Editor's Note: Sign up for Unlock the worldCNN Travel's weekly newsletter. Get the latest on aviation, food, places to stay and other travel-related happenings.
CNN
—
In journey This week's news: alcohol-free bars are booming, the unexpected benefits of traveling with kids, and countries with booming tourism economies.
The United States is the world's largest travel and tourism market, contributing a record $2.36 trillion to the national economy in 2023, a new record. report This was revealed by the industry body World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
It has been a difficult year for tourism globally, with protests across Europe and local communities speaking out against damage to their environment and way of life. This week, New Zealand triple its tourist tax and Rome is considering limiting access to the famous Trevi Fountain.
“However, not only is the travel and tourism sector back on track, it is also on the verge of unprecedented growth,” says Julia Simpson, WTTC CEO. And tourism will continue to be a major driver of global economies.
China is the world's second largest market, contributing $1.3 trillion to its GDP, followed by Germany, Japan and the United Kingdom.
France, the most popular destination in the world in terms of actual number of visitorsis in sixth place for 2023, but those numbers could jump for 2024 thanks to the Paris Olympics.
Congratulations to the US on their success, but if you're looking to avoid the crowds at Disney World, Yellowstone and the rest, here's 25 Underrated Destinations still under the radar of mass tourism.
Food and Beverage Trends
Sober bars that serve non-alcoholic drinks are opening all over the United States, and some say they're redefining nightlifeHere's why mocktails aren't just for the designated driver.
And it seems that the best thing to liven up a coffee is not a little whiskey but a spoonful of salted cream. Yes, Vietnamese Specialty Coffees are gaining popularity around the world. So, choosing salt over sugar may not be the mistake you think.
Finally, if you are visiting friends in Japan, it is best to ask your local contact to order at the restaurant.
Foreigners have flocked to the country thanks to the weak yen, and many business owners have resorted to charge tourists a different price to the locals. Today, restaurants in Lisbon, the tourist capital of Portugal, do it too.
Margaret Bensfield Sullivan and her husband Teddy never saw the point in traveling with their young children. Then the New York family hit the road for a year and discovered it involved unexpected benefits.
Travel adventures can start at any age. “Grandma Joy” Ryan didn’t get a passport until she was 91, but a year after becoming the oldest person to visit all 63 U.S. national parks, she went on a road trip new global challenge with his grandson Brad Ryan.
If you're a parent raising a future globetrotter, our partners at CNN Underscored, a CNN-owned product review and recommendation guide, have put together this guide 15 Best Travel Strollersaccording to experts.
At 150 years old, find out why this luxury train is still worth the trip
The Caledonian Sleeper is Britain's oldest sleeper train service, taking travellers from the hustle and bustle of London to the wilds of the Scottish Highlands. This is what it looks like on board.
An airline's new first-class seats are so heavy they have to rebalance its planes.
And that was before the super-rich put their crowns in the overhead compartments.
She reconnected with a holiday adventure from more than 15 years ago.
What happened next? was unexpected.
An Austrian man has been arrested for having sex at a Japanese shrine.
This is not the first time that people have been arrested for disrespect. places of worship.
It's “the best time of year to go just about anywhere.”
