it’s completely manageable, according to Urs Eberhard, head of markets for Switzerland Tourism, who credits a number of factors for the more serene nature of the visitor experience than you might get, say, waiting in line to see Michelangelo’s “David” in Florence. One reason is that Switzerland is — to put it bluntly — expensive.”
2
GET SOME ZZZs
What do you want, Gen Z? What is it exactly that you want? Well, apparently two thirds of them would rather travel than own a home or a car. Wow, I’m suddenly really liking Gen Z! Welcome to my world! For all you oldies out there, Gen Z are people who are currently between the ages of 16-24 (I had to look that up). From TTG Asia: “With almost 22,000 respondents across 29 markets, the research further revealed that this is the generation that is most excited and optimistic about their future travel plans, are prepared to go at it alone, and prioritise travel spending over material possessions.”
For a more comprehensive understanding of what Gen Z-ers are looking for, check out McKinsey’s research here.
3
THE TURQUOISE COAST
If you ask my opinion – doesn’t matter, I’m going to give it to you anyway – if you’re looking for a low-key, authentic experience on the Mediterranean without the tourist craziness you can expect in some of the more popular places, why don’t you take a little trip to the Turquoise Coast. I hadn’t heard of it until a few weeks ago. I suppose I knew about it, I had just never heard it being called that – sounds quite alluring, doesn’t it? In case you’re still wondering, the Turquoise Coast is also known as the Turkish Riviera. From CNN: “We’ve arrived in Bodrum, one of the two cities — the other being Antalya — that bookend the area also known to travel agents and sun-seeking vacationers as the Turkish Riviera. Long a popular vacation spot for Turkish city-dwellers and adventurous European and British holiday-makers, Bodrum and its environs have only recently hit the wider world’s radar.”
4
DETAILS NOT LAOST
If you’re looking for a unique off the radar foodie adventure, look no further. Laos is waiting for you. I’m not going to lie, I didn’t have it pegged as the foodie destination, but, National Geographic always does a great job pulling me in with their fantastic photos. That, and I’m getting hungry: “’My grandmother was named Mae Tao,’ Van tells me. ‘Growing up in Louangphabang, I tended the family flower garden with her. She taught me that each flower had a life and personality, and how to cut, clean, and arrange each bloom in a certain manner,’ he says. ‘You are from Louangphabang,’ she liked to say. ‘You should care about small details—they’re sacred.” I liked that little snippet – attention to detail – now imagine the food! And yes, the culture as well!
5
DID SOMOAN SAY SOMETHING?
Ha! Can’t stop with those word tweaks in the title. Is there an official term for that? Please email me back to let me know. Anyhow, I always like to add an idyllic beach destination to this newsletter, especially in the summer months (I say always though this is the first summer I’m writing these newsletters!). Here it is: American Samoa. I was intrigued, to say the least about this destination. Everyone knows it’s there, but I’ve seldom heard of it as a place worth visiting. Perhaps this is our little secret? From CNN: “Electric green rainforest tilts toward the water on American Samoa’s steep-sided islands, where fruit bats dangle, clear waves lap the shore and reefs house swarms of tropical fish. The natural bounty must have enchanted early Polynesian explorers, who discovered the islands during death-defying canoe trips across uncharted Pacific waters. Some 3,000 years later, Polynesian culture thrives in traditional dances, celebrations and the exquisite work of local tattoo artists, or tufaga tu tatau. Sprawling across three of the loveliest islands — Ta’u, Ofu and Tutuila — the National Park of American Samoa beckons visitors to experience the natural world at its most pristine. Here, a day hike could mean spotting sea turtles on the the Fagatele Bay Trail, walking past small farms or checking out the gun batteries that helped secure the Pacific during the Second World War.”
Thanks,
Joe Naaman
Managing Editor, Waywinds
Keep Exploring!