Category: Travel

The First Wine Spa in the U.S. Brings Vinotherapy to Portland

“The Wine Spa” the first dedicated wine spa in the U.S. recently announced its grand opening. Nestled in the heart of Portland, Oregon, this oasis combines vinotherapy’s therapeutic benefits with a day spa’s indulgent atmosphere. It features ten treatment rooms and four soaking tubs.

In an exclusive partnership with Caudalie, The Wine Spa will offer treatments that utilize their products. This makes it the only Caudalie exclusive spa partner in Oregon, alongside New York and Paris locations.

Offering an array of vinotherapy packages, the spa includes options such as a 20-minute wine soak and massages ranging from 30-50 minutes. Guests can also enjoy facials, Swedish massages, and deep tissue massages, with treatment prices ranging from $125 to $399.

Inspired by the region’s rich wine heritage, The Wine Spa features innovative treatments like vinotherapy massages, facials, and soaks. Vinotherapy, the therapeutic use of grape-based products, offers many benefits for the mind and body. Grapes, rich in antioxidants like resveratrol, possess anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and heart-healthy properties. When incorporated into spa treatments, these compounds can improve skin health, reduce stress, and boost circulation, helping to hydrate, nourish, and rejuvenate the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Committed to sustainable practices, The Wine Spa uses repurposed wine from the region in their soaks, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Their first wine partner, Terra Vina Wines, has provided cases of wine for soaking that were unsellable due to a labelling error. Terra Vina is also crafting wine specifically for The Wine Spa, available in Spring 2025.

Wine lovers will be delighted to find a selection of wines from the Willamette Valley, with new wineries featured every three months. For those who prefer not to drink alcohol, the spa offers a non-alcoholic wine option for both drinking and soaking, ensuring everyone can partake in the vinotherapy experience.

For further details: https://thewinespapdx.com/

Global tourism set for full recovery by 4Q with spending growing faster than arrivals

Around 1.1 billion tourists travelled internationally in the first nine months of 2024, as the global tourism sector recovered 98% of pre-pandemic levels. According to the latest World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism, a full recovery from the biggest crisis in the sector’s history is expected by the end of the year, despite economic, geopolitical and climate challenges.

Four years after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought global tourism to a standstill, the Barometer reflects the sector’s remarkable recovery, with most regions already exceeding 2019 arrival numbers from January to September 2024. The report also shows outstanding results in terms of international tourism receipts, with most destinations with available data posting double-digit growth compared to 2019.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili states:

“The strong growth seen in tourism receipts is excellent news for economies around the world. The fact that visitor spending is growing even stronger than arrivals has a direct impact on millions of jobs and small businesses and contributes decisively to the balance of payments and tax revenues of many economies.”

Tourism Performance by Region

International tourist arrivals grew strongly in the first nine months of 2024, driven by strong post-pandemic demand in Europe and robust performance from large source markets globally, as well as the ongoing recovery of destinations in Asia and the Pacific. Increased air connectivity and visa facilitation also supported international travel.

The Middle East (+29% compared to 2019) continued to enjoy record growth this nine-month period, while Europe (+1%) and Africa (+6%) also exceeded 2019 levels.

The Americas recovered 97% of its pre-pandemic arrivals (-3% over 2019).

Asia and the Pacific reached 85% of 2019 levels as compared to a 66% recovery in 2023. Asia and the Pacific has experienced a gradual though uneven rebound in arrivals since the region reopened to international travel in 2023.

The summer season in the Northern Hemisphere was generally strong, with arrivals worldwide reaching 99% of pre-pandemic values in Q3 2024.

A total of 60 out of 111 destinations surpassed 2019 arrival numbers in the first eight to nine months of 2024. Some of the strongest performers in arrivals during this period were Qatar (+141% versus 2019) where arrivals more than doubled, Albania (+77%), Saudi Arabia (+61%), Curaçao (+48%), Tanzania (+43%), Colombia and Andorra (both +36%).

Tourism receipts show extraordinary growth

A total of 35 out of 43 countries with available data on receipts exceeded pre-pandemic values in the first eight to nine months of 2024, many reporting double-digit growth compared to 2019 (in local currencies), well above inflation in most cases.

Among the best performers in terms of earnings were Serbia (+99%) where receipts almost doubled (compared to the same months of 2019), as well as Pakistan (+64%), Romania (+61%), Japan (+59%), Portugal (+51%), Nicaragua and Tanzania (both 50%).

Among the world’s top earners, Japan (+59%), Türkiye (+41%) and France (+27%) all recorded double-digit growth through September 2024. Spain (+36%) and Italy (+26%) also reported strong visitor receipts, through August. The United Kingdom recorded 43% higher earnings, Canada 35%, and Australia 18%, all through June 2024. As for the United States, the world’s top tourism earner, it reported 7% growth through September.

Data on international tourism expenditure reflects the same trend, especially among large source markets such as Germany (+35% compared to 2019), the United States (+33%) and France (+11%).

Strong expenditure growth was also reported by the United Kingdom (+46%) Australia (+34%), Canada (+28%) and Italy (+26%), all through June 2024. Available data for India shows a surge in outbound spending from this increasingly important market, with 81% growth through June 2024 (versus 2019).

International tourist arrivals are expected to reach 2019 levels in 2024. International tourism receipts had already virtually achieved pre-pandemic levels in 2023.

Full report can be found: https://www.unwto.org/news/global-tourism-set-for-full-recovery-by-end-of-the-year-with-spending-growing-faster-than-arrivals

 

Source:  UN Tourism

The Napa Valley Wine Train Secures Global Accolades

The Napa Valley Wine Train, renowned for its immersive journey that captures the essence of luxurious rail travel, announces its achievement as the 2025 Global Winner for Wine Tourism Services in the San Francisco/Napa Valley region. This honor, awarded by the Great Wine Capitals’ prestigious Best of Wine Tourism Awards, recognizes the Wine Train’s unparalleled contribution to wine tourism.

As one of the few remaining historic passenger railroads in the United States, the Napa Valley Wine Train provides an authentic and unforgettable experience that mirrors the golden age of train travel. With exquisite dining, curated multi-course meals, and breathtaking views of Napa Valley, guests are transported back in time aboard meticulously restored Pullman rail cars, featuring Honduran mahogany, brass accents, etched glass, and plush seating. The train offers convenient, car-free travel options from San Francisco, enhancing access to Napa Valley for both locals and tourists.

The Great Wine Capitals, an alliance of twelve esteemed wine-producing cities spanning the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, spotlights excellence in wine tourism. The Best of Wine Tourism Awards recognize organizations that exemplify quality and innovation in wine tourism, while promoting rich wine experiences and celebrating cultural heritage, landscapes, and local assets.

“We are deeply honored by this global recognition,” shared Nathan Davis, General Manager of Napa Valley Wine Train. “This award reflects the dedication and passion of our team, who work tirelessly to preserve the history and distinctive experiences we offer. We remain devoted to representing Napa Wine Country and nurturing its legacy for future generations.”

Napa Valley’s delegation includes the County of Napa, Napa Valley Vintners, and Visit Napa Valley, all of whom play pivotal roles in enhancing the region’s wine tourism footprint. The Best of Wine Tourism Awards commend excellence across seven categories, including Architecture & Landscapes, Art & Culture, and Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices.

Napa Valley Wine Train: www.winetrain.com
Great Wine Capitals and Best of Wine Tourism Awards: www.greatwinecapitals.com

My Escape to Hilton Copacabana: A Culinary and Cultural Exploration of Rio’s Iconic Beachfront Hotel

Staying at the Hilton Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro has been nothing short of spectacular. Set right on the iconic Copacabana Beach, the hotel perfectly combines Rio’s vibrant energy with a sense of refined luxury. I couldn’t have asked for a better location to enjoy all that this lively city has to offer, from the golden sands and tropical vibe to incredible views of Sugarloaf Mountain.

One of my favorite parts of the stay was having access to not one but two stunning pools! The rooftop pool offered panoramic views that stretch from the coastline all the way to the mountains; It was also a breathtaking spot to sip cocktails and soak up Rio’s endless sunshine. For a quieter, more relaxed setting, I found the lower-level pool was ideal—it’s surrounded by greenery, with loungers in both shaded and sunny areas overlooking Copacabana Beach.

The cocktail scene at the Hilton is just as lively as you’d expect in Rio. Each cocktail I tried had its own Brazilian flair. My favorite was the Caipirinha, Brazil’s national drink – this cocktail contains fresh lime juice, sugar and cachaça – oh so refreshing! Cachaça is a spirit as central to Brazilian identity as samba, soccer and carnival.

Dining was equally memorable – the restaurants serve up Brazilian dishes and international flavors, made from fresh, local ingredients that capture the best of Rio’s culinary diversity. The fresh seafood was a standout, as were the chef’s imaginative takes on traditional Brazilian dishes.

Unfortunately, my stay was only three nights, next time I will make it 7-10 days!

Insights from the 8th UNWTO Global Wine Tourism Conference – Wine Travel Awards

Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Armenia, the 8th UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism recently convened, gathering luminaries from the Wine Travel Awards (WTA) community, including Prof. Gergely Szolnoki, Liz Palmer, Paul Wagner, and Alder Yarrow, among others. This year’s theme, “Heritage in Every Bottle,” brilliantly highlighted how ancient winemaking traditions are being revitalized through cutting-edge wine tourism innovations.

Participants delved into pressing issues like sustainable wine tourism and the role of digital technology in crafting compelling wine stories. The conference showcased Armenia’s distinguished wineries – Zorah Wines, Old Bridge Winery, Trinity Canyon Vineyards, Momik Wines, Karas Wines, and “Armenia Wine” Winery and Vineyards – as prime examples of how culture and innovation can merge to forge a dynamic future for the wine industry.

For a comprehensive overview filled with insights from keynote speakers on the transformative discussions that are redefining wine tourism, click to read the full article: https://lnkd.in/dvgpPvDC

Source: Wine Travel Awards