Jan. 8, 2016 – Jan. 10, 2016
By Terri Hirsch
The 2016 New York Times Travel Show opened its doors at the Jacob K. Javits Center Friday, Jan. 8, 2016, Saturday, Jan. 9, and Sunday, Jan. 10 featuring more than 500 exhibitors, representing 150 countries with on-site deals and offers, travel seminars, stage performers, book signing by notable writers, the Taste of the World culinary pavilion and a “Kids Kitchen” for children of all ages. The five cultural stages and performances all week-end took visitors on a whirlwind trip around the globe and the New York Passport Agency invited attendees to snap a selfie with a giant passport to see what the next generation of passports will look like.
Wellness Travel made its debut at this year’s Show with special wellness travel features which included a Wellness Discovery Path, a Relaxation Lounge, A Best Life Stage and a Get Fit Zone.
Cruising through the New York Times Travel Show were the Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity, Crystal and MSC Cruises plus the River Cruises AMA Waterways, Avalon Waterways, Hurtigruten and Variety. Cruising has become a popular selection for family reunions or the family vacation of a lifetime, while river cruises are growing in popularity. Cruise ships were once considered a mode of transportation to get to a desired destination. Today, for many, a cruise ship offers the experience of a destination. Specialty cruise lines are responding with yachting, experiences, concierge service, exclusive tours, gourmet dining and personal butler service.
Taste of the World presented a culinary delight “bunny chow” at South African Tourism, pink shrimp by Visit Florida and a Taste of Taiwan. Kids Kitchen Host Chief Bill Yosses and special guest Chief Maria Loi kicked off the weekend with a cooking class while the world famous Super Chefs team made dim sum delights. Food network star and author Ellie Krieger shared Tuscan Lentil and Macaroni Salad.
Winners of its 2016 Exhibitor Award on the final day of the Show – Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016 were:
. Best in Show: Turkish Culture and Tourism Office
. Rookie of the Year: Go Touch Down Travel and Tours
. Most Interactive: Destination Canada
. Best 10’ x 10’ Booth: Flight 001
. The People’s Choice: Mexico Tourism Board
. Most Imaginative: Curacao Tourist Board
. Best Show Service: It’s Easy Passport Visa Services
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) currently deploy 170 river cruise ships with 18 new river ship on order for 2016. CLIA’s mission is to support policies and practices for a safer, secure and healthy cruise ship environment for more than 23 million passengers who cruise annually, as well as to promote the value, desirability and affordability of the cruise vacation experience. For more information, visit: www.cruising.org
The New York Times Company (NYSE:NYT) is a global media organization dedicated to enhancing society by creating, collecting and distributing high-quality news and information. The company includes The New York Times, International New York Times, NYTimes.com, INYT.com and related properties. For more information: www.NYTimes.com/TravelShow
Bannerman Castle 2016 Seasonal Tours & Special Events, Beacon/Newburgh, NY- Begin April 30th