Ready to know more about the top luxury accommodations for a five-star getaway in Bora Bora, French Polynesia? The island is renowned for its endless crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, lagoon, and picturesque views. The luxury accommodations include the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa, InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, and Conrad Bora Bora Nui. These resorts offer a range of amenities such as private plunge pools, fitness centers, tennis courts, water sports, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, spa treatments, private dining, and they also provide beautiful views of the island's natural beauty and marine life.
Venture Tahiti has been quoted in a recent Forbes Magazine article by Senior Contributor, Christopher Elliot. We have included an excerpt inside. "This Is How To Stay Safe When You Travel After The Pandemic" - "A lot of people who want to stay safe while traveling during the coronavirus pandemic use other criteria to choose their destination — exciting, fun, or cheap. Mostly, cheap. That's a mistake, says Keith Smith, managing director of Venture Tahiti." A great way for travelers to stay safe as they begin traveling again is to be thoughtful and selective about their early destination choices," he told me. "I recommend traveling to destinations that have purpose-built health and safety protocols designed specifically for the resumption of incoming tourism." These protocols consider vaccinated or immune travelers and travelers complying with disciplined testing and entry requirements. If your intended destination has them, you can feel safer. Smith says places like Tahiti have been at the forefront of these purpose-built health and safety protocols, which allows visitors to not just feel safer, but to be safer."
Travelers should not scoff at other people's inflight habits, as the cramped and often undignified nature of flying makes it essential to make the experience more comfortable. Instead of sniggering at someone trying to make their flight comfortable, passengers should emulate them by creating their own version of business class. The author suggests packing a large scarf, all-purpose cream, a temperature-preserving bottle, a foot hammock, an eye mask, and noise-canceling headphones. Passengers should also consider downloading a meditation session or soothing podcast to help them relax.
Stefanie Waldek shares her personal experience of cruising through French Polynesia on Windstar's Star Breeze ship. She highlights the ship's luxurious decor and friendly staff and raves about the natural beauty of French Polynesia, including the crystal-clear waters and lush vegetation. Stefanie particularly enjoyed the many opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking and snorkeling, and notes the delicious food and exceptional service on board the ship. Overall, she highly recommends Windstar's Star Breeze for anyone seeking a luxurious and immersive experience while exploring the stunning islands of French Polynesia.
Windstar Cruises has launched SpaceX's Starlink internet service on its Star Pride vessel during a Caribbean voyage, with plans to introduce it to other ships in its fleet. Windstar aims to add Starlink to most of its fleet worldwide by mid-2023, starting with Star Legend this spring, followed by Wind Surf, Wind Star, and Star Breeze. Wind Spirit will activate the new technology as soon as it's available in French Polynesia. According to Windstar's technology director, Gregg Wagner, Starlink will offer faster speeds, alleviating the frustration felt at peak use times.
Paul Gauguin Cruises has announced its plans for 2024, which include launching new itineraries and adding new ports in French Polynesia and the South Pacific. The new 14-night Islands of the Marquesas & Tuamotus voyage will feature five calls in the Marquesas, including two new ports. Paul Gauguin will offer seven itineraries on 33 all-inclusive journeys ranging from seven to 14 nights, sailing roundtrip from Papeete, with the exception of one itinerary that sails between Papeete and Lautoka, Fiji.
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As international tourist arrivals approach pre-pandemic levels, 2023 is expected to be a major rebound year for the travel industry. New and exciting international airline routes are being launched, and carriers are expanding their route networks, making it a great year for travel. Delta launched a new nonstop service from Los Angeles to Papeete, Tahiti, three times per week in December 2022, making it easier for travelers to visit the South Pacific archipelago.
The Gauguin continues to charm travelers worldwide, enticing couples, honeymooners, families, nature lovers, and adventure-seekers to discover the wonders of French Polynesia with one-of-a-kind expertise, artful authenticity, and all-inclusive excellence. As the Gauiguin celebrates its 25th year, they expressed how incredibly grateful they are to their loyal guests and valued travel partners for their continued devotion to Paul Gauguin Cruises. Look forward to a year of nostalgic celebration and new discovery with Paul Gauguin Cruises.
Been dreaming of a bucket list getaway to French Polynesia? With United MileagePlus miles, you can use them to pay for your initial far-flung journey — and we’re not just talking about your travel essentials. You can even fly directly from the US because United Airlines flies nonstop on the nearly nine-hour flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Papeete, Tahiti (PPT). Award prices on this route vary widely, so you’ll want to shop around for availability and costs by date.
What could be more romantic than a tropical island getaway? A cruise to Tahiti and Bora Bora offers an immersive experience with an overwater bungalow, crystal clear waters, and lush vegetation resulting in unspoiled beauty. The Paul Gauguin cruise line is custom-purposed for the most well-known islands of the South Pacific. Couples will find adventure or relaxation with the many shore excursions available on this exciting cruise line.
Bora Bora is the ultimate destination for couples looking for a true tropical paradise. There is so much to do and see, whether it be taking a stroll along the beach or exploring underwater adventures. The overwater bungalows, crystal clear waters, and lush vegetation make it the ultimate setting for romance.
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Travel to the beautiful Tikehau island in French Polynesia. It's one of the 16 best island vacations in the world to visit. Its remoteness means you'll be close to nature, and will enjoy pristine beaches - crystal clear waters and an abundance of fish and coral reefs that you can enjoy from an overwater bungalow.
Entry Procedures for French Polynesia have been simplified once again. To help clarify these new requirements, Tahiti Tourisme has released, and subsequently updated, an Infographic PDF. As this information is still being refined, we have linked to the source document on Tahiti Tourisme's website below. This document was last updated on August 5, 2022.Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Resources page for more detailed information on the specific requirements and remaining testing protocols to see which apply to you.If you are a Venture Tahiti client and are unable to comply with the new protocols before your travel dates arrive, please contact your Tahiti Specialist to reschedule under our Book with Confidence policy.
The Tahiti Travel Specialists at Venture Tahiti have recently introduced a comprehensive online guide providing resources for travel during the pandemic. In our COVID-19 Travel Resources, you will find a real-time COVID-19 travel update, answers to Frequently Asked Questions, new COVID-19 travel protocols introduced by the United States, French Polynesia and the airlines, and recent news articles related to international travel during the pandemic. You can also find suggestions on what to take with you as well as many health and safety protocols introduced by the hotels and resorts in Tahiti.
For more details, click for a link to the source article.
The government of French Polynesia has just announced that they will accept a specific type of Antigen Test as an alternative to the RT-PCR test for entry into Tahiti. The RT-PCR test has been in place since July 2020. As mentioned in our French Polynesia COVID-19 Entry Protocols, the Antigen test must detect the "N" protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This test should prove to be more widely available, be less expensive, and produce faster results.
In response to the new regulations, requirements and entry protocols updated and clarified by the authorities in French Polynesia on April 22, 2021, Air Tahiti Nui has updated the guidance provided on their website. We have provided a helpful updated summary of Air Tahiti Nui's policies in our Tahiti Travel Tip called, "Air Tahiti Nui | COVID-19 Policies & Protocols". It is also found in our COVID-19 Travel Resources section. Air Tahiti Nui's source documents can be found through the link above or below.
An interview by Travel Pulse with Kristin Carlson, Managing Director of Tahiti Tourisme. Kristin provides timely answers on travel to Tahiti under the new Entry Protocols.
Does Travel Insurance cover COVID-19? What exactly is covered? Which policy should I buy? These are questions we are often asked at Venture Tahiti. The professionals at Yonder Insurance have put together a nice summary of how Travel Insurance companies treat COVID-19 related issues. Click the link above or below for the details. If you are interested in comparing policies for yourself, click here. You can also learn more about Travel Insurance in our article titled, "Should I buy Travel Insurance".
French Polynesia is listed by Travel Pulse as one of the safest countries to visit this summer. This is based on recent CDC travel recommendations. Tahiti reopened to US travelers in May and touts some of the lowest levels of COVID-19, globally. French Polynesia continues to lead the way in the global reopening efforts.
Inside Hook takes a look at how Overwater Bungalows have changed travel forever.
Once again, our friends at Air Tahiti Nui win Gold in the Business Traveler In-Flight Wine Awards. This year it is for Best Business Class White Wine, Best Business Class Sparkling Wine, and Best Business Class Cellar. They also brought home a "Highly Commended" for the Best-Presented Business Class Wine List. Click the link below to learn more.
Upon the reopening of the resort, Luxury Travel Magazine recognizes The Brando's "enhanced" dedication to Holistic Wellness. The new offerings of the Varua Te Ora Spa at The Brando are designed to "tap into the power of one’s physical and spiritual senses for a much-needed mind, body, and soul realignment".
The Brando has been recognized as a hotel making waves with World's Ocean's Day Initiatives by Luxury Travel Magazine. The Brando, and its parent company Pacific Beachcomber, along with the Tetiaroa Society have long been champions of the environment. The Brando is one of the few truly luxurious resorts that is also eco-friendly.
Have you been on the edge of your seat waiting for Cruising to come back? Look no further than Paul Gauguin to get your cruising fix in the paradise of French Polynesia. AFAR gives a great overview of the "something for everyone" Islands of Tahiti cruise.
Tahiti Tourisme teams up with AFAR Journeys once again for a custom designed itinerary featuring the "Big Three"...Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. This itinerary hits all the major sites and features 2 of our favorite resorts, the Sofitel Kia Ora Beach Resort and The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort. We are very glad they included a stop at the sumptuous Villa Mahana as well!
The High Commissioner and President of French Polynesia have announced a temporary restriction for the Society Islands from August 23rd through September 6th. Resorts remain open and travelers can still travel between accommodations in their itineraries. However, they will need to remain on resort property during their stay. You can read the full press release through the links above and below. You can also find more updates on our COVID-19 Travel Update.
Manoi oil is one of the most precious products made in our beloved French Polynesia. Our friends at Pearl Resorts have taken Manoi oil to a new level with their island-theme scents. Bring some back home with you and you can always been taken away (at least mentally) to that special place in the South Pacific.
US News recently released its annual "Best Vacation Destinations". We are pleased to see Bora Bora as number 3 and Tahiti as number 4 in the Top 5 World's Best Places to Visit! Press release is linked below. For the full rankings, visit the following: https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/worlds-best-vacations/.
The Brando continues to rack up accolades. The luxury resort was listed as number 4 in Luxury Travel Expert's Top 10 Most Exclusive Private Island Resorts in the World. Click below for the full list.
Inflation is impacting several sectors of the economy. Is it happening in travel as well? According to CNBC, airfare and hotel rates are rising as demand for vacations rise and COVID-19 cases fall. Book now for travel next year and lock in current rates!
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort unveiled two new Special Offers to celebrate the reopening of Tahiti - "The Ultimate Bora Bora Reset" starting at $19,500 USD per night, and the "Work From Bora Bora" special.
Travel + Leisure agree that a workcation should be in your future. This article features the many resorts offering extended stay specials right now in Tahiti. Check out the article, then give us a call to help you set up your office in paradise.
Marlon Brando, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kim Kardashian, Ancient Tahitian Kings... they've all considered Tetiaroa a home away from home at one time or another.
Get ready to hear more about this topic, The Workcation. Millions of Americans are getting a little tired of working from home. For a change of scenery, many hotels in French Polynesia are offering extended stay discounts and making setting up a remote office in the islands, easier than ever before.
Need a little romance in your life? Bora Bora and Moorea make Travel + Leisure's Top 25 List for the Most Romantic Islands in the World. Grab you significant other and head over for some much needed R&R (Romance and Relaxation).
Getting married in the fall? September is the perfect time for a honeymoon. According to Upscale Living, Bora Bora is one of the Top 5 Destinations for a September Honeymoon. Take a look at a few of our recommended Honeymoon packages for some inspiration.
Atlas Obscura dives in to the wonder, history and culture of one of our favorite atolls/ islands, Tetiaroa.
Lists, lists, and more lists. Venture Tahiti has made the Entry Requirements for Tahiti easier with our own Pre-Flight Checklist. But, Travel + Leisure have provided another list - The TOP 25 Things to do Before Your Flight! There are some great tips inside.
French Polynesia is open once again and the planes are lining up on the taxi way to get you there. An increasing number of flights are coming online as the opening ramps up. Click below for the full article by Travel Weekly. For more information on flights offered by Air Tahiti Nui, United Airlines, French Bee, and Air France, see our Tahiti Travel Tips article called, "How to Get There | Flights to Bora Bora and Tahiti".
The world is slowly reopening and travel is coming back...but, the new COVID-19 rules and protocols can get confusing. According to Travel Pulse, the biggest mistake travelers are making right now is not consulting with a Travel Specialist or Advisor. At Venture Tahiti, we work with clients in many different ways...
We often have clients use points or miles to book part of their stay or their international flights. Bora Bora remains on the list of one of the most exclusive destinations where this is possible.
During the recent, temporary border closure, Venture Tahiti was featured in TravelAge West's article on the impact of COVID-19 on Tahiti tourism.
The President of French Polynesia has announced that Tahiti will reopen on May 1st. After discussions with Emmanuel Macron, President of France, the table is set to reopen based on new Entry Protocols that are forthcoming. "We are going to put in place a protocol at the entry of our borders using virological testing, serological testing, vaccine and ETIS (Electronic Travel Information System). We will explain this protocol in detail with the High Commissioner in the coming days”. - Edouard Fritch, President of French Polynesia
You may not be ready to travel, but you should be ready to book your future trip to take advantage of the current special offers in the marketplace. Bloomberg travel writer explores destinations exhibiting extraordinary value, including Bora Bora.
On Wednesday, April 7, 2021, after meetings with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, the President of Tahiti has announced that Macron does indeed approve of Tahiti reopening its borders on May 1, 2021. Macron is satisfied with how French Polynesia has managed the COVID-19 crisis. More details on Entry Protocols to follow.
You don't have to be independently wealthy and buy out a private island resort to experience "private travel". Now more than ever, private travel moments are becoming more accessible and more popular among travelers. From airport lounge access to private tours to private airport transfers, the luxury of private travel is within reach. Feel free to ask your Venture Tahiti Specialist about ways to enhance your trip with more private experiences that won't break the bank.
Travel insurance policies are adapting to the new world of travel protocols, including COVID-19 testing and potential quarantine. AIG has introduced a new optional rider that would cover the accommodations expense incurred should you test positive for Coronavirus prior to returning to the United States. We encourage you to carefully consider the inclusions and coverage of several insurance offerings prior to making a decision on which policy to buy. Yonder Insurance makes it very easy to compare and contrast the policies and pricing of major carriers.
Conde Nast explains why a good Travel Specialist is more important now than ever before. (We happen to agree.)
We wouldn't be in this business if we didn't enjoy helping dreams come true. Travel + Leisure features staying in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora (specifically, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort) as one of their top 5 bucket list dream trips. Your dreams can come true and we'd be glad to help.
Bora Bora is consistently regarded as one of the top Honeymoon destinations in the world. Salon Prive Magazine includes Bora Bora at the top of their list of 11 destinations.
Millions of Americans plan to get revenge on this horrible pandemic by taking amazing trips and getting back to enjoying life over the next few years. Bora Bora is among the top 10 destinations trending for the first post-pandemic trip.
The President of Tahiti suggests this latest border closure should only last 2-3 months. Tahiti has seen much improvement in their COVID trends and has implemented excellent protocols and standards for tourism during the pandemic. With this latest border closure being mandated for all French Territories, the President of Tahiti is stressing the importance of keeping this closure to no more than 2-3 months. Tahiti depends on tourism to survive. A closure longer in duration than 2-3 months would have a devastating effect on the nation's economy and citizens. Expectations are that the borders will be open for travel in April or early May.
COVID-19 has taken down its share of businesses and hotels worldwide. Unfortunately, the InterContinental Resort & Spa Moorea is on the list and has closed permanently. Thank you for the memories InterConti Moorea. We will miss you.
Parade has assemble quite an all-star list of places to "Vacay Like the Stars!". The St. Regis Bora Bora ant The Brando make well-deserved appearances on the list.
The CDC has now mandated that all passengers must wear masks on public transportation - Effective Immediately. Most transportation providers were making sure of this already, but now its official.
Lucky number 21... There are plenty of Top 25 lists and Top 10 lists, Conde Nast Traveler has introduced "The 21 Most Romantic Places to Stay in the World" and The Brando made the cut!
As of February 3, 2021, French Polynesia will once again close its borders to temporary. This is a mandate passed down from France and is not indicative of the positive trends that Tahiti has been showing with regard to COVID-19. All French Territories must comply. We have been told this is a very temporary measure and expect borders to reopen by May 1st, if not sooner.
Got the lockdown blues? Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora has announced a nice array of benefits for guests who stay a while. New tiers of benefits are reached with stays of 10, 20 and 30+ nights. We'll take the 30 night plan, please!
Want a behind the scenes look at one of our favorite resorts? The Brando is featured in the BBC's "Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby".
We have been watching the ELYT Charter Floating Villa/ Luxury Solar Powered Houseboat very closely as it has been developed. Deservedly so, it has made its way to Secret Manchester's list of 8 "Seriously Lavish" getaways and it hasn't even opened for business yet. It is set to anchor in the Bora Bora lagoon on August 1, 2021. Let us know if you'd like to make a pre-opening reservation. They are currently offering 30% off.
For some people a postcard or a Tahitian Black Pearl is enough. But, for others, and you know who you are, souvenirs have to be over the top. Well, this one lasts for ever (and it looks pretty cool). Our friends onboard The Aranui 5 have you covered.
It wouldn't be the 25 Best Island Beaches in the World without Matira Beach in Bora Bora. Conde Nast Traveler gets it right again. What a great beach!
The travel writers at Forbes have put together a true bucket list of Outrageous Villas that you must visit when you are able to travel again. The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort's exclusive "Royal Estate" made this very special list of only 6 properties. The full article is available through the link.
Travel + Leisure examines some of the issues surrounding Vaccine Passports. Are they the way of the future?
In November of 2020, Travel + Leisure put out a nice article titled, "What It's Like to Travel to Bora Bora During the Pandemic, According to an American Who Went". For those of you wondering what the experience may be like with social distancing and new protocols in place, this is a nice piece to read. Please keep in mind this was prior to the new Entry Requirements that will go into effect on May 1, 2021.
For more details, click for a link to the source article.
Conde Nast Traveler put out a nice piece, albeit "Pre-COVID", called "The 12 Best Travel Insurance Policies and Why You Need Them". We think the common themes in the article still ring true and all travelers should be well-versed on Travel Insurance. In our Tahiti Travel Tips piece called, "Should I Buy Travel Insurance", we recommend using Yonder Travel Insurance to compare and price major travel insurance policies that best fit your individual needs. It is a great tool and available through this link. Yonder also gives back to the global community. With every travel insurance policy sold, they donate a week of meals to vulnerable children in need in Nepal and Southeast Asia.
We are huge fans of the Four Seasons Bora Bora's recent makeover, especially its enhanced Beachfront Villa Estates. Hospitality.net gives an update on the recent renovation. You can also read a detailed overview and recommendations in our Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora page in our "Best Hotels and Resorts" section of this website.
BRIDES magazine has published a Top Ten List of the Best Fiji and Tahiti Honeymoon Resorts. We think their Tahiti recommendations are spot on for the most part. Please visit our lists of, "The Best Overwater Bungalows in Bora Bora" and "The Best Overwater Bungalows in Tahiti", found in our Tahiti Travel Tips section for similar analysis and recommendations. You can see our full list of favorite resorts in Bora Bora and the Islands of Tahiti in our Tahiti & Bora Bora Hotels and Resorts section. If you are interested in learning more about the Fiji resorts mentioned or our view of the top hotels and resorts in The Fiji Islands, visit our sister site, Venture Fiji.
It has been a while since French Polynesia had a brand new hotel constructed. At the moment, three are in the works on the main Island of Tahiti, Bora Bora and a new 5 Star property on Taha'a expected to be completed in 2026. We can't wait.
My New Orleans published a nice article featuring a recent honeymoon stay at Le Tikehau and Le Bora Bora sister properties owned by our friends at Pearl Resorts of Tahiti. We agree, French Polynesia is the BEST place to practice social distancing.
Departures Magazine recently published an article featuring one of our favorite resorts, The Brando. Please see the link above or below for Departures' article titled, "13 of the World’s Best Private Island Resorts Perfect for a Secluded Getaway". You can read more about The Brando on our Tetiaroa Island page and our dedicated overview of The Brando.
CEO World has put together a list of "The Best Honeymoon Destinations From Around The World". Guess where two out of the seven are located?
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Le Meridien Bora Bora announced they will be closing for a significant refurbishment project expected to take 18-24 months. While we are sad we won't get to share this wonderful property with clients in the meantime, we can't wait to see the finished product. For more information on Le Meridien, including why we like it so much, visit our dedicated Le Meridien Bora Bora page.
Le Bora Bora's new solar powered boat is making a big splash. To experience this eco-friendly, sustainable water-craft, book some time at Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts. It's one of our favorites and a great value. Check out their current special offers if you need some convincing.
Was your Air Tahiti Nui flight cancelled due to COVID-19? Please click the link below for Air Tahiti Nui's COVID-19 Flight and Rebooking Information. Also visit our COVID-19 Travel Resources page for helpful articles as well.
Need another reason to visit The St. Regis Bora Bora? If you're a Marriott loyalist, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort has made the list of the "Five best Marriot resorts in beachside locations".
Forbes Travel Guide has recently added both The Brando and The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort to its exclusive 5 Star Hotel List. Need we say more?
Ok, we like The Points Guy. They have some excellent writers and usually throw some nice compliments out to Bora Bora and The Islands of Tahiti. In this recent piece, they include French Polynesia as one of the six locations that you really need to book at least a year in advance. We agree. The sooner the better when it comes to a Bora Bora vacation or Tahiti Honeymoon.
Travel + Lesiure has published their view of the Top 5 Resort Hotels in the South Pacific. We are not surprised that four of them are found in French Polynesia. Our list would be a bit different, but we do like each of the resorts in Tahiti that they have chosen. Visit our article on "The Best Overwater Bungalows in Bora Bora" and "The Best Overwater Bungalows in Tahiti" for a recent ranking by our Award-Winning Tahiti Specialists.
After a recent visit, Living Magazine published a nice tribute to Bora Bora, "Jewel of the South Seas".
The Travel Channel has put together a short little article on Bora Bora.
The exotic Islands of Tahiti have won Travel Pulse's Travvy Award for the "Best Destination Overall" for 2020. We are not surprised. Once you visit, you will agree!
Forbes provides a nice list of the Best Resorts in Tahiti. It's so hard to narrow it down to a top 5 as people have different tastes and preferences, but we think they made some great choices. Let us know if you want us to plan an itinerary for you featuring one or more of these great resorts.
COVID-19 has definitely been unprecedented. It has created a lot of new "firsts". Unfortunately, most of them have been negative. We do have a fun "first" to share with you though. Air Tahiti Nui has set the world's record for the longest non-stop flight with paying passengers as they ferried French nationals back home at the onset of the pandemic. This first flight non-stop from Tahiti to Paris covered 9,765 miles in 15 hours and 45 minutes.
Are you in the mood for love? One of our favorite places to stay, The Brando, makes Conde Nast's List of the 21 Most Romantic Places to Stay. Surprise your loved one with a trip of your own. We'd be glad to help.
Travel Pulse details the steps necessary, including testing and entry requirements, when traveling to French Polynesia during COVID-19.
French Polynesia advances protocols and safety measures to lead to a July 15, 2020 reopening to tourism. This makes Tahiti one of the first countries to reopen to travelers. Forbes lays out the details.
If you could fill your Bucket List with only 7 things, the writers at Pink Villa believe staying in an Overwater Bungalow in Bora Bora is one of the things you must do before you die. We happen to think that is a great idea.
Both Tahiti and Bora Bora make the list of the World's Best Places to Visit, according to CEO World.
Recent research study by ILTM finds that restarting the $2.05 trillion luxury travel market (worldwide) will be critical to the post COVID-19 economic recovery of many world nations.
