Tourism spending in 2023 is already expected to exceed $1.4 trillion globally, and may even exceed 2019 levels as Chinese travellers return to the road. Following two years of Covid-related restrictions, travel in 2022 nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels. International travel increased spending in world's most visited cities, contributing significantly to their recovery.
Hot cities and remote getaways are opening up in every corner of the globe. With data from Google and destination experts, finding your perfect trip is easier than ever. Here are a few places that can fulfill whatever you want most in a vacation, from outdoor adventure to delicious food to decadent nightlife.
Golf and Glow in St. Lucia
A record 39,000 visitors arrived in July alone. Cabot Saint Lucia will make its debut on a 375-acre peninsula on Gros Islet. Sugar Beach is a Viceroy Resort nestled in a lagoon surrounded by steep mountains and 100 acres of protected rainforest. The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority is inviting travelers to discover the island's more intimate and exclusive accommodations.
Go (Way, Way) Back in Time in Central Georgia
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park is a prehistoric riverfront site where the Muscogee Nation lived for more than 12,000 years. Macon's culinary scene is home to more than a dozen Black-owned restaurants, such as soul food institution H&H Restaurant and plant-based barbecue favorite Southern Vegan Soul Cafe. Capricorn Sound Studios and Museum memorializes the record label for Otis Redding, Al Green and the Allman Brothers.
See a New Toronto Every Time You Visit
The Nobu Residences Toronto is expected to open this summer in two 49-story towers erected atop the 128-year-old Pilkington Glass Factory. Israeli chef Eyal Shani will soon bring his veggie-forward Mediterranean fare to his first Canadian outpost, Miznon. In September, Michelin dropped its first Toronto guide, highlighting 13 star-worthy restaurants, including Kriss's Alo.
Rediscover Regal Relics in Madrid
Stunning refurbishments at the Mandarin Oriental Ritz and Marriott's Edition have all been completed in the last two years. Independent chefs are leaving tapas and Iberico ham in the dust in an attempt to challenge perceptions of local flavors. At Bugao, chef Hugo Ruiz serves up inventive dishes with seafood fished from the Strait of Gibraltar.
Take a Fresh Look at Modern Edinburgh
Gleneagles Townhouse, a long-awaited follow-up to its sister country estate in Perthshire, opened in June. Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is restoring the mid-19th century India Buildings with all the flash and crimson flair the brand is known for. The 214-room W Hotel Edinburgh will be part of the 1.7 million-square-foot TH Real Estate development, bringing shopping, restaurants and entertainment to the upscale St James Quarter.
Party-Hearty in Thumping Dubai
Atlantis the Royal, a long-awaited ultraluxury beachfront resort, is expected to open in February. A-list chefs Heston Blumenthal and José Andrés are on board. Côte d'Azur Monaco promises 24/7 festivities on man-made archipelago the World. Terra Solis, a 21-and-over desert resort outside Dubai from music fest host Tomorrowland, has two restaurants.
Where are you planning to go this year? What are your favourite luxury stops to return to?
