John Golicz is a veteran tourism industry expert and CEO of The Travel & Adventure Show, the largest series of travel trade shows in the United States.
When talking to Jetting Around, John shared his thoughts on general trends affecting travel and emerging urban destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
What are some current trends in city travel?
One of the interesting urban trends right now are second-tier cities here in the United States, typically starting to evolve around cuisine or things that go along with cuisine, like drinks or alcohol.
One of the hot spots is Louisville, Kentucky. It’s where you start the Bourbon Trail, and bourbon is red hot. Louisville has a great food scene, there are new hotels popping up, and you see a lot of young people moving into the city. It’s a happy place for drinks, food and fun, and it takes you to Americana.
Another place is Cleveland, Ohio. There is a lot of development downtown and repurposed buildings in the old industrial areas. It’s a hot trendy spot for young and old people alike. You’ve got the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame of course, but also tons of new museums and hotels. It’s a great, great foodie place to go, so Cleveland is seeing a lot of increased traffic these days.
In general, you see a lot of renaissance in these industrial towns of the past – as people come in, tech moves in, medical services grow, all those kinds of things.
What about international destinations?
I’m going to call it semi-international, because it’s so close to the US: Havana. Cubans are a friendly people, and you will find some sights, sounds and food that you can’t get anywhere else. If you can go, do it soon, before Cuba gets changed. It’s a race against the industry, building up the next tourism spot. All that is going to take 24-36 months.
Colombia is also up and coming. The political situation has become stable and you see some great cities there. Cartagena is wonderful – it’s the oldest port city in the Americas, you’ve got a Spanish and Afro-Cuban vibe going on there, some great new hotels, shops, and food. It’s a Baroque city that’s going to take you back in time, almost like in a movie.
One other place you want to look at is Pilsen, Czech Republic. Europe’s Capital of Culture 2015, it has a nice cultural vibe and lots of museums (also beer is made there). It’s another Baroque city, and you’re going to find the European atmosphere that takes you back to old movies again.
“Old World Europe” that you thought was gone is not. Kosovo, Slovenia etc. are really starting to pick up a lot of speed in tourism, as people go for value and a different sense of what Europe is all about.
Going forward, what other cities or regions are likely to gain momentum?
I’ve seen Taiwan growing in the past 4-5 years in terms of departures from the US.
It’s a beautiful island. You’ve got Taipei, which is full of modern culture, and the food scene there is just incredible. And you’re 2-3 hours by a fantastic train system to see different parts, e.g. coastal adventure towns on the east shore, which are exciting and yet to be really discovered and developed. You can go on the west side and get into the Oriental culture that gives you a taste of China without the hassle, i.e. smog and crowds.
Taiwan has a great golf scene going on, a great cycling scene, and adventure sports.
Can you think of general trends affecting travel these days?
You see more and more people, especially Millennials, traveling to discover foods and experiences that are meaningful to them. They’re very intuitive as far as the food and culture scene. It’s not that they don’t want to go to museums, but they’re more focused on theme trips (e.g. the Bourbon Trail).
There is also what I call the “on-demand travel” that’s starting to emerge. It’s because of the mobile device in your pocket. The phone knows what you like and offers you solutions. This trend is going to be hot in the next five years as technology comes along – all you need is going to be on that phone, even your passport and credentials. It’s going to change the way we travel.
Which of these cities would you like to visit? Can you think of any others likely to become popular? Leave a comment!
Kutaisi in Georgia could be a great industry tourist atraction city!
I need to look this up! Thanks, Martyna.
I would love to see Cuba before change, I was feeling that it’s the time, and John confirmed that for me – thanks!
Mona recently posted..Mężczyzna tylko na mnie spojrzy i chce mnie mieć – takie są fakty.
I’m with you on that, Mona!
Very informative article. I loved the fact that he mentions Colombia. Once you visit you will fall in love with it. Great job Pola!
Will Castillo recently posted..Wi-Fi hotspot device in Paris
Thanks, Will! I was glad to see Colombia too, as it’s next on my South American wish list. That layover at the Bogota airport a few years back doesn’t count… ;)
Taipei is one I would like to visit!
Charles McCool recently posted..8 Great Airbnb Advantages
Definitely. It sounds great the way John described it – such a mix of culture and outdoors.
Jetting Around recently posted..Fun at 14,000 feet: My first skydiving experience
Bourbon Trail it can be would be a short trip and end up on the first bottle
Ha, bringing a designated driver is not a bad idea. ;)
Intresting, but I don’t like cities. ;) I prefer rather small towns & lost villages.
Well, this is a city travel blog… ;) I like small towns too though.
I just meant cities are not friendly for hiking. It is not easy walking through modern city.
Qmoh w podróży recently posted..Côte-d’Or
Gotcha… Have you been to Boulder, Colorado? A great example of a mid-sized city connected to nature. It’s at the foot of the Rocky Mountains and has trails within city limits.
I think that Cambodia is going to be the new Thailand, so for city travellers Phnom Penh will be the new Bankgkok – it is somewhat inferior when it comes to infrastructure and culture, but it is also generally cheaper and nicer in every possible way and IMHO even the food is better.
Darek recently posted..Kino australijskie: Filmy biograficzne i historyczne
Good to know, Darek! I’m not very familiar with SE Asia, but it’s on my radar these days.
A great interview! We would love to visit Cuba before inevitable changes, but feel it’s soon too late. Hope we’ll get the chance next year or so.
Monica @ We Travel Together recently posted..Last Day in Africa – Lots of Fun!
I hear you, Monica! I’d love to visit this year or at the beginning of 2016, at the latest.
I’d love to visit Slovenia and go back to the Czech Republic, two beautiful destinations in Europe. Havana looks really lovely as well :)
Vlad recently posted..A Journey Through Northern Europe
Slovenia is one of my favorite European countries! I highly recommend Ljubljana (probably the coolest small capital) and Lake Bled in the Alps.
Jetting Around recently posted..Giveaway: Travel tote by Catrinka Project
Interesting interview! Good to know what’s going on globally with tourism nowadays. I’m eyeing a trip to Cuba this December too for the exact reason–before it really starts to change.
Portia recently posted..The Island of Suicide and Fishing
Good choice, Portia! I hope to visit soon too…
Jetting Around recently posted..Giveaway: Travel tote by Catrinka Project
Havana, Cuba is definitely on top of my list. Colombia and Taiwan are not far behind either!All sounds like fascinating places to visit :-)
samiya selim recently posted..Motorbike journey through forgotten world highway to Mt Taranaki
This is pretty much what my wish list looks like. :)
Jetting Around recently posted..Giveaway: Travel tote by Catrinka Project
Pilsen…this reminded me that there is still one big Czech city I’ve never been to, despite living the country for more than a year….I should finally go next time I’m in the country. That means…just five weeks. Yay.
zof recently posted..Travel Flashback #25
Enjoy your trip, Zof! I haven’t been to the Czech Republic in years. It was so easy to get to when I lived in Krakow…
Jetting Around recently posted..Giveaway: Travel tote by Catrinka Project
I had a chance to visit Berlin following modern design track, and it was quite an experience! I think that thematic sightseeing is a great way to explore something totally new :)
Natalia I Zapiski ze świata recently posted..Berlin – idealne miejsce na babski wypad.
I’ve traveled to sporting events, but might try different themes after talking to John. I like your Berlin exploration – sounds interesting!
Jetting Around recently posted..Giveaway: Travel tote by Catrinka Project
Great cities listed here! Cartagena and Havana are so high on my list. Wouldn’t have thought of Louisville or Cleveland, but maybe I’ll have to add them to the list too.
Erin Marie recently posted..Exploring the Adirondack Coast Wine Trail
Cartagena and Havana are on my list too and have been for a while. If you want to do a girls’ getaway… ;)
Havana – very nice place with with effect colors.
Marcin – NRWTrip recently posted..Dlaczego warto podróżować na emigracji?
Looks like you’re one of the lucky ones who have seen it…
Everybody talks about the change that is coming after Cuba. I’m starting to feel a little bit worried, will do everything to go there before Cuba starts to remind the U.S!
Karolina / OOPS!sidedown recently posted..Polska też jest fajna: na tropie żubra z Białowieży
I’m curious about the extent of changes we can expect… After all, the big draw is what you can’t see anywhere else, the Old Havana etc. I hope Cuban tourism folks won’t forget that.
Nom, zgadzam się z tym. Zupełnie zmieniają się trendy i motywacje w podróżowaniu. Jednakże sprawa też silnie zależy od kultury i kraju, z którego pochodzi podróżnik.
Zgadzam się w 100%, ostatnio mało znane kierunki zrobiły się modne :)
Właśnie. Fajnie, że te miejsca powoli dochodzą do głosu, bo na pewno mają sporo do zaoferowania.
No właśnie. Świat się otwiera na podróżnych, ale oni też ‘muszą’ się otworzyć na to mniej znane, żeby z tego coś było. :)
Great read! I would have to add Tacoma, Washington to the list of emerging urban cities.
From time to time I hear that place mentioned… Anything in particular worth seeing there?
It seems to me sad that are comming days when people start to think by phone, pay by phone and travel by and with phone. Crazy!
We’re at least half way there, it seems. I’d like to think of the phone as a helpful travel tool, but we should never forget to live away from the little screen…
Happy to see Louisville on the list. It’s a very cool city and I love it because of its proximity to the Bourbon Trail (I know that doesn’t surprise you). And theme trips – look at that! Drinkin’ With Lincoln, anyone? ;-)
Francesca (@WorkMomTravels) recently posted..Summer family hometown travel in Chicago
You’re way ahead of the game, Francesca! When I drove through Louisville, I thought about Drinkin’ With Lincoln. Too bad I didn’t have a designated driver with me, or I would have made a stop on the trail.
Very interesting interview I was more than sad to realise I’ve read all of it – could be longer. And the burbon trail is one of my dreams!
Agnieszka /Zależna w podróży recently posted..Sycylia: wakacje samochodem dookoła wyspy
I’m glad you enjoyed the read! And the Bourbon Trail does sound interesting.
Good to see my next international destination is on the list. I will be in Cartagena in November. I am more looking forward to seeing the Amazon though. I enjoyed Cleveland and Louisville has always interested me, but I have only driven through.
Traveling Ted recently posted..Discovering unexpected Chicago River canoe adventure
Very cool about Cartagena, Ted. Have a great time! As for Cleveland, I want to go there as part of my MLB stadium tour.
Jetting Around recently posted..Fun at 14,000 feet: My first skydiving experience
Very interesting interview. I was surprised when he mentioned Taiwan is gaining momentum. I would have expected him to say Thailand. To me it seems everybody is traveling to Thailand these days.
Anda recently posted..Alaskan Trails: Walking to the Nugget Falls
Hmm, perhaps Thailand is no longer “emerging.” It seems to be the point of entry for people who want to explore SE Asia. I just got back from there and it seemed very visitor-friendly. In any case, Taiwan would be great to see too!
Very interesting interview and a few cities I should put on my list, it seems! Of the ones mentioned, I’ve only been to Havana: I was there a good few years ago and it stayed as one of the most amazing places I have ever visited – so beautiful and so culturally rich. I do hope you get to visit it soon!
Marta recently posted..On the trail of fairies and ghosts in Greenan maze, Ireland
Ahh, Havana! I was hoping to go there this year, but it will have to wait a few months. I just hope I don’t miss the before-it-changes window…
Very interesting info. I love that some “second tier” cities are getting some love.
Mags recently posted..Tennent’s Lager Tour at Wellpark Brewery in Glasgow
Same here, Mags! I recently drove through Louisville and wish I’d had time to explore it a bit.
Quite a few of these are places I have on my radar that I’d love to visit. I’ve recently been to Cartagena which was fab. Medellin is another Colombian city that’s definitely worth a visit, I really enjoyed our time there.
carly recently posted..San Andres a tiny slice of Caribbean paradise
Hi Carly. I’ve heard great things about Cartagena and I can’t tell you how much I want to visit! Colombia has been on my wish list for so long (a layover at Bogota’s airport doesn’t count). When I go, I’ll try to see Medellin too.
Really interesting interview, I have been a long time fan of what he calls “second-tier cities” – I think partially because I grew up in one (Ottawa, Canada) and then lived in one for 4 years (Daejeon, Korea). So much hidden potential to these cities off the typical tourist track!
Prianka | Map Halves recently posted..Top 5 Cheap, Awesome Things to do in Singapore
I agree with you, Prianka, that those cities have lots of potential! And the more visitors they get, the quicker that potential can be realized. I’ve gone to a number of “rust belt” cities (e.g. Buffalo, NY and Detroit, MI) and had a great time. Louisville is next on my list!