Next week, the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board will launch its newest, creative advertising campaign, “Now Playing”, geared toward inspiring visitors to discover the wealth of attractions, entertainment, experiences and unique accommodations that can be found only in L.A.A 30-second media spot, shot on location at several of the city’s iconic sites combines live-action film, animation, music and the voiceover talents of Jenifer Lewis, an L.A. resident, and veteran of stage and screen who recently received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.ADVERTISING Trending Now During a virtual media briefing held this morning, local tourism officials talked about the innovative upcoming marketing campaign and also commented on the status of the City of Angels’ tourism sector’s post-pandemic recovery.“Now Playing instantly evokes what’s unique about Los Angeles,” Don Skeoch, Chief Marketing Officer for Los Angeles Tourism, said in a statement. “With this campaign, we’ve combined the vocabulary of the screenwriter and the visual language of cinema to creatively capture what makes L.A. an unparalleled visitor destination.”The “Now Playing” campaign will be run via traditional and new media channels from September through December as part of a $10 million national ad buy, also appearing in such key international markets as Mexico, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom.“We’re coming off the heels of our successful comeback campaign, which drove an incremental $2 billion in tourism spending, but we felt that now’s the time to communicate a new message," said Bill Karz Los Angeles Tourism’s Vice President of Brand and Digital Marketing. "We feel that L.A. is back and that we’re rolling out the red carpet to some of the biggest events in the world, from the Superbowl, like Adam mentioned, to the World Cup coming up in ’26 to the Olympics in ’28.”“The speed with which tourism has come roaring back in Los Angeles, to me, is one of the greatest comeback stories in L.A.’s history,” said Los Angeles Tourism President and CEO Adam Burke. “Remarkably, just looking at this year alone, we are anticipating that we will be at 92 percent of 2019’s record-breaking visitation.” It’s also expected that room demand will have recovered by 95 percent and domestic flight seating capacity will have reached 80 percent of pre-pandemic levels this year.[embedded content]“We anticipate that next year, we will actually eclipse 2019’s record-setting visitation, we’ll be at about 101 percent, which translates into over 51 million visitors in 2023, and that will generate about $26.6 billion in total business sales to our local economy, which represents about 108 percent record visitation spend.” Burke continued. “You may recall that 2019 capped a decade straight of record-breaking growth that we are so incredibly grateful to visitors from around the country and around the world for very quickly coming back to our City of Angels.”“2019 was a high watermark. We welcomed 7.4 million international visitors and, while we know that some of the markets will take a little bit longer to recover overseas, one of the advantages we have is that L.A. Tourism remains the only destination that actually has our own full-time team members and offices overseas,” Karz commented. “We have seven international offices and, as a result, they’ve been working with the travel trade and air carriers throughout the pandemic. So, while it’s going to take probably another year or two to see full recovery, we’re actually anticipating over six million international visitors next year, so we’re going to be coming back pretty quickly in the international marketplace.”For the latest travel news, updates and deals, be sure to subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter here. Adblock test (Why?)

Bolivia is a country rich in nature and one of the favorites for biodiversity lovers. Its government-protected forests and jungles are ideal for those looking for experiences in places full of flora and fauna.Here are some of the most important national parks that travelers should not miss:ADVERTISING Trending Now El Salar de Uyuni (Uyuni Salt Flat) National ParkThis is a favorite place for local and international travelers. Its attraction is that it is considered the largest salt desert in the world and one of the highest above sea level because it is located in the Andes.El Salar de Uyuni is surrounded by salt which makes it a spectacular site for photography. Throughout the daylight changes the colors of the landscape and makes the visitor enjoy an exceptional experience. On this site, there is the famous salt hotel that was built with this element of nature. To reach this place, visitors can travel to the province of Daniel Campos and from there move to the department of Potosí. Toro Toro National ParkThis Bolivian government-protected area is located in the province of Charcas, a town easily accessible from La Paz, the country's capital. Among the great biodiversity that tourists can find in this lush place is the Andean cat, also known by the inhabitants as Titi, in addition to many other endemic species. Uyuni Salt Flat in Bolivia is considered the largest salt desert in the world and one of the highest above sea level. (Photo via O.T.W./iStock/Getty Images Plus). Sajama National ParkIt is located near the border with Chile and is characterized by its cold weather because it is part of the fabulous Andes mountain range, making it a spectacular site for lovers of wildlife and photography. Visitors can tour the trails of the Keñua Forest, which is one of the richest in natural life where explorers can admire a variety of species of flora and fauna. To get to this place tourists have to travel to the province of Cercado.Isiboro-Sécure National ParkThis beautiful place is located in the indigenous area of Bolivia and is part of the lush jungle of the Amazon River. To visit it is necessary to have an expert guide for the safety of tourists and to know better the nature and the attractions that the area offers. One of the most emblematic places of this place is the Mamoré River, as well as the Isiboro River, and the Bolivian Lagoon, where the tourist can find very abundant flora and fauna such as jaguars and deers, among others. This place is located in the area of Beni and Cochabamba and can be reached by plane or road. Many of Bolivia's national parks are located in the lush Amazon area. Photo via iStock / Getty Images Plus / DC_Colombia). Noel Kempff National ParkIn this extraordinary place the visitor can enjoy natural wonders such as the Fawcett Falls, and Rainbow Falls where, in addition to the beauty they offer, they are surrounded by fields with orchids, palm trees, and large rainforest vegetation. Some animals living in the region are jaguars, eagles, cougars, and snakes. To get there visitors can take a plane to the Autonomous Department of Santa Cruz, which shares territory with Brazil and Paraguay. Adblock test (Why?)

The warm Caribbean islands are known for their natural beauty, unique histories and foodie cultures, but none more so than Barbados. Considered by many to be the culinary capital of the region, the welcoming island has several reasons why it deserves the title.One reason dates back to the early 1700s – to 1703, to be exact. This year is when the Mount Gay distillery, believed to be one of the very first producers of rum in the world, first opened. Rum lovers and history buffs alike can still visit Barbados and its Mount Gay Rum is still produced on the island today.ADVERTISING Barbados is the birthplace of rum, a key ingredient in many tropical cocktails. (photo via BTMI) The spirit produced on the island is often considered some of the best in the world, and the island's history as the birthplace of rum certainly adds a personal significance to the its rum industry. Travelers can enjoy rum tastings and rum tours in Barbados. Foodies can also delight in some incredible dining experiences in Barbados. From romantic dinners on the beach by candlelight to a more immersive experience enjoying freshly caught seafood at Oistins Fish Fry, the island offers something for everyone’s palate. Guests can enjoy freshly caught fish the local way at Oistins Fish Fry. (photo via BTMI) The island also produces a lot of its own staples, such as fresh seafood, plantains and many other types of tropical fruit, like grapefruit. Travelers can visit Coco Hill Farms and learn about their efforts to promote farm-to-table cuisine on the island, and even participate in a voluntourism experience planting hardy vegetables like cassava and sweet potatoes.Barbados is also home to the annual Barbados Food and Rum Festival, held in autumn this year. Well-known international and local chefs participate in the four-day event, which includes fun events such as VIP dining experiences, food truck mashups, breakfast on the beach and much more.This year, the festival’s theme is “Feed the Future,” and will focus on empowering younger generations to participate in culinary careers, along with improving Barbados’ food security and empowering sustainable agriculture and food practices on the island.Travel advisors who’d like to learn more about the island and earn rewards for booking trips to Barbados can join the Barbados Elite Club for free. The Elite Club offers a specialist class for advisors and includes a points-earning system for trips booked in Barbados, which advisors can use to redeem rewards like FAM trips.For more information about the Barbados Elite Club, please click here. Don’t forget to check out Barbados’ official tourism website for all the best information on the island, its attractions and its entry requirements. Adblock test (Why?)

The Dominican Republic managed to reach the historic figure of 621,953 arrivals during August, surpassing those recorded during the same month of 2019, a pre-pandemic year, in which it received 124,563 visitors.President Luis Abinader and Tourism Minister David Collado agreed that the tourism industry is “better than ever” in the Dominican Republic and reported that if those figures are added to the 94,792 cruise passengers who visited the country last month, “we are talking about 716,745 visitors in August, something never seen,” said Collado.ADVERTISING Trending Now The arrival of foreigners represented a growth of 27 percent compared to 2019 and 11 percent compared to 2018, during the month of August, also the visits of ethnic groups registered an increase of 18 percent compared to August 2019 and 39 percent compared to the same month in 2018.Tourist arrivals by air last month also set a record, surpassing 2018, when 537,576 arrived, and 2019, when 497,390 arrived.Additionally, it was announced that from January to August, the Dominican Republic received 5.6 million people, 4.9 million tourists, and 755,818 hikers, representing a record for the country.Moreover, the Dominican Republic hopes to become an air hub to strengthen its aviation industry and lower airline ticket prices. To this end, the government offers Dominican airlines support to make the island their center of operations. Meanwhile, airlines pledge to lower fares and promote local tourism. Adblock test (Why?)

The Cayman Islands government has commissioned a cruise tourism strategy study to determine how the destination’s cruise traffic will develop after two years of pandemic-imposed inactivity and the scuttling of a multi-million dollar cruise port project.Speaking Tuesday at a Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) conference in Grand Cayman, Kenneth Bryan, the Cayman Islands minister of tourism, said the study “can be best described as a road map for redesigning our core approach” following the resumption this year of cruise ship calls at the destination.ADVERTISING “We recognize [cruise lines] are trying to make more money with larger ships, but we also want things [to proceed] in a particular way.” – Kenneth Bryan, Cayman Islands minister of tourism. Bryan said the Cayman Islands hosted 77 cruise ship calls carrying 213,000 passengers through March of this year. Cruise visitors represent the majority of the country’s leisure visitors, he said. For cruise lines, the Cayman Islands are a geographically crucial stop on western Caribbean itineraries.“In a typical year, cruise passengers make up 75 percent of our arrivals,” Bryan said, “so of course it’s important this sector develops in a manner that is cohesive and sustainable well into the future.”The Cayman cruise study “will focus more intently on quality facilities management” while protecting the country’s natural assets,” Bryan said. Trending Now The Cayman Islands has long been among the most-visited Caribbean cruise ports. In 2019 the country hosted 1.83 million cruise ship guests, third most among regional ports, according to CTO data.Nevertheless, the Cayman government voided a long-running proposal for a new cruise pier and passenger terminal in St. George’s harbor following protests from local citizens concerned the project would harm the harbor’s natural underwater environment.Cruise lines had backed the proposal, asserting that a land-based pier would support their plans to introduce ever-larger vessels in Caribbean ports. Cruise ships calling at St. George’s continue to anchor offshore and transfer passengers to land via tender vessels.“We have a wonderful relationship with our cruise sector partners, [but] everything is about relationships and respecting each other,” Bryan said. “We recognize [cruise lines] are trying to make more money with larger ships, but we also want things [to proceed] in a particular way.”He added, “I'm a representative of my people, and my people have said that the environment is more important to our country, from a sustainable perspective, than cruise itself. But that doesn't mean that we cannot do more things.”The Cayman government is working with cruise line representatives to discuss alternatives to a land-based port, said Bryan.“I'm having conversations with the cruise lines, and even if we have tendering, we can discuss making the process more comfortable by utilizing better tenders, making them luxurious and making them better able to dock at these ships,” he said.“Those things can be investigated because we know [cruise lines] are important to them and they are important us,” said Bryan.Nevertheless, he does not expect the government to green-light further cruise passenger growth. “Moving forward our goal is not to grow much more beyond 75 percent of arrivals] because we recognize our environment can only handle so much.”“My team and I are working hard to ensure our tourism product contributes to our economy and preserves our precious natural and cultural heritage, but most importantly creates an opportunity to display the beauty and friendliness of our people.”For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter. Adblock test (Why?)

There's the relaxation and calm before the storm of a blissful babymoon and then the more unpredictable travel that comes in the months and years after the arrival of a new child. The good news is that there are a handful of places across the country well-suited to accommodate travelers with infants and toddlers. A new study by Airport Parking Reservations examined every U.S. state on a variety of key factors for baby friendliness, including the percentage of hotels with access to family rooms, safety, the average annual temperature and the average annual precipitation in addition to the number of child-friendly activities to reveal the most baby-friendly destinations across America. The country as a whole is well-represented in the top 10, with states ranging from the Pacific Northeast to New England. Here's a look at how the very best shake out for 2022.  Adblock test (Why?)

VISIT FLORIDA, the official destination marketing organization for the state of Florida, has created three new episodes of its accessible travel in Florida series, “Limitless Florida,” available to watch now on YouTube and on the website’s Accessibility Hub.Originally created in 2021, the “Limitless Florida” series was created with six videos showcasing how residents with disabilities live and enjoy Florida’s many attractions. The campaign was created to show how travelers of any ability can enjoy visiting Florida and to provide helpful videos to go along with the DMO’s Accessibility Hub, which features travel guides for travelers with different abilities.The three new episodes focus on three different families with very different experiences. One episode features the Santiago-Rosado family and their daughter, Zoey. Having moved from Puerto Rico to Florida to provide a better life for their daughter, who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, the family enjoys blueberry picking at Southern Hill Farms in Clermont, Florida.[embedded content]In another episode, the Hartman family’s five-year-old son, Hunter, finds a perfect place for him to be himself: Dinosaur World, a Florida Certified Autism Center.The LeFors family in St. Augustine enjoys outdoor activities together at Princess Place Reserve in the third episode, communicating while diving, kayaking and biking using American Sign Language. Five of the eight members of their family are Deaf.“We are proud to expand this series to showcase the many wonders of Florida and how they can be enjoyed by visitors of all abilities,” said VISIT FLORIDA Chief Marketing Officer Staci Mellman. “We are on a mission to become the top destination for accessible travel in the world and this series helps us tell Florida’s story of being a warm and welcoming destination for all travelers.”For the latest travel news, updates and deals, be sure to subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter here. Adblock test (Why?)

Latin America offers great places to enjoy extraordinary sunsets. Its extensive geography includes beaches, mountains, and deserts where travelers can enjoy amazing views amid wonderful natural diversity.Here we dive into some of the most recommended places for photography lovers and those who seek to relax with the colors of nature at that special time of the day.ADVERTISINGMORE Destination & Tourism ChileChile's Easter Island offers not only one of the world's most emblematic archeological sites, with its colossal moai. These giant human-shaped stone statues tell the story of the Rapanui people and were created between the 13th and 16th centuries. It is also a great place to enjoy a remarkable sunset.One of the top places set up is located in the ceremonial complex of Tahai, an impressive site that perfectly combines the beauty of the Pacific Ocean with one of the most important archeological sites on the planet. This was a strategic place for the old inhabitants of the island because it has freshwater springs and is close to the sea, where they would fish.Another great place for sunsets in Chile is the stunning Atacama Desert. San Pedro de Atacama offers some of the most privileged views that visitors can find, such as the Laskar Volcano, the Aguas Calientes Volcano, and the Atacama Salt Flats. Here, tourists can get phenomenal photographs of the incredible nature of the area. The characteristics of the land, which consists of salt basins, and sand and lava flows, more than 20 million years old, make the red and ochre colors dominate the landscape and make it seem that the visitor is on another planet. The Atacama Desert in Chile is a place where visitors can enjoy great experiences, as well as beautiful views during sunset. (Photo via GAdventures ). The Atacama Desert is surrounded to the east and west by the Andes Mountains. The driest area of this region is near San Pedro de Atacama and Toconao, villages close to the famous ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array) observatory, a privileged place in the world to study outer space.ArgentinaLago Argentino is located in the Patagonian province of Santa Cruz. It is the largest freshwater lake in Argentina with an area of 870 square miles. On the shores of Lago Argentino photographers can find reserves of flamingos ducks and black-necked swans that live in this place and take advantage of the afternoon to bathe.It is one of the 20 deepest lakes in the world and has a main body, plus two long western arms that are framed within the Los Glaciares National Park where the Perito Moreno and Upsala glaciers drain. On the south bank of the lake is the city of El Calafate, the most popular tourist base for those who like to explore the region to take photographs, among other activities. The lakes and mountains of Patagonia offer spectacular views at the end of the day. (Photo via Collete). MexicoPlaya de Los Enamorados, in Los Cabos, has one of the best sunsets in Mexico, especially in the spot where tourists can see the rock called El Dedo de Neptuno surrounded by a blue sea. It is a beach in Los Cabos that visitors can only reach by boat and has white sand and jade-colored water that changes as the sun sets.In this place, tourists can enjoy fantastic sunsets at the same time as having experiences like kayaking, snorkeling, water taxi rides in the area of the iconic Arch, or glass-bottomed boats to enjoy the great marine diversity of the area. BoliviaSalar de Uyuni, in Bolivia, is the result of a dry prehistoric lake that left a large expanse of bright salt with rock formations and cactus-filled islands. Those who seek to achieve the best photographs of this majestic place do so in the rainy season because the panorama of the sky reflected in the water forms an incredible mirror effect that allows the best shots.Visitors can take tours of the desert, in special SUVs, accompanied by expert guides that include tasting local wines. The experience is complemented by a view of the landscape that changes color as the sun falls on the horizon because the terrain offers different tones due to the composition of the terrain, rich in minerals such as lithium, potassium, boron, and magnesium, among others. Visitors can take the Salar de Uyuni tours to photograph its incredible sunsets. (Photo Provided by GAdventures). UruguayColonia del Sacramento is located on the west coast of Uruguay. It is an extension of more than 29 acres that is considered a World Heritage Site for the high cultural value of its old buildings. The most popular places to enjoy the sunset are in the so-called Bastion of San Pedro indicated with a high mast and an anchor. Here visitors can enjoy the sunset on the Río de la Plata, with San Gabriel Island in the background.In this iconic place in Uruguay, visitors can walk the streets until they reach the Bullring, the Lighthouse of the Sacramento Colony, the Street of Sighs, the ruins of the San Francisco Convent, the Ciudadela Gate, as well as several beaches where they can enjoy the sunset, such as Playa Honda, Playa Ferrando, Playa de las Delicias and Playa del Rowing, among others. Adblock test (Why?)

The maximum expression of Guanajuato's bullfighting culture is back in Salvatierra. The Marquesada Festival will be held Friday and Saturday, October 28-29, 2022, where the artistic, cultural and culinary talent of the Magical Town will be on full display.For this edition, 30 artisans will exhibit their products for three days in the traditional artisan pavilion in Salvatierra's central garden.ADVERTISINGIn addition, the event will feature the culinary project "Marquesada Gastronómica." In this exhibition, Salvatierra's restaurant sector will delight attendees with dishes and cocktails inspired by the bravo culture. In addition, a gastronomic pavilion with gourmet proposals will be served by local and foreign establishments that will join this gastronomic festival. Music and culture will be present during the festival to create the ideal atmosphere to enjoy with family and friends. There will be an area for diners to enjoy their food with a capacity of 200 people.The fiesta brava will be lived to the fullest on Friday, October 28, in a night bullfight at the emblematic Plaza de Toros La Macarena, located in the heart of Salvatierra, with a first-class line-up. The culinary project 'Marquesada Gastronómica' will be launched in this edition where Salvatierra's restaurant sector will delight attendees. (Photo via Estado de Guanajuato) Performing Your Best CutoutsThe traditional running of the bulls will take place on Saturday, October 29, starting at the intersection of Hidalgo and 16 de Septiembre Streets, continuing along Madero Street, and ending on Benito Juarez Street, the bullring of the Plaza de Toros "La Macarena."For those who wish to participate in the running of the bulls, it is essential to register at the tables outside the City Hall on the day of the event. There the participants will receive a number and the participant registration access.At the end of the bull run, there will be a "Gran Capea," where bullfighting fans will have the opportunity to perform the best cutouts in the consecrated bullring of the "La Macarena" bullring. There will also be a charrería gala, where the national sport par excellence can be enjoyed to the fullest in the bullring.Cocktails will play an important role. Ten mixology consumption centers will be set up in the "Barra Brava," located in the Explanada del Carmen concert area, showcasing the fiesta brava's flavor with exclusive cocktails for the festival.The music will vibrate to the maximum in a gathering of DJs that will set the mood for the "Bull Party," offering a wide variety of musical genres on the stage installed in the Explanada del Carmen. Among enjoy the "corrida de toros", Guanajuato has delightful mezcal. (photo via Guanajuato) Huamantla - Salvatierra: Two Magical TownsHuamantla, Tlaxcala shares some traditions in common with Salvatierra. The main one is bullfighting as part of the culture and tradition that has been part of the history of both municipalities for several years. This year, Huamantla will be the guest of honor for a series of activities, including installing a monumental carpet on Juarez Street.In addition, there will be a temporary opening of Casa Huamantla, where attendees can find a series of Huamantlecos bullfighting articles and some of the main handicrafts. Finally, the spectacular closing of La Marquesada is expected with the stellar participation of Danna Paola Adblock test (Why?)

As the most popular destination in Mexico, Cancun offers its visitors a great variety of things to do beyond enjoying its gorgeous turquoise seas and white-sand beaches, with different sports and cultural options.Cancun is the right place to visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers since there are plenty of things to do. Visitors can dive or practice snorkeling in the cenotes nearby (limestone sinkholes) or enjoy the day on any of its 10 Blue Flag beaches along a 6,200-mile-long coastline, jet skiing, or parasailing.ADVERTISINGMUSA, the Underwater Museum of Art, is in the National Marine Park of Cancun and Isla Mujeres. It has more than 500 sculptures installed on the seabed distributed in three galleries: Manchones Gallery, in Isla Mujeres, where the sculptures are located 8 meters. (26 ft.) depth; Punta Nizuc Gallery and Punta Sam Gallery, both in Cancun, with sculptures at a depth of 4 meters. (13 ft.). Scuba divers swim around a sculpture at the Underwater Museum of Art. (photo via The Mexican Caribbean) In Cancun visitors are encouraged to lounge in the sun or spa or spend a day at one of its seven golf courses, admiring its gorgeous turquoise seas.The best option to feed the Instagram account is Playa Delfines Photographic Parador, where visitors will attest to the imposing Caribbean Sea.MORE Destination & Tourism For a taste of culture, there is the Mayan Museum of Cancun, home to hundreds of artifacts uncovered at some of the most prominent archeological sites on the Yucatan peninsula. There is also the option to check out the archeological sites that pepper the surrounding region, such as El Meco, El Rey, San Miguelito, Tulum, Cobá, and Muyil.A visit to Palapas Park is a must. Located in the heart of the city, just a few blocks from Mercado 28, tourists can eat Mexican snacks, get ice cream to relieve heat, buy hippie crafts, watch public shows or musical groups, and sometimes cultural shows.In Mercado 28, in the center of the city, visitors can find many Mexican souvenirs and handicrafts and typical restaurants with a perfect atmosphere.Hotels, restaurants, malls, and nightclubs line on either side of Boulevard Kukulkan, known as the Hotel Zone, which runs down the middle of the 15-mile-long sandbar. This is where visitors will find many of the city's all-inclusive hotels catering to families on vacation, couples on their honeymoon, and everything in between.Cancun is renowned for its delectable cuisine and is home to some of the best restaurants in the region. Here you can find a wonderful mix of authentic Mexican fare and laid-back restaurants downtown, as well as upscale Mexican and international cuisine throughout awarded restaurants and nightlife options, including restaurants that overlook the Caribbean Sea and the beautiful Nichupté Lagoon. Adblock test (Why?)