It’s officially Tomato Girl Summer—at least, according to a rapidly growing number of TikTok videos that showcase a personal style that might be described as aspirational Italian leisure chic. That influencer you follow who is posting dreamy vacation snaps from the Amalfi Coast, wearing lots of linen, and drinking endless Aperol spritzes? That person is living her best Tomato Girl Summer.
As with the many TikTok aesthetic trends that have preceded it—cottagecore, Barbiecore, mermaidcore, or kidcore, to name a few—there is no a specific definition of a Tomato Girl, no single way to be a Tomato Girl. It’s a fashion statement without a uniform (although produce-print dresses don’t hurt); a way of performing a sort of effortless-looking elegance without being a member of the leisure class. In short, it’s a lovely illusion.
But deducing from TikTok videos, Instagram posts, and the odd Yahoo explainer, it’s safe to say the Tomato Girl appreciates the slower, finer moments in life, and can be found lingering over an afternoon espresso, taking a dip in the ocean, strolling along the beach, snacking on aperitivo, and sauntering to the farmers market for flowers and, of course, tomatoes. She likes simple floral prints on her clothes and on her porcelain tableware. Her makeup look is “natural,” or like “golden hour,” as one TikTokker put it. She antiques. She journals. She puts olive oil in her martinis. Think Diane Lane clad in white in Under the Tuscan Sun, or Sophia Loren pulling up to the Venice Film Festival in a water taxi. It may be the stuff of daydreams—but it sure looks glamorous and relaxing.
In the years since TikTok took over the internet, the video-sharing app has become known for fashion microtrends that apply increasingly confusing coinage to stylistic choices. (Tomato Girl? Who comes up with this stuff?) A lot of the styles blend together or are only really distinguishable from each other by fashion mavens, but they are worth noting for the way they drive commerce, consumerism, and stylistic trends outside of TikTok.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8efbjTf/
After the onset of the cottagecore trend—which, for the uninitiated, is essentially a grandmotherly fashion style with cozy, chintzy elements—dresses that looked like nightgowns were suddenly everywhere. (The most famous, or infamous, was the Nap Dress, which New Yorker writer Rachel Syme described as “the look of gussied-up oblivion.”) After the fairycore (and gothic fairycore) trend, colorful, glittery, winged eye makeup and floral hair jewelry made their way to the red carpet and everyday life,and when balletcore hit, suddenly ballet flats were once again being sold everywhere. Certainly, fashion brands are now noticing the Tomato Girl trend. It’s only a matter of time before they attempt to cash in.
On the one hand, this isn’t so great for society. Fast fashion has made it exceedingly easy to buy cheap, trendy clothing in bulk, from brands like Shein and Fashion Nova that have been accused of human rights abuses. Cheaply made goods—and ravenous consumerism—create massive amounts of environmental waste. There’s also the more complicated issue that a lot of these trends are basically variations of the same romanticized vision of idle wealth mixed with unattainable beauty standards.
But these minitrends are interesting for the way they express nostalgic longing. In the case of the Tomato Girl trend, the yearning seems to be for a slower pace, for romance and picnics and longer summer meals, for blissed-out contentment, for sunny days and relaxation. And sure, for good outfits. In short, it’s a new term for the old idea of la dolce vita.
And while tomatoes don’t strike me as the idyllic food item to embody la dolce vita (don’t lemons seem more fitting?!), the TikTokker Nicollet LaFramboi, who joined the trend by painting her nails a perfect shade of orangey-red tomato, summed it up pretty well with her commentary on the matter: “I know there’s some controversy about there being too many micro-aesthetics on TikTok. I love it. I think it’s cute. If it makes you feel whimsical and happy to be a Tomato Girl, then so be it.”
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https://amazoniabeachwear.com/en-gb/blogs/news/building-a-swimwear-wardrobe2023-03-04T09:13:24-08:002023-07-24T07:34:31-07:00Building a Swimwear WardrobeAmazonia Beachwear
As warm Days approaches, we hope you may be giving thought to the swimsuit tucked into the drawer alongside your undies or hanging with your athletic wear. There’s no better time of year than late spring to evaluate your swimwear situation for the coming season, and we want to encourage you to consider that one or two swimsuits are unlikely to meet your needs. Building a swimwear wardrobe is akin to building an outerwear wardrobe: It’s not as large or varied as your wardrobe of street clothing, but you have pieces to meet different looks, moods, and weather conditions. Your swimwear wardrobe should work similarly, and we are here to guide you in compiling the swimwear pieces and accessories you need to have fun in or on the water no matter the occasion!
Evaluating Your Needs
What do you do in your bathing suit? Swim laps for exercise? Chase little ones as they play? Sit on a lounge chair and order drinks with little umbrellas? Personally, I do each of these things in their turn, and I wear a different kind of swimwear for each of them! Where do you wear your bathing suit? The neighborhood pool? At your family lake house? The Bahamas? Because those are all places I go, too, and I wear different swimwear for each occasion. Each locale and activity listed above requires its own level of performance, modesty, sun protection, or a balance thereof. No one or two bathing suits would be right for all of that, so let’s imagine a swimwear wardrobe that would work for these scenarios.
Swimming for exercise is best done in an athletic swimsuit—our legendary Tugless Tank comes to mind—that stays put comfortably and allows for maximum freedom of movement. This is a no-muss-no-fuss suit. This kind of swimwear is probably right for swimming in the lake with your family, too. A relatively modest suit with a pretty print is good for playing with little ones, whether they are yours or young relatives you are tending for an afternoon. You might appreciate a skirted suit or tankini top with swim shorts when you have to bend over to pick up a toddler, and sturdy straps when a child wants a “dolphin ride” on your back. A bathing suit appropriate for this is probably just right for wearing to the neighborhood pool! If you’re lucky enough to vacation in the Bahamas, consider that you might want a briefer, flirtier suit for ordering drinks at the swim-up bar, but if you want to be on the beach at Balmoral Island around lunchtime, you will need serious sun protection. We would recommend a long-sleeve rash guard for everyone, and I personally would pair it with swim capris because my skin is approximately the color of a white peach. That’s four different swimsuits or swimwear ensembles, and, we hope, an excellent illustration of why you need to build a swimwear wardrobe.
Making It All Work
There are further considerations. If you want to wear a long-sleeve rash guard and swim capris, you will want a small bikini—a bra-style top and bikini-cut briefs—to wear underneath. The top of the bikini is for support and the bottom is to keep sand out of. . . places you definitely don’t want sand! Think about the types of swim covers you will need. A terry robe is good for the gym pool, a linen shift is just right for the neighborhood pool, and a gauzy pareo is ideal for a tropical beach. You’ll need water shoes for natural bodies of water but will want chic sandals for the pool at a resort. Consider function as well as fashion. An enormous straw hat is very elegant with big Jackie O. sunglasses, but it will also provide you with excellent refuge from the sun. A big monogrammed beach towel is cute and preppy but also prevents mix-ups on the chairs. Your swimwear needs do not begin and end with the bathing suit on its own.
Ready for Any Occasion
When you have taken the time to build a thoughtful swimwear wardrobe, you can have confidence that you can go anywhere, anytime without facing the worst kind of sartorial crisis—the bathing suit kind. Not having the right swimwear can be terribly stressful, especially since some women already deal with bathing suit anxiety. Make sure that if you are invited to a neighbor’s pool party, to a water aerobics class with ladies from your card club, or to fill a last-minute opening on a girls’ cruise, you have the right swimwear already in your closet. That way, you can concentrate on having fun and enjoying yourself, which is what swimwear is really all about!
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https://amazoniabeachwear.com/en-gb/blogs/news/13-top-travel-trends-to-know-for-20232023-03-04T09:05:25-08:002023-03-04T09:05:26-08:0013 Top Travel Trends to Know for 2023Amazonia Beachwear
There’s no shame in asking for driving directions — especially if you’re not really sure where you’re going. So, in hopes of better understanding the road ahead next year when it comes to travel, we asked for some help from several tourism industry pros with longtime expertise in the hotel, airline, tour operator and cruise sectors.
And while the pandemic’s far-reaching impact on travel certainly came up frequently, it seems clear that what was true prior to and throughout the COVID-19 crisis will not necessarily remain relevant in 2023.
Travel Trend 1: Vacation Spend Is Not Slowing for 2023
“It’s almost like travel went from a discretionary spend to an essential spend for a lot of people,” said Jackie Friedman, president of Nexion Travel Group, explaining that total vacation spend has been up substantially this year for Nexion advisors, and she expects that to continue in 2023. “I think people are now realizing the value of experiences. You take something away from people, and they realize how important it is.”
David Kolner, Virtuoso’s executive vice president, said 2022 has been a record-setting sales year for most of the network’s member agencies, and it’s collecting data that points to an even better 2023.
“We are estimating that we will be up about 7% over 2019,” Kolner said of Virtuoso member agencies’ projected revenue in 2022.
Virtuoso also compared how much had been sold for one to two years out (as of October) in both 2022 and 2019. The results are significant.
“What we found was a 43% increase for travel one to two years out from 2022 versus [what had been booked] at the same point in 2019,” he said.
There’s very much this mentality of ‘I deserve this. I haven’t done it, and I want to do it, and I’m not going to wait. I’m going to go now.'
According to Misty Belles, Virtuoso’s vice president of global public relations, the network’s research indicates high-net-worth travelers accumulated a great deal of wealth during the pandemic, and they are not worried about spending it.
“There’s very much this mentality of ‘I deserve this. I haven’t done it, and I want to do it, and I’m not going to wait. I’m going to go now,’” Belles explained. “Clients are taking more trips, they are staying longer and they are going bigger.”
Travel Trend 2: In 2023, Consumers Will Book Trips Further Out
Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, president and chief brand officer for Collette, said the tour operator has seen a noticeable change in when consumers are booking vacations.
“Earlier this year, they might have been a little closer in, but we are definitely seeing things stabilize a bit,” she said. “Booking patterns for 2023 are looking a lot more like they did in 2019. And I think some of that is evidence of far more confident consumers.”
Booking patterns for 2023 are looking a lot more like they did in 2019. And I think some of that is evidence of far more confident consumers.
Nexion’s Friedman agreed that more travelers are feeling better about pulling the trigger on trips much further out.
“We’re definitely seeing folks comfortable in booking out into the future, particularly to some of the more far-flung destinations they may not have been going to before,” she said.
According to an October survey conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), 61% of the 4,000 Americans polled said they are likely to take more vacations in 2023 than they did this year. And both Friedman and Leibl-Cote said they are seeing consumers book longer trips.
“I think because people were home for so long — and flights became more expensive with fuel costs and less lift overall — they decided to optimize the time in which they were going,” Leibl-Cote said. “Where maybe they were taking a 10-day trip before, they’re now doing a 14-day trip. And I think part of that is clients just looked at time differently pre-pandemic than they do now.”
Travel Trend 3: Airlines Have Learned Some Lessons, But Expect Some Turbulence for 2023
U.S. passenger airlines employed nearly 494,000 full- and part-time workers at the end of September this year, a figure that’s roughly 3.6% higher than the total number of employees working for domestic passenger airlines in September 2019, according to data collected by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
And all told, U.S. passenger airlines hired approximately 38,000 employees in the first nine months of this year, according to DOT statistics released Nov. 10.
“We’ll still see some challenges,” said Peter Vlitas, executive vice president of Internova Travel Group, who noted that airlines have done a good job of hiring people back while also better managing their capacity in recent months.
“But operationally, I do not think we are going to have as many issues with the airlines,” Vlitas said. “Airlines have become more humble because of the pandemic. It opened their eyes to a lot of service disruptions, and I don’t think any of them want to repeat the problems we had in the last two years.”
Travel Trend 4: Labor Is Still a Concern at Airports
The concern is: Will airports get it right? If we’re going to see disruption, the disruption will happen because the other parts of the supply chain are not meeting up with capacity.
“Airlines will get it right because they saw what went wrong,” he said. “The concern is: Will airports get it right? If we’re going to see disruption, the disruption will happen because the other parts of the supply chain are not meeting up with capacity. With all this added flow, with all these people flying, it’s getting jammed up at TSA and in customs and immigration. Those are the pain points in the journey.”
Travel Trend 5: Airfare Is Not Getting Cheaper This Year
Internova’s Vlitas also noted that while he thinks airfares have probably peaked, travelers should not expect much pricing relief next year.
Once travel advisors find their customers an applicable fare, they really need to get them to buy the ticket to protect them from the increase that will inevitably happen.
“Procrastinators should be prepared to pay a premium because of demand,” he said. “Even if an advisor looks on a seat map and sees a lot of empty seats, don’t think, ‘I’ll issue the ticket in a few days,’ or ‘Let’s see if the fare is going to go down.’ In this environment, in 2023, no fare is going down. If anything, an airline might figure out that a flight may sell out because they have all this data, and they are going to flip and change the price anyway. Once travel advisors find their customers an applicable fare, they really need to get them to buy the ticket to protect them from the increase that will inevitably happen.”
Travel Trend 6: People Are Paying for Sustainable Choices in 2023 and Beyond
Virtuoso polled about 300 affluent travelers in May and found that 80% of respondents feel that the pandemic made them want to travel more responsibly in the future. And 75% of those polled say they are willing to pay more to travel responsibly if they know how their money is being used.
“Our role is to make sustainability a choice in travel planning,” Virtuoso’s Kolner said. “And it’s clearly not about it being cheaper. That’s because they recognize the impact of sustainability and recognize the importance of how their travel impacts the planet.”
Jeff Sirota, a hospitality personality for high-end hotel and destination management company marketing firm J.MAK Hospitality, said travelers are more interested in tourism products that allow them to leave places in better shape after they have visited.
Our role is to make sustainability a choice in travel planning.
“It makes you as a guest feel good that, ‘Hey, I’m not just spending money to pamper myself, but I’m actually doing something that’s giving back to a community where I’m staying,’” Sirota said. “I think people feel better doing something like that when they travel versus, ‘Okay, cool, I’m just funding this mega-corporation and giving them money.’ Of course, not everybody’s thinking that way, but I think more and more, these are conversations that are being had.”
Travel Trend 7: There Is More to Do in the Inclusivity Space, Especially for LGBTQ+ Travelers
Booking.com commissioned a survey of more than 500 LGBTQ+ U.S. travelers in April and May this year and found that 72% of those polled have experienced less-than-welcoming or uncomfortable experiences when traveling.
And 50% of those respondents said they have encountered discrimination while traveling — either through stereotyping, being stared or laughed at, or being subjected to verbal abuse by other travelers or locals.
Tyronne Stoudemire — senior vice president of global diversity, equity and inclusion for Hyatt Hotels — said he believes the tourism industry has made some real progress on the issue of inclusivity, but there’s still work to be done.
We have come so far, but there’s still so far to go.
“We have come so far, but there’s still so far to go,” Stoudemire said. “But what I do see in the industry is that people really are asking themselves the questions: ‘What can I do? What should we do differently? How do we show up? How do we be more inclusive?’ While we are making progress, it is not fast enough.”
Stoudemire noted that Hyatt has enacted a range of initiatives aimed at doubling representation within the company by women and people of color in the U.S. by 2025. And Hyatt is also taking steps at its properties to make sure guests feel cared for and safe, according to Stoudemire, who pointed to improvements aimed specifically at LGBTQ+ travelers, such as training for employees on pronouns, restrooms for the transgender community and creating spaces in spas for “all people to be comfortable and to be their best.”
“We’re leaning on our [LGBTQ+] colleagues to help provide us with insights, best practices and a better understanding about some of the barriers that may stop our gay community from staying with us,” Stoudemire said.
Travel Trend 8: Hotels Have Less Issues With Labor for 2023
The AHLA surveyed 200 hoteliers in September of this year and found that 87% of those properties are experiencing staffing shortages and 36% are navigating severe staffing challenges.
While not especially rosy, those September numbers are an improvement from a survey conducted by the AHLA in May this year that found 97% of the hotels polled were short staffed — 49% of them severely.
We’ve had great success in hiring over the last six months, and for the most part, we are back and staffed.
Dan Surette, chief sales officer at Omni Hotels & Resorts, which manages more than 50 North American properties, said staffing up was a substantial challenge earlier this year, and demand was building faster than they could hire, which hampered many services. But Surette said Omni doesn’t see labor as an issue in 2023.
“We’ve had great success in hiring over the last six months, and for the most part, we are back and staffed,” Surette said. “We’ve got some open positions, but our programming for the most part is back. We’re offering and providing daily housekeeping service. Most of our food and beverage venues are up and running. We’re not having any issues on capping availability or not providing traditional, daily full-service hotel services. We’re excited about where we are.”
Travel Trend 9: Hotels Are Saying Hello to Groups This Year
Omni’s Surette said leisure occupancies at the hotelier’s properties, like so many others in the industry this year, have been outperforming 2019 significantly, but he anticipates there will be a shift in the type of traveler staying at the company’s properties next year.
We’re expecting leisure demand to slow a little bit.
“We’re expecting leisure demand to slow a little bit,” he said. “There are more options internationally. It’s group travel that is coming back now and continues to grow. Right now, we’re at 65% of our group business in 2019, and we’re anticipating that will get to probably 85%, maybe close to 90%, next year, but to not quite hit 2019 levels in 2023.”
Surette indicated that with a slight downtick in leisure sales, due to increased global competition, along with continued growth from the groups and corporate business markets, Omni’s total revenue will likely be better than 2022, but may fall short of the hospitality company’s 2019 figures.
“I think in terms of average rates, we’re probably there, but it’s occupancy that’s still a few points off,” he said. “I would say we’ll be within 10% of 2019, overall, which to us feels right. Our industry is still coming back.”
Travel Trend 10: International Hotels Will Still Charge High Room Rates for 2023
The average daily room rate (ADR) at hotels across the U.S. was $158 in September this year, a jump of nearly 16% over the same month in 2019, according to data compiled by hospitality analytics firm STR.
Virtuoso’s Kolner said, meanwhile, that the network is forecasting domestic ADR for the fourth quarter of 2022 to be up as much as 25% over the same period in 2019.
“And it’s even higher for international ADRs,” he said. “We expect non-U.S. ADRs will be up 46% compared to 2019 [in Q4 this year].”
We expect non-U.S. ADRs will be up 46% compared to 2019 [in Q4 this year].
Kolner was quick to note that Virtuoso members are not seeing those soaring room rates negatively impact their business, though.
“I don’t think there’s a single member agency that would say it has seen any indication of demand slowing down at all while the pricing increases,” he explained, noting that he doesn’t expect room rates to drop next year. “I don’t think anyone’s going to have to lower their prices, particularly in the high-end market. There is still so much demand for travel.”
J.MAK’s Sirota did note, however, that some of the domestic hotel properties his firm represents may reconsider their room rates in 2023 because U.S. travelers will have so many more international travel options next year.
“I think that’s a decision a lot of these [U.S.] hotels are going to have to make: Do we lower rates to fill our hotels or do we keep it at this higher level and not necessarily go to 100% occupancy?” Sirota said.
Travel Trend 11: Ultra-Luxe Cruising Is Hot, Hot, Hot This Year
Ann Chamberlin, the U.S. vice president of sales for Scenic and Emerald Cruises, expects total sales to jump 30% in 2023 when compared with 2019, due in no small part to sailings onboard her company’s ultra-luxury Eclipse and Eclipse II vessels.
“What travel advisors have been telling me is that their clients want to be booked on these really high-ticket items right now,” Chamberlin said. “We’ve come through the pandemic, and people feel that it’s their time, and they’re going to book what they want — and we’re seeing it in the numbers with the higher-end categories definitely booking first.”
We’ve come through the pandemic, and people feel that it’s their time, and they’re going to book what they want — and we’re seeing it in the numbers with the higher-end categories definitely booking first.
Set to debut in April next year, the Eclipse II will have nine dining venues, a 5,000-square-foot spa, two helicopters and a submarine. Its sister ship, which has been sailing in 2022, has essentially the same amenities, but the spa is a little smaller at 3,500 square feet, according to Chamberlin. Destinations for the vessels in 2023 include the North and South poles, the South Pacific, Australia and the Caribbean.
One element of the ultra-luxury yachting category that Chamberlin said really appeals to many consumers is the chance to explore destinations far more thoroughly, thanks to intimate access provided in part by new technology.
“We use dynamic positioning; we don’t use an anchor,” Chamberlin said. “And what that means is when we come into a really fragile area — a nature preserve, for example — we can go in further without disturbing the sea floor. And the stabilizers are only 20% less than the size of Royal Caribbean’s largest ship, so you’ve got massive stabilizers on this beautiful yacht.”
Travel Trend 12: Europe Is Still a Popular Destination for 2023
Just about all the experts we spoke with mentioned that interest in Europe for next year is already soaring, and destinationssuch as Italy and Greece are especially popular. J.MAK’s Sirota noted that one of the Italian properties he represents — the J.K. Capri on the Amalfi Coast — is already essentially sold out for next summer.
Especially when you talk about big holidays — Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day, those busier periods when U.S. travelers head over — that’s starting to fill up already.
He was quick to note how that example is more of an exception than a rule, but he did suggest that folks interested in traveling to extremely popular European destinations over peak periods next year should start thinking now about getting something on the books.
“Especially when you talk about big holidays — Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day, those busier periods when U.S. travelers head over — that’s starting to fill up already,” Sirota said. “If you’re talking about those more popular destinations at those times, I would say people need to get on it now.”
Travel Trend 13: Asia Is Beginning to Stir This Year
While that same booking urgency doesn’t appear to be necessary in Asia, Australia or New Zealand, those destinations were also mentioned frequently as locations where travel sellers are seeing an increase in inquiries.
One key thing that’s going to impact people’s travel to Southeast and East Asia next year is the return of Chinese travelers when that country finally opens, and that’s probably going to happen in the first quarter of next year.
Ambrose Bittner, the owner of Seattle-based tour operator Red Lantern Journeys, which specializes in FIT tours across Asia, said he’s been booking a great deal of Japan, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia for 2023. But he encouraged travelers thinking about Southeast Asia next year to seriously consider traveling sometime in January or February, which is still the region’s high season.
“One key thing that’s going to impact people’s travel to Southeast and East Asia next year is the return of Chinese travelers when that country finally opens, and that’s probably going to happen in the first quarter of next year,” Bittner explained. “Because of the lack of Chinese tourists in Southeast Asia now, you don’t have anywhere near the same crowds. But when the Chinese return, it’ll mean all the iconic places will be more crowded — beaches, temples, palaces and markets.”
And all told, U.S. passenger airlines hired approximately 38,000 employees in the first nine months of this year, according to DOT statistics released Nov. 10.
“We’ll still see some challenges,” said Peter Vlitas, executive vice president of Internova Travel Group, who noted that airlines have done a good job of hiring people back while also better managing their capacity in recent months.
“But operationally, I do not think we are going to have as many issues with the airlines,” Vlitas said. “Airlines have become more humble because of the pandemic. It opened their eyes to a lot of service disruptions, and I don’t think any of them want to repeat the problems we had in the last two years.”
Travel Trend 4: Labor Is Still a Concern at Airports
The concern is: Will airports get it right? If we’re going to see disruption, the disruption will happen because the other parts of the supply chain are not meeting up with capacity.
“Airlines will get it right because they saw what went wrong,” he said. “The concern is: Will airports get it right? If we’re going to see disruption, the disruption will happen because the other parts of the supply chain are not meeting up with capacity. With all this added flow, with all these people flying, it’s getting jammed up at TSA and in customs and immigration. Those are the pain points in the journey.”
Travel Trend 5: Airfare Is Not Getting Cheaper This Year
Internova’s Vlitas also noted that while he thinks airfares have probably peaked, travelers should not expect much pricing relief next year.
Once travel advisors find their customers an applicable fare, they really need to get them to buy the ticket to protect them from the increase that will inevitably happen.
“Procrastinators should be prepared to pay a premium because of demand,” he said. “Even if an advisor looks on a seat map and sees a lot of empty seats, don’t think, ‘I’ll issue the ticket in a few days,’ or ‘Let’s see if the fare is going to go down.’ In this environment, in 2023, no fare is going down. If anything, an airline might figure out that a flight may sell out because they have all this data, and they are going to flip and change the price anyway. Once travel advisors find their customers an applicable fare, they really need to get them to buy the ticket to protect them from the increase that will inevitably happen.”
Travel Trend 6: People Are Paying for Sustainable Choices in 2023 and Beyond
Virtuoso polled about 300 affluent travelers in May and found that 80% of respondents feel that the pandemic made them want to travel more responsibly in the future. And 75% of those polled say they are willing to pay more to travel responsibly if they know how their money is being used.
“Our role is to make sustainability a choice in travel planning,” Virtuoso’s Kolner said. “And it’s clearly not about it being cheaper. That’s because they recognize the impact of sustainability and recognize the importance of how their travel impacts the planet.”
Jeff Sirota, a hospitality personality for high-end hotel and destination management company marketing firm J.MAK Hospitality, said travelers are more interested in tourism products that allow them to leave places in better shape after they have visited.
Our role is to make sustainability a choice in travel planning.
“It makes you as a guest feel good that, ‘Hey, I’m not just spending money to pamper myself, but I’m actually doing something that’s giving back to a community where I’m staying,’” Sirota said. “I think people feel better doing something like that when they travel versus, ‘Okay, cool, I’m just funding this mega-corporation and giving them money.’ Of course, not everybody’s thinking that way, but I think more and more, these are conversations that are being had.”
Travel Trend 7: There Is More to Do in the Inclusivity Space, Especially for LGBTQ+ Travelers
Booking.com commissioned a survey of more than 500 LGBTQ+ U.S. travelers in April and May this year and found that 72% of those polled have experienced less-than-welcoming or uncomfortable experiences when traveling.
And 50% of those respondents said they have encountered discrimination while traveling — either through stereotyping, being stared or laughed at, or being subjected to verbal abuse by other travelers or locals.
Tyronne Stoudemire — senior vice president of global diversity, equity and inclusion for Hyatt Hotels — said he believes the tourism industry has made some real progress on the issue of inclusivity, but there’s still work to be done.
We have come so far, but there’s still so far to go.
“We have come so far, but there’s still so far to go,” Stoudemire said. “But what I do see in the industry is that people really are asking themselves the questions: ‘What can I do? What should we do differently? How do we show up? How do we be more inclusive?’ While we are making progress, it is not fast enough.”
Stoudemire noted that Hyatt has enacted a range of initiatives aimed at doubling representation within the company by women and people of color in the U.S. by 2025. And Hyatt is also taking steps at its properties to make sure guests feel cared for and safe, according to Stoudemire, who pointed to improvements aimed specifically at LGBTQ+ travelers, such as training for employees on pronouns, restrooms for the transgender community and creating spaces in spas for “all people to be comfortable and to be their best.”
“We’re leaning on our [LGBTQ+] colleagues to help provide us with insights, best practices and a better understanding about some of the barriers that may stop our gay community from staying with us,” Stoudemire said.
Travel Trend 8: Hotels Have Less Issues With Labor for 2023
The AHLA surveyed 200 hoteliers in September of this year and found that 87% of those properties are experiencing staffing shortages and 36% are navigating severe staffing challenges.
While not especially rosy, those September numbers are an improvement from a survey conducted by the AHLA in May this year that found 97% of the hotels polled were short staffed — 49% of them severely.
We’ve had great success in hiring over the last six months, and for the most part, we are back and staffed.
Dan Surette, chief sales officer at Omni Hotels & Resorts, which manages more than 50 North American properties, said staffing up was a substantial challenge earlier this year, and demand was building faster than they could hire, which hampered many services. But Surette said Omni doesn’t see labor as an issue in 2023.
“We’ve had great success in hiring over the last six months, and for the most part, we are back and staffed,” Surette said. “We’ve got some open positions, but our programming for the most part is back. We’re offering and providing daily housekeeping service. Most of our food and beverage venues are up and running. We’re not having any issues on capping availability or not providing traditional, daily full-service hotel services. We’re excited about where we are.”
Travel Trend 9: Hotels Are Saying Hello to Groups This Year
Omni’s Surette said leisure occupancies at the hotelier’s properties, like so many others in the industry this year, have been outperforming 2019 significantly, but he anticipates there will be a shift in the type of traveler staying at the company’s properties next year.
We’re expecting leisure demand to slow a little bit.
“We’re expecting leisure demand to slow a little bit,” he said. “There are more options internationally. It’s group travel that is coming back now and continues to grow. Right now, we’re at 65% of our group business in 2019, and we’re anticipating that will get to probably 85%, maybe close to 90%, next year, but to not quite hit 2019 levels in 2023.”
Surette indicated that with a slight downtick in leisure sales, due to increased global competition, along with continued growth from the groups and corporate business markets, Omni’s total revenue will likely be better than 2022, but may fall short of the hospitality company’s 2019 figures.
“I think in terms of average rates, we’re probably there, but it’s occupancy that’s still a few points off,” he said. “I would say we’ll be within 10% of 2019, overall, which to us feels right. Our industry is still coming back.”
Travel Trend 10: International Hotels Will Still Charge High Room Rates for 2023
The average daily room rate (ADR) at hotels across the U.S. was $158 in September this year, a jump of nearly 16% over the same month in 2019, according to data compiled by hospitality analytics firm STR.
Virtuoso’s Kolner said, meanwhile, that the network is forecasting domestic ADR for the fourth quarter of 2022 to be up as much as 25% over the same period in 2019.
“And it’s even higher for international ADRs,” he said. “We expect non-U.S. ADRs will be up 46% compared to 2019 [in Q4 this year].”
We expect non-U.S. ADRs will be up 46% compared to 2019 [in Q4 this year].
Kolner was quick to note that Virtuoso members are not seeing those soaring room rates negatively impact their business, though.
“I don’t think there’s a single member agency that would say it has seen any indication of demand slowing down at all while the pricing increases,” he explained, noting that he doesn’t expect room rates to drop next year. “I don’t think anyone’s going to have to lower their prices, particularly in the high-end market. There is still so much demand for travel.”
J.MAK’s Sirota did note, however, that some of the domestic hotel properties his firm represents may reconsider their room rates in 2023 because U.S. travelers will have so many more international travel options next year.
“I think that’s a decision a lot of these [U.S.] hotels are going to have to make: Do we lower rates to fill our hotels or do we keep it at this higher level and not necessarily go to 100% occupancy?” Sirota said.
Travel Trend 11: Ultra-Luxe Cruising Is Hot, Hot, Hot This Year
Ann Chamberlin, the U.S. vice president of sales for Scenic and Emerald Cruises, expects total sales to jump 30% in 2023 when compared with 2019, due in no small part to sailings onboard her company’s ultra-luxury Eclipse and Eclipse II vessels.
“What travel advisors have been telling me is that their clients want to be booked on these really high-ticket items right now,” Chamberlin said. “We’ve come through the pandemic, and people feel that it’s their time, and they’re going to book what they want — and we’re seeing it in the numbers with the higher-end categories definitely booking first.”
We’ve come through the pandemic, and people feel that it’s their time, and they’re going to book what they want — and we’re seeing it in the numbers with the higher-end categories definitely booking first.
Set to debut in April next year, the Eclipse II will have nine dining venues, a 5,000-square-foot spa, two helicopters and a submarine. Its sister ship, which has been sailing in 2022, has essentially the same amenities, but the spa is a little smaller at 3,500 square feet, according to Chamberlin. Destinations for the vessels in 2023 include the North and South poles, the South Pacific, Australia and the Caribbean.
One element of the ultra-luxury yachting category that Chamberlin said really appeals to many consumers is the chance to explore destinations far more thoroughly, thanks to intimate access provided in part by new technology.
“We use dynamic positioning; we don’t use an anchor,” Chamberlin said. “And what that means is when we come into a really fragile area — a nature preserve, for example — we can go in further without disturbing the sea floor. And the stabilizers are only 20% less than the size of Royal Caribbean’s largest ship, so you’ve got massive stabilizers on this beautiful yacht.”
Travel Trend 12: Europe Is Still a Popular Destination for 2023
Just about all the experts we spoke with mentioned that interest in Europe for next year is already soaring, and destinations such as Italy and Greece are especially popular. J.MAK’s Sirota noted that one of the Italian properties he represents — the J.K. Capri on the Amalfi Coast — is already essentially sold out for next summer.
Especially when you talk about big holidays — Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day, those busier periods when U.S. travelers head over — that’s starting to fill up already.
He was quick to note how that example is more of an exception than a rule, but he did suggest that folks interested in traveling to extremely popular European destinations over peak periods next year should start thinking now about getting something on the books.
“Especially when you talk about big holidays — Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day, those busier periods when U.S. travelers head over — that’s starting to fill up already,” Sirota said. “If you’re talking about those more popular destinations at those times, I would say people need to get on it now.”
Travel Trend 13: Asia Is Beginning to Stir This Year
While that same booking urgency doesn’t appear to be necessary in Asia, Australia or New Zealand, those destinations were also mentioned frequently as locations where travel sellers are seeing an increase in inquiries.
One key thing that’s going to impact people’s travel to Southeast and East Asia next year is the return of Chinese travelers when that country finally opens, and that’s probably going to happen in the first quarter of next year.
Ambrose Bittner, the owner of Seattle-based tour operator Red Lantern Journeys, which specializes in FIT tours across Asia, said he’s been booking a great deal of Japan, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia for 2023. But he encouraged travelers thinking about Southeast Asia next year to seriously consider traveling sometime in January or February, which is still the region’s high season.
“One key thing that’s going to impact people’s travel to Southeast and East Asia next year is the return of Chinese travelers when that country finally opens, and that’s probably going to happen in the first quarter of next year,” Bittner explained. “Because of the lack of Chinese tourists in Southeast Asia now, you don’t have anywhere near the same crowds. But when the Chinese return, it’ll mean all the iconic places will be more crowded — beaches, temples, palaces and markets.”
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https://amazoniabeachwear.com/en-gb/blogs/news/the-best-beach-clubs-in-the-world-for-summer-20222022-06-09T17:34:36-07:002022-06-09T17:35:37-07:00The best beach clubs in the world for summer 2022Amazonia Beachwear
The most stylishly mellow toes-in-the-sand beach clubs to spend your summer in 2022. We’re dreaming of long, lost afternoons at some of the world’s very best beach bars. Read about the spots around the globe that have caught our eye – from theGreek islandstoTulum.
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https://amazoniabeachwear.com/en-gb/blogs/news/meet-our-founder-mirthis-de-siqueira2021-12-16T15:08:24-08:002022-10-18T18:48:55-07:00Meet our founder Mirthis de SiqueiraAmazonia Beachwear
Meet Mirthis Siqueira | Enterpreuner
We had the good fortune of connecting with Mirthis Siqueira and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Mirthis, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today? I am Brazilian, born and raised in Brasilia, capital of my country. From a very early age, I was encouraged by my parents to achieve my independence and fight for my dreams, the daughter of a businessman and a Lebanese mother, when I was 15 years old I started selling bikinis and crochet clothes, the business passion was in the blood. Around the age of eighteen, I decided that I would study law, perhaps due to the influence of work, at the time I worked for the federal government, perhaps, because I was always a curious person about what we call rights and duties, and the lack of equity that exists between people who have access to information and those who do not. In the end I studied many things, foreign trade, law, among others, I went through different types of professional experiences in the goverment and private companies in Brazil, but here I am again involved with my roots and with the gift that I inherited from my maternal grandfather. Every moment was important to bring me here, the courage that my father always taught me to have is essential for a successful businesswoman, without risk there is no growth, the calm and clarity that I always admired in my mother guided me in the most conflicting moments of my journey, college and professional experiences that I have obtained over the years, give me the foundation to know when and how to act, because for those who are based on laws and love, the future and success are guaranteed.
Available on Spotify
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more? I am very proud to say that I am the owner of Amazônia Beachwear, a company created with the intention of showing Americans the real Brazilian bikini, the one that shapes the woman’s body, leaving all types of bodies elegant, beautiful and at the same time comfortable, an original swimsuit that is created from the understanding of each woman and is unique, therefore we need to meet all needs and desires. We are a company that seeks, through a thorough curation, to keep pieces that talk to each other in all collections and to bring to our customers versatile pieces that go from beach to casual, thus promoting a conscious consumption and with less social and environmental impact for our world. Since January 1st, we have excluded all plastic packaging from our bikinis, in order to minimize environmental damage and incentives for our customers to reuse as new packaging made from fabric waste. For the month of April we have a great novelty, bikinis made with a line made from the recycling of pet bottles, another action that we hope will somehow help us to save our forests and oceans. Nothing is easy to talk about starting a business, idealizing, planning, raising investment funds, sleepless nights, doubts, crying fears … an eternal uncertainty as to whether we are on the right path or not. It was no different for me, in another country, just 6 months after the arrival, without mastering the language, without friends or family, just the desire to do different and do better every day. The challenge was never a problem for me, always a stepping stone, what moves me and what excites me and the knowledge that every day through my work I can bring back the self-esteem of a mother, a grandmother or a teenager, put a smile on a woman’s face and somehow make a difference and be remembered in the memories of these women’s sunny days.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to? I would certainly start by taking him to visit Coronado, the island that welcomed me and where my first address was since I arrived in the USA and also where Amazonia Beachwear was born, we would take a brunch at Little French where we could enjoy the movement of tourists old and traditional family shops around, the historic corner bank and from there we would go for a walk through the interiors of the Hotel Del Coronado and all its history, ending with a beautiful sunset by the sea to the sound of live music and glass toasting the show. We can not forget to walk the streets of La jolla and discover great and small restaurants, antique shops and the stunning view of the ocean, take a whole day to walk and discover the various caves that this region exists and then rest in the sand and feel the vibe of california. Certainly San Diego has many other places to explore, but in my opinion these two cannot be missing.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition? Certainly my family in the first place, parents and brothers who always support and encourage me, even many times not agreeing. My daughter who helps me in my company every day or just with a sweet smile. To friends Marcia, Ricardo, Conrado, Fernanda, Andre and so many others that without them I would not have made it this far,
https://shoutoutsocal.com/meet-mirthis-siqueira-enterpreuner/]]>
https://amazoniabeachwear.com/en-gb/blogs/news/here-are-the-most-exciting-swim-trends-for-20202021-12-16T15:01:49-08:002021-12-16T15:01:49-08:00Here Are The Most Exciting Swim Trends For 2020Amazonia Beachwear
Just as you are loading up your suitcase for yoursummer getaway, a whole new season of suits, cover ups and assorted other poolside pieces has hit the runways at Miami Swim Week. Designers are putting the focus on sustainability, and also stretching the definition of what swimwear can be, offering up pieces that take you from pool party to dinner party with just a quick towel-off. And though minimalist swim still reigns, more-is-more types will be happy to see the return of shimmery lurex, bold colors and various look-at-me details. Here, an advanced peek at the trends you’ll be packing in your weekend bag next summer.
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https://amazoniabeachwear.com/en-gb/blogs/news/here-are-the-coolest-swim-trends-so-your-labor-day-can-be-hot-as-hell2021-12-16T15:01:35-08:002021-12-16T15:01:35-08:00Here Are The Coolest Swim Trends, So Your Labor Day Can Be Hot As HellAmazonia Beachwear
Oh, so you think summer’s basically over and you don’t have to think about swimsuits anymore? Well, do you, but FYI: Miami Swim Week and the Destination Miami Tradeshow (aka a very hot and bikini-focused fashion week that takes place every year in Florida) just happened at the end of July and…you’re definitely going to want to see all the latest trends and get some great inspiration for all your Labor Day plans. Keep scrollin’ to check out 50 styles that are perfect for your next poolside soiree.
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https://amazoniabeachwear.com/en-gb/blogs/news/13-best-beach-destinations-to-visit-this-winter-20222021-12-05T13:02:16-08:002021-12-16T15:10:02-08:0013 Best Beach Destinations to Visit This Winter 2022.Amazonia Beachwear
No matter the weather where you are, these beach destinations bring year-round warmth. Instead of spending the holiday season trapped indoors by the winter ice and snow, trade your mittens and winter coats for bathing suits and suntan lotion. Here’s 12 of the best beach destinations for winter to avoid the cold!
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The winter season is approaching and finals are winding to an end. As you log off for the semester (finally!), replace your Zoom sessions with some surf sessions and take some time away from tests, essays, and roommates by heading to the beach! Don’t live anywhere close to a beach? No worries! The best beach destinations for winter don’t have to break the bank.
No matter the weather where you are, these beach destinations bring year-round warmth. Instead of spending the holiday season trapped indoors by the winter ice and snow, trade your mittens and winter coats for bathing suits and suntan lotion. Here’s 12 of the best beach destinations for winter to avoid the cold!
1. La Jolla Beach, Southern California
Located in sunnysouthern Californiawith crystal-clear water, abundant wildlife, and a variety of hip restaurants and shops in town, La Jolla is a prime winter beach destination. Winter waves in this season maintain a steady 2ft and under height—perfect for those looking to grab their wavestorms and try their hand at an afternoon surf session. Bonus: every winter, La Jolla is home to the world’s largest population of leopard sharks—not harmful to humans and perfect for thatInstagram-worthy‘I swam with sharks’ picture!
Average January temperature: 62°F
2. Pink Sands Beach, The Bahamas
One of onlysevenpink sand beaches in the world, the Pink Sands Beach on Harbor Island is perfect for a winter trip you’ll never forget. With soothing waters maintaining a 70-75°F average, December is peak season for travelers looking for calm tides and natural beauty. Enjoy elegant resorts or affordable student hotels, work on that suntan you lost while studying in the library, and build memories with your college BFF’s before winter break ends.
Average January temperature: 78°F
3. Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos
The stunning Grace Bay Beach is located on the northeast coast of Providenciales Island. This pristine beach is the hallmark of Turks and Caicos—with the perfect mix of natural and luxurious vibes, it’s one of the best beach destinations for winter. Turks and Caicos experiences consistent and beautiful weather year-round, so you can escape the winter whenever you visit. With over 3 miles of white sand; calm, shallow waters and pristine beach conditions, Grace Bay is a must for your winter beach bucket list.
Average January temperature: 82°F
4.Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece
Elafonissi Beach definitely deserves a spot on your best beaches list—with stunning pinkish sand, warm lagoon-like waters, and a very wild feel, Elafonissi Beach is a unique beach experience! In fact, it’s actually an island. It’s separated from the mainland by the shallow water and sandbars that only disappear under about three feet of water at high tide. Facilities are limited to palapa-covered sun loungers and a handful of tavernas for fresh seafood. Even better: the wide shallow lagoon is a shelter for rare loggerhead sea turtles. Go snorkeling or just enjoy the warm waters—these turtles are very shy, but you might be able to spot one if you’re lucky!
Average January temperature: 53°F (but the water is actually warmer than the air temp, at 60°F!)
5. Laguna Beach, California
Feeling in the mood for a funky beach town with an artsy vibe? Look no further. Known for its vibrant art galleries, coves, beaches, and gardens, Laguna Beach is an artist’s paradise. After visiting the Laguna Art Museum and Laguna Gallery for some inspiration, you can bask in the golden sand under the California sun. For those with the spirit of wanderlust, check out Victoria Beach and snap a pic by the Pirate Tower, an eerie 60-foot castle built in the 1920s. From hiking, museums, to pristine beaches, the options are endless!
Average January temperature: 68°F
6. Key Largo, Florida
If you’re looking for a beach getaway with more to do than just lay on the beach, Key Largo is a great place to go. From glass-bottomed boat tours and snorkeling in the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to swimming with dolphins, visiting wildlife preserves or biking along the Overseas Trail spanning the Florida Keys, Key Largo is home to plenty of activities and adventure, too. Of course, the beaches won’t disappoint either—soft white sand, views as far as the eye can see and an average water temperature of 74°F even in January.
Average January temperature: 76°F
7. Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo, Mexico
If you want to get off the beaten path in Mexico without sacrificing views or sunshine (or perfect beaches!), you can’t go wrong with Isla Holbox. This car-free island isn’t far from Cancun, yet it’s much less crowded. Bonus: most of the beaches in Holbox have colorful hammocks strung up over the water, making for the perfect spot for relaxing (and for an Insta pic, of course). Not a napper? There’s plenty else to do too—go kite surfing, explore nearby cenotes, take a boat or kayak tour, or rent bicycles to ride around the island. The nearby nature surrounding the bright blue waters means Isla Holbox is the perfect place for adventurers and beach-lovers alike.
Average January temperature: 68°F
8. The Baths, British Virgin Islands
Located in Virgin Gorda, The Baths are one of the most beautiful beaches in the world—and definitely one of the most photographed! The giant boulders paired with the bright blue water make for seriously otherworldly views and scenery. There’s also plenty of hidden caves and grottos ready to be explored. You can also explore the nearby Devil’s Bay for snorkeling and more swimming and sunbathing. Plus, with winter weather rarely dipping below the 80s every day, it’s one of the best beach destinations for winter. The British Virgin Islands have loads worth visiting, but go ahead and bump the Baths at Virgin Gorda to the top of your list.
Average January temperature: 82°F
9. Papenoo Beach, Tahiti
Ready for a far-flung adventure this winter? Why not go big and head all the way to Tahiti? Ok, even if you’re just dreaming about it for now, Papenoo Beach is one of the best beaches in the world and deserves a place on your bucket list. While there’s not much in terms of amenities here, what you’re visiting for is the solitude, off-the-beaten-path quiet and natural beauty that Tahiti is so famous for. It’s truly one best beach destinations for winter—or anytime—in the world. If you love surfing, Papenoo is great for that, with a consistent break, or you can visit nearby spots like Arahoho Blowhole and waterfalls for more to do.
Average January temperature: 83°F
10. Honolulu, Hawaii
Where better to escape for the winter than the Hawaiian Islands? While Honolulu is the most popular spot for travelers (and the easiest to get to), there’s something for everyone inHawaii. Looking for a buzzy city with tons of beaches? Definitely head to Honolulu and the nearby Waikiki area. Want to get off-the-beaten-path? The Big Island is a great place to do so. If you’re looking for a quieter week in paradise, Maui has some of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii. No matter where you go, you’ll be met with warm, calm waters; stunning views and sunny weather year-round.
Average January temperature: 81°F
11. Siesta Key Beach, Florida
Ready for a beachside siesta? Then we’ve got just the place for you. Siesta Key Beach in Florida is one of the best beaches in the US and if you visit for a week (or even just a weekend), you’ll see why! With some of the softest white sand in the US, tons of sunny days and warm, calm water, it’s the perfect place for swimming, sunbathing or, of course, a nap! Start your day with free beach yoga or stay up late singing karaoke at the beachside Crab and Oyster Bar. You can even go parasailing!
Average January temperature: 71°F
12. Playa Paraiso, Tulum, Mexico
If you’re looking for a true escape to a tropical paradise, how about Paradise Beach in Tulum? Besides all the insta-perfect beaches, cafes and stops in Tulum, Playa Paraiso is one of the best beaches in Mexico. Even though Tulum is growing in popularity, this beach still stays relatively quiet, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long semester. Get the picture-perfect Insta shots, then hit up a yoga class or find a hammock to stretch out in for the afternoon.
Average January temperature: 83°F
13. Big Sur, California
Located on the central California coast, boasting rugged vistas between the Santa Lucia Mountains,Big Suris a camping and adventure-seeker’s haven.The iconic Bixby Creek Bridge built in the 1930s is the hallmark of Big Sur that you can’t miss. Sleep under the stars on Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground surrounded by redwoods and rich green foliage, or hike to McWay Falls, an 80 foot tall waterfall that flows directly into the ocean. The chilly Pacific water around Big Sur is rarely warm enough for swimming, even in the summer, but Big Sur’s natural scenery and breathtaking coastline is the perfect backdrop for your winter break memories—and for your Insta feed.