I am so thankful the United States opened up to vaccinated travelers. I cannot understand the delay, but it is time to look forward rather than reflect on the past. Twenty months of restrictions is a long time to hold back friends and family, business travelers and developers who help make this country the greatest it can be.
I am excited as we return to The Peninsula Beverly Hills on Dec. 14 to celebrate the 18th anniversary of the GT Tested Reader Survey awards. We last held the in-person gala in December 2019, not imagining what would happen in March 2020 and through the entire year and most of this year.
Travel is back strong, though, and having traveled a lot domestically through this time, I now look forward to more trips internationally. The speedy development of vaccines has proved our road to recovery — the way out and essential for continued growth. Airlines are banking on a boom with overseas travelers able to come into the United States; we do not operate on a one-way basis, so this change should result in more flights and opportunities.
I want to thank all the winners of the GT Tested awards and particularly those who won for multiple years and those who entered the Quint (five years), Hall of Fame (10 years) and Crystal (15 years) levels. Some of our honorees — Asiana Airlines, United MileagePlus and Chicago O’Hare International Airport — won for an unprecedented 18 years. Congratulations to all the winners. Remember, this month marks the opening of 2022 awards voting!
As the year closes, I find myself traveling domestically as our business returns to normal.
November and December saw trips to our offices in Sarasota, to Orlando for the return of the GBTA convention and a trip to see the fine people at Visit Savannah.
Our Globility subscriber board members continue to take great international trips. Mike Russo keeps me posted on the improvements made to onboard cuisine during his KLM and Delta flights to Europe, and Eric Chiang made several trips, including a recent flight to Dubai to experience Emirates’ first-class service and take in the Dubai Expo.
Keep flying — it is only going to get easier and more exciting. Again, congratulations to all the GT Tested award winners!
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Apr 18, 2024Fort George Hotel & Spa Transforms Belize City from Gateway to Destination
Belize City is better known as a business center and a stop en route to Belize’s lush rural destinations, but Fort George Hotel & Spa promises to change things up and reframe the nation’s capital as a destination in its own right. Located in the city’s Fort George neighborhood, the hotel debuted as the first luxury hotel in Belize City, boasting sophisticated design, elevated culinary offerings, expansive guestrooms and an inspiring wellness program. The hotel also features a branded fitness center, plunge pool and K’IN Spa.
Sponsored Content
Share Your Travel Preferences with Global Traveler in a Short Survey & Win
Learning more about our readers’ travel habits and preferences ensures Global Traveler delivers the content you desire. As the travel industry has adapted and changed over the last few years, it’s more important than ever to connect. To best meet your short- and long-term travel content needs, please help us!
Daily
Apr 18, 2024Explore the Secrets of the Distant Stars with Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas’ New SKY Gurus
Have you ever looked up at the sky and questioned the mysteries of the universe? For travelers looking to learn more about the stars and their secrets, head to SKY at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas.
Daily
Apr 18, 2024Exclusive Golf and Tennis Itineraries from Kensington Tours
Kensington Tours recently announced a limited series of luxury itineraries centered on golf and tennis, including world-famous events like Wimbledon.
Sponsored Content
L’Ermitage Beverly Hills: A Discreet Hideaway Awaits
Nestled between the palm-lined boulevards of residential Beverly Hills, L'Ermitage evokes a sense of refined elegance and unparalleled service. This Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond haven continues to captivate discerning travelers and Angelenos with its unwavering dedication to personalized hospitality.
Bhutan
Apr 17, 2024Mindfulness City in Kingdom of Bhutan Unveiled as Future Economic Hub
In front of an audience of 30,000 Kingdom of Bhutan residents and officials, His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck presented his vision for a new economic hub in Bhutan. Located between India to the south and China to the north, Bhutan is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Bhutan came late to global tourism. It opened its borders to international visitors in 1974 and, while tourism definitely increased, residents are enduring “light” rush-hour traffic in Thimphu, its capital city, as the only Asian capital without traffic lights.
Amansara Review
eFlyer Reviews
Apr 17, 2024Regent Santa Monica Beach to Debut This Summer
Daily
Apr 17, 2024eFlyer Deals
Apr 17, 2024Birder’s Delight at Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa
Calling all bird lovers! Make for Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa in Mendocino, California, and book the all-new Birder’s Delight offer. Designed for nature enthusiasts, this offer takes two guests on a guided birdwatching excursion.
Sponsored Content
Why Buy Annual Travel Insurance?
One affordable plan can protect an entire year of trips: business or pleasure, short or long, domestic or international.
eFlyer Deals
Apr 17, 2024Love and Let Fly at Sandals, Beaches Resorts
On Feb. 24, American Airlines launched a new, nonstop flight (AA4407) to the Caribbean Riviera. To celebrate the new flight, Sandals and Beaches Resorts launched the Love and Let Fly offer, honoring both spring and a stronger connection between the Caribbean and U.S. travelers.
ShareThis