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Meet Boston, the 250th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party Board of Advisors (BOA) and Revolution 250, a consortium of organizations working together to commemorate the 250th anniversaries of the events that led to the American Revolution, officially kick-off the 250th commemorative anniversary year of the Boston Tea Party, a momentous event that forever changed the course of American history.The 250th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, the “single most important event leading up to the American Revolution,” will occur on Saturday, December 16, 2023.  Boston will not only be the FIRST to mark the 250th anniversary of a landmark historic event in the United States’ journey to independence and the founding of a free nation, but also will be the epicenter, and on the world’s stage, in honoring the anniversary of the historic event that is the Boston Tea Party.
“The Boston Tea Party helped spark the Revolutionary War and is one of the earliest milestones on the path to our nation’s founding,” says Rosie Rios, Chair of the United States Semiquincentennial Commission. “It was a dramatic demonstration of the colonists’ willingness to fight for truths they knew to be self-evident—that we all have the unalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. As we approach the nation’s semiquincentennial—the 250th commemoration of when our leaders firmly established those beliefs through the Declaration of Independence—it is crucial that we recognize the vital role the Boston Tea Party played in shaping the America we know today.”
Boston will be in the spotlight in honoring this historic event officially launching a commemorative year of celebrations today and will be leading the way as America begins to celebrate all major historic 250th anniversaries leading up to 2026, the semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States of America.
According to Martha Sheridan, Executive Director, Meet Boston and 250th Boston Tea Party Anniversary BOA Co-Chair, “The 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party will be a spectacular commemorative event. It will have a profound impact on our industry and the greater Boston economy during a critical time of year. As our nation approaches its 250th birthday in 2026, it’s fitting that Boston should be in the global spotlight as we celebrate the catalytic events that led to American independence, starting with the singular significance of the Boston Tea Party.”
A multitude of organizations across Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are working together to create a commemorative year of public engagement, dynamic programming, special exhibits, events, installations, and performances. The year will culminate in a grand-scale, live reenactment of the Boston Tea Party on December 16, 2023, slated to be one of the largest theatrical moving performances in the United States. ADVERTISEMENT“The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and our members are enthusiastic partners and collaborators in the celebration of the Boston Tea Party’s 250th anniversary,” says James E. Rooney, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and 250th Boston Tea Party Anniversary BOA Co-Chair. “Boston holds momentous history that is pivotal in the country’s journey to realizing freedom. This is a celebration for everyone in Greater Boston – and the country and world – as we commemorate the courage and grit that connects every community to this revolution that changed the course of history.”
An overview of current initiatives as part of the 250th Boston Tea Party Anniversary Commemorative Year:
First Night Boston 2023 – December 31, 2022First Night is Boston’s annual and free New Year’s Eve celebration of musical performances, a “People’s Procession” parade, ice sculptures and fireworks celebrating the beginning of a new year. This year, First Night will honor the Boston Tea Party.  Featured ice sculptures throughout Boston will salute this historic event, Colonial actors will be leading the “People’s Procession” and much more.
250th Anniversary Boston Tea Party NEW “Tea Talks” Speaker Series 2023A NEW “Tea Talks” Speaker Series honoring the 250th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party will be launching in 2023 exploring many different facets of life in early Boston, New England, and Colonial America through expert storytellers from nationally renowned authors and tea masters to historians and cultural experts etc. More details to be announced in early 2023.
NEW Boston Tea Party Descendants ProgramA NEW Boston Tea Party Descendants program will be launching in 2023 in partnership with the New England Historic Genealogical Society, the country’s leading resource for historical family research, fostering genealogical connections to participants in the Boston Tea Party, their families, and those involved in the making of colonial rebellion in Boston.  The program will not only connect people to their shared histories, but also serve as a hub of information and shared resources for local, national, and international historians, indefinitely. More details to be announced in early 2023.
41st Boston Harborfest – June 29 – July 4, 2023Boston Harborfest is the country’s largest Fourth of July festival. During the 41st Harborfest in 2023, the Boston Tea Party will be the featured theme as Boston celebrates its historic harbor and history. The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, dedicated to accurately reliving and representing a key time in history (1773-1775), will be offering a series of hands-on activities & interactive performances throughout Harborfest.
Boston Tea Party Participant Grave Marker ProjectThe Boston Tea Party Grave Marker Project, which began in 2019, marks the final resting places of many of the brave people involved in the “single most important event leading up to the American Revolution” with a commemorative marker inspired by Nathaniel Currier’s The Destruction of the Tea at Boston Harbor lithograph created in 1846, a popular and often used artistic representation of the Boston Tea Party. ALL known participants will receive markers by the 250th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party. To date, a total of 119 commemorative markers have been placed at graves of known Boston Tea Party participants buried within some of New England’s oldest burying grounds. In 2023, the grave markers will be placed at gravesites of Boston Tea Party patriots in MI, NY, OH, PA, VA and as far away as Paris, France. The markers will be on display indefinitely. The FINAL honorary commemorative marker will be placed in Boston at the grave of Patriot Samuel Adams in the Granary Burying Ground in 2023 (date TBA).
Engaging Students Throughout Commonwealth of MassachusettsThroughout the 250th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party’s commemorative year, students across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are invited to express their personal thoughts and connections to the themes centered around the ideas of the Boston Tea Party—protest, civic engagement, representation and commemoration—through creative writing projects, videography, or artistic design. The goal is to not only educate students on the iconic events that helped shape America, but also allow them to connect these ideals to their own lives. Their creative pieces will be showcased on www.bostonteaparty250.com. More details to be announced in early 2023.
Boston Area Hotels, Restaurant and Bars to Honor the Boston Tea PartyThroughout 2023, Boston area hotels, restaurants and bars will be offering a dose of patriotism with hotel packages, tea-inspired cocktails, and dinners in honor of 250th Anniversary of The Boston Tea Party. More details to be announced in 2023.
Honoring 18th-Century Poet Phillis WheatleyFormer enslaved person and American author, Phillis Wheatley, is one of the best-known poets in late-18th-century America. Considered the first African American and only the third American woman author of a published book of poetry, she will be honored with a special exhibition; and a major announcement will be made in 2023 around her connection to the Boston Tea Party. More details will be announced in 2023.
East India Company – London, England – September 2023A series of events in partnership with the East India Company, founded in 1600 and still in existence from where the tea came that was originally destroyed during the Boston Tea Party, celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party will be taking place in London in September 2023. The East India Company will also be shipping to Boston 250 pounds of loose tea to be thrown into Boston Harbor as part of the 250th Boston Tea Party Anniversary reenactment.
250th Boston Tea Party Anniversary LIVE Reenactment – Saturday, December 16, 2023The 250th anniversary year will culminate in a grand-scale, live reenactment of the Boston Tea Party on Saturday, December 16, 2023, the actual anniversary of the Boston Tea Party. Hundreds of reenactors will tell the story of the infamous Boston Tea Party and theatrically recreate the events of December 16, 1773 at historic Old South Meeting House and Faneuil Hall with a series of performances and programming, followed by a public procession to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum where the Sons of Liberty will destroy loose tea, 250 pounds of tea sent to Boston from London’s East India Company in addition to tea sent in from citizens from around the country, into Boston’s historic harbor.
Information on the 250th Boston Tea Party Anniversary commemorative year, in addition to updates on all events and programming throughout the year, will be available at www.BostonTeaParty250.com,

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Vail Mountain received over 18” of natural snowfall during this week’s winter storm, allowing the resort to open the Legendary Back Bowls on the resort’s 60th birthday.A massive undertaking, the resort prepared and opened 2,000 acres of terrain. There are currently 3,200 acres available for skiing and riding. In addition to this enormous terrain opening, Vail Mountain kicked off its 60th Birthday Bash with the launch of the Eagle’s Nest Ice Bar and a complimentary champagne toast for guests!60th Anniversary Birthday Bash: The 60th Anniversary Birthday Bash kicks off today with the launch of the Eagle’s Nest Ice Bar – one of two planned Ice Bars for the 60th Season. Guests joined for a complimentary champagne toast and live mountaintop DJ set. Free concerts and more are happening all weekend long – visit vail.com for more!
Other 60th Anniversary Experiences Launching Today:Bistro 14 – A new fine art experience featuring Gray Malin: Bistro 14 relaunched as a fine art photography gallery experience featuring fine art photographer Gray Malin. The legendary photographer is debuting a new series, Gray Malin in Vail, on Jan. 17, and Vail Mountain guests get an exclusive first look only at Bistro 14. See his aerial collection at graymalin.comSnow Bungalows: Four exclusive snow bungalows are open for guests today, and will be available for reservation later this month. The Snow Bungalows are conveniently situated at the Eagle’s Nest Ice Bar and Bistro 14, and are your personal mountaintop retreat for an elevated day on the slopes.Vail Mail: Write a postcard from Vail’s highest mailbox at the Legacy Hut. Postcards feature artwork by Gray Malin and postage is courtesy of Vail Mountain. Send a letter from the highest mailbox in Vail – in true throwback and analogue fashion.Vail Mountain 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Rye Bourbon: Vail Mountain collaborated with local distillery, 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits, for a one-of-a-kind Limited Edition spirit that is now available on Vail Mountain and throughout select lodging locations. Grab a taste at the Eagle’s Nest Ice Bar.Murals and more: Vail Mountain has new murals and must-visit photo spots across the mountain. Visit a large recreation of Vail Mountain’s original Opening Day sign at the top of Wildwood Express (#3) and the new Mt. of the Holy Cross archway at the top of Eagle’s Nest which beautifully frames up the mountain’s closest 14,000’ peak.

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Yesterday, December 15, the first interactive, experiential science and technology museum in China – the NEOBIO Museum (Shanghai), located in Al PLAZA along the Xuhui West Bund, was officially unveiled to the public. The NEOBIO Museum is a popular landmark in Shanghai, accomplished in creating 360-degree, wholistic experiences. The brand is committed to cultivating tomorrow’s talents alongside Chinese families and society, and contribute to the strategic realization of invigorating the nation through science and technologyBorn to educate: China’s first interactive science & technology museum unveiled
Ms. Chen Yandan, founder of NEOBIO and Ms. Xu Jing, CEO of NEOBIO attended the grand opening with industry guests, media and audiences to witness the debut of the museum. The museum space is colored to perfection in white and gold to turn the spotlight on the historic moments of civilization and mankind’s journey. The electronic screen, lighting and high-rise building create a sense of grandeur. Two robotic arms stand over the marble table at reception, where human and artificial intelligence gather in the same room, as if in the future world of cyber electronics.
Maye Musk, brand ambassador of NEOBIO and a respected mother, delivered a video speech for the opening ceremony, where she congratulated the museum on its opening and provided thought-provoking remarks on the cultivation of future science talents: “Everyone has different talents and if you want children to be truly happy, you must let them do what they really love. Congratulations to NEOBIO on its first museum opening, and I strongly encourage families from all over the world to visit and explore the unknown and lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning.”

Immersive expedition and full sensory interaction to create a multi-dimensional journey of discoveryADVERTISEMENTCovering diverse fields such as natural science, avant-garde technology and aerospace exploration, NEOBIO Museum guides children to understand the boundless relationship between science, life and art through full sensory, interactive experiences, and uncover the infinite charm of science.
The museum has three floors, covering an area of 6000m², and is divided into five major exhibitions. In Power Hungary, the process of mankind understanding nature and transforming it into a source of energy is revealed; In Miracle Labs, audiences witness the birth, development and aging of life, and understand the delicate works of human organs and cells; In Secret Studios, explorers conduct a well-versed symphony using art and technology; In Maker’s Hall, every visitor becomes a natural innovator and experiences the joy of creation; And coming to Space Station, audiences travel in space to understand the mysteries left for future generations in the vast sea of stars.
Steering away from display style exhibition, the NEOBIO Museum integrates knowledge, art and hands-on experience, bringing to life a full sensory scientific experience, stimulating children’s scientific interests and broadening their scientific horizons. Themed science activities and parent-child sessions are held as a part of the museum’s program around the year, bringing to children and parents 21st century skills through experiments and hands-on experience.
The museum is equipped with NEOBIO’s first-ever smart wristband location tracking system, so parents are free of any safety concerns while children explore the grounds. In terms of catering facilities, the museum offers a selection nutritious specialty menus, so that individuals and families who come to dine and visit can enjoy 360-degree, quality service.
Cultivating young talents as a strategy to invigorate the nation through technology

Science is the foundation of academic research, education and the sustainable development of the world, and children and young people are an important source in the science and technology talent pool. NEOBIO is the first domestic interactive technology space that breaks the traditional top-down education funnel, allowing children to gain access to more than just watching at the museum, and encouraging them to think critically and seek knowledge through real experiences.
NEOBIO’s innovative education system is a practice based on the consensus of what makes quality modern education, and is also an advanced layout for future talent development. As the museum opens its doors to the public, it will also play a key role in cultivating a new generation of talents with scientific ideals and helping to improve the scientific and technological literacy of young people, hence strategically invigorating the nation through science and technology.
NEOBIO is a innovative and revolutionary new brand, and the proud creator of the highly acclaimed NEOBIO Family Center, and is now bringing to life the first-ever interactive science and technology museum in China. In the future, NEOBIO has plans to continue to create tangible and experiential spaces, all to cultivate more world citizens with scientific literacy and all-round capabilities.

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For the 12th time and third successive year, dnata has been named Ground Support Services Provider of the Year at the 2022 Aviation Business Middle East Awards.Jaffar Dawood, dnata’s Senior Vice President for UAE Airport Operations, who accepted the award on behalf of dnata, said: “Winning this honour for the 12th time is a recognition of our team’s outstanding efforts to consistently deliver world-class services for our airline partners and their customers.  We will continue to invest in our people, infrastructure and equipment to be the best in everything we do.”
Over the past year, dnata has continued to scale up operations to support its airline customers’ increased flight operations across more than 120 airports around the world. This included the opening of new, state-of-the-art cargo centres in London, UK and Erbil, Iraq and the expansion of its existing facility in Dallas, USA. In addition, dnata expanded its cargo operations into Cologne, Germany through a strategic acquisition and announced a major, US$200 million investment in a fully automated cargo centre, dnata Cargo City Amsterdam, in The Netherlands.
dnata also invested in cutting-edge technologies and digitalisation to further enhance efficiencies across its operations. Key milestones include the rollout of its digital cargo management system, OneCargo, the development of a next-generation e-commerce platform, and the launch of autonomous drones in its warehouses.
dnata has also continued efforts to optimise resources and reduce its environmental footprint across its global network. Most recently, it has installed renewable energy tech, such as solar panels, heat recovery units and electric vehicle charging, at its existing facilities in the UK and Singapore. dnata will also incorporate carbon reduction initiatives in the construction and operation of its new cargo centres in Iraq and The Netherlands.
dnata offers ground handling, cargo, travel, catering and retail services in 37 countries across six continents.  In the first six months of the financial year 2022-23, dnata’s customer-oriented teams handled more than 347,000 aircraft turns, moved over 1.35 million tonnes of cargo, uplifted 50.5 million meals, and recorded a total transaction value (TTV) of travel services of US$ 1.3 billion.ADVERTISEMENT

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Qatar Duty Free (QDF), the Official Retail Partner for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 TM, has officially launched the first FIFA store at the World Best Airport, Hamad International Airport. The FIFA store showcases an impressive collection of FIFA Official World Cup merchandise, souvenirs, collectibles and team jerseys. The FIFA store spans over 185 square metres and operates round the clock, every day.
Qatar Duty Free is also operating all the official FIFA stores, located in different locations throughout the iconic eight stadiums of Qatar and the mega store at the FIFA Fan Festival. The official opening of the FIFA store was officiated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Vice President of Qatar Duty Free, Mr. Thabet Musleh, said: “This has been an extraordinary period for our beloved home Qatar, and we are proud to have played a significant role in this year’s FIFA tournament. Launching the first FIFA store worldwide at our brand new expansion in Hamad International Airport is a great honour.
As the tournament is coming to an end, we look forward to welcoming thousands of fans travelling through HIA to explore the FIFA store and shop for memorable souvenirs to mark an unforgettable experience.”
The FIFA store features a collection of FIFA Merchandise, including football jerseys, sports attires, accessories, the Official FIFA World Cup Al Rihla Ball, Souvenirs, and collectibles. In addition, fans are offered a premium selection of official team jerseys and accessories to show support for their favourite teams. Unique items sold at the FIFA store include the Al Hilm Pro Final Official Match Ball and Retro FIFA collection items. The stores also feature trophy World Cup replicas and FIFA 2022 branded attire.ADVERTISEMENTAbout Qatar Duty Free
Qatar Duty Free (QDF), a subsidiary of Qatar Airways group, is a shopping emporium at the heart of the Skytrax 2022 World’s Best Airport, Hamad International Airport (HIA), with more than 50,000 square meters of duty-free and concession space. By the end of the end of 2022, QDF will boast more than 130 luxury and affordable retail outlet and more than 40 F&B outlets.
QDF offers an extensive selection of luxury boutiques and a wide portfolio of multi-brand concept shops and duty free stores.
In addition to its wide luxury brand portfolio, QDF boasts a wide range of cuisines to suit every palette and budget at our numerous dine in restaurants, cafes and grab and go outlets.
As part of its position within a powerful trinity of a retailer, an award-winning airport and a global airline, QDF is uniquely positioned to partner with travel retail brands to launch products and services, bringing exclusive experiences to customers.
HIA, QDF’s home and hub, continues to increase capacity to more than 70 million passengers and 3 million tons of cargo annually. The expansion project has increased to 15,620 sqm. of landscaped retail and F&B space, which had enhanced the multi-dimensional offerings of the five-star airport by integrating world-class art collection and refreshing environment of lush greenery with contemporary retail and dining concepts among other leisure attractions and facilities under one expansive terminal.
In November, Qatar Duty Free was named the Official Retail Partner for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. This partnership includes a license to exclusively sell all FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 merchandise in the fan zones and all spectacular stadiums hosting the matches in Qatar, as well as at Hamad International Airport.

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Discover Puerto Rico, the Island’s Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), announced today its Sunshine Route and the Sunshine Shop – new and unique ways for visitors to #LiveBoricua both on and off the IslandIn a tribute to Puerto Rico’s official color, Puerto Rico Sunshine created by Pantone, the route features several stops where explorers can tangibly experience the iconic sunshine through adventure, beauty, cuisine, fashion and more, while the shop curates local products inspired by the color for consumers to enjoy.The map provides a guide for travelers to road trip and experience sunshine – a proven mood booster especially in the winter months – wherever they are on the Island. Starting in the San Juan metro region, visitors can make stops at Distrito T-Mobile, Puerto Rico’s massive entertainment complex, where they can experience a unique light show inspired by Puerto Rico Sunshine across their 14,000 feet of LED screens. From there, venture to Señor Paleta and Indulge Chocolat to grab a Sunshine popsicle or bon-bon to enjoy while taking in the special sight of a Puerto Rico sunset over the San Juan Bay. Next, followers can wake up to a breathtaking sunrise at Playa Isla Verde before visiting aWa Outdoor where they’ll pick up a Puerto Rico Sunshine cooler backpack featuring petroglyph prints from the Taínos – Puerto Rico’s native people. From there, visitors can head to Rincón, Ponce, Jayuya and more for additional sunshine.
“We’re very pleased with the overwhelming local support for our Puerto Rico Sunshine color with Pantone – from local foods to accessories and more – partners and small business owners have embraced this to make it their own. It only felt natural to curate these goods and experiences that can immerse travelers in the Island’s sunny rays both literally and figurately,” said Leah Chandler, CMO of Discover Puerto Rico. “There has never been a better time, or easier way, to visit Puerto Rico, with new direct flights departing from across the U.S. daily, and no passport required. Especially as the cold settles in across much of the mainland, we encourage people to feel the warmth in Puerto Rico.”
Consumers can shop all bespoke Sunshine products created by local vendors in the new Sunshine Shop on Discover Puerto Rico’s website. The unique products include jewelry from Knot Predictable and local designer Grace Gonzalez; Bomba accessories from Bombazo Wear that reflect an authentic aspect of the Island’s African influence; nail polish from Bettina Cosmetics; sandals from Isleñas; and Chuchería bags from Rogative, among others. These products provide consumers with the ability to support local businesses anywhere in the world and bring the Boricua spirit home, as well as inspiration to visit the Island in the future. Two additional vendors with products inspired by Puerto Rico Sunshine – Señor Paleta and Indulge Chocolat – offer their Sunshine tasty treats at brick-and-mortar locations featured on the Sunshine Route.
Earlier this year, Discover Puerto Rico announced their partnership with the Pantone Color Institute to create a first-of-its kind color inspired by the hue of Puerto Rican sunlight, based on findings by Puerto Rican physicist, Hector J. Jimenez. Dr. Jimenez calculated the color of sunbeams using various existing models of the solar radiation and the atmosphere at different moments throughout the day in several locations throughout the Island, which then was applied to create the color Puerto Rico Sunshine. Since then, the color has taken on a life of its own and sparked pride in the Boricua community, with local small businesses creating unique products inspired by the color.
With no passport, currency exchange, or international phone plan required for U.S. citizens, Puerto Rico is the perfect place for those looking for the balance of unparalleled cultural experiences, award-winning beaches, world-class culinary delights, natural wonders, and heart-pounding adventure in their future trip.ADVERTISEMENTFor more information about the destination, follow Discover Puerto Rico’s social channels on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook and visit DiscoverPuertoRico.com.
The Sunshine Route includes:DISTRITO T-Mobile – The Island’s newest entertainment complex, DISTRITO T-Mobile is home to a unique light show inspired by Puerto Rico Sunshine across their 14,000 feet of LED screens, including the largest 4K horizontal LED screen in the Americas.Señor Paleta – This artisanal shop is home to handmade and natural frozen treats, including their new Puerto Rico Sunshine-inspired Paleta, rich with flavors of papaya and pineapple.Indulge Chocolat – A couture chocolate shop that designs delectable, handcrafted treats including their Puerto Rico Sunshine-inspired passion fruit-infused bon-bons.San Juan Bay – Enjoy the sunset over San Juan Bay either tableside at one of the many local restaurants or catch a catamaran for a memorable cruise around the bay.aWa Outdoor – aWa Outdoor is founded by two Puerto Rican women who focus on products to protect personal items from water. Their Puerto Rico Sunshine dry bags and coolers are made of the exact Puerto Rico Sunshine color, featuring petroglyphs from the native Taínos.Playa Pastillo – Soak up the sun at this lush beach area as the turquoise waves crash on the shore. Sunbathe under a palm tree or check out Isabela’s famed Cuevas de las Golondrinas.Rincón – Famous for its breathtaking sunsets on the Western region of the Island, Rincón is the perfect place to catch some Puerto Rico Sunshine before it sets for the evening.Hacienda Tres Casitas – Reconnect with nature at this family-owned Hacienda tucked away in the beauty of the Island’s west coast. Spend the day relaxing under the sun and listening to the sounds of the coquis as you unwind and decompress.La Parguera Natural Reserve – Get outdoors and catch some rays with a snorkeling adventure at the La Parguera Natural Reserve. This stop features a variety of reef life thriving in the sun-filled waters off the shoreline.Hacienda Tres Angeles – Rise and enjoy the sunshine at Hacienda Tres Ángeles, a coffee hacienda tucked away in the mountains of Adjuntas, where you can sip on a fresh cup of their specialty coffee while soaking up the sun on their spacious deck.Caguan Indigenous Ceremonial Park – One of the Island’s most precious Taíno legacies stretching back more than 800 years, the park has numerous well-preserved petroglyphs, a museum with Taíno artifacts, and a botanical garden to explore under the sun.Cerro Punta – The highest peak on the Island at an elevation of 1,338 meters above sea level, Cerro Punta is where travelers can get as close to the Puerto Rico Sunshine as physically possible while experiencing panoramic views of the Island.Peñuelas – If you’re looking for a little shade from the sun’s rays, this spot is known as “The Valley of the Flamboyant Trees,” which bloom a vibrant red-orange color reminiscent of the Puerto Rico Sunshine Pantone color. Be sure to stop by La Soplaera Waterfall when visiting for a quick dip!Coamo Hot Springs – Feel the warmth of the sun and relax in this outdoor spa and natural thermal spring, legend says these waters were the fountain of youth sought by Puerto Rico’s first governor, Juan Ponce de León.Sun Bay Beach – This family friendly beach boasts everything you need for a day in the sun including changing rooms, lifeguards and food kiosks. Guests can also camp under the sun at the beach, with a permit.Zoní Beach – A hidden paradise, Zoní Beach in Culebra offers natural caves, sea grapevines, and a beautiful sunset in a less crowded environment.Punta Santiago Beach – Have fun in the sun at Punta Santiago, lounging under palm tree or taking a dip in the sea. With plenty of parking and nearby restaurants, you’ll be surrounded by perfect picturesque scenery.Salty Dog Catamaran – Enjoy the sunshine, at sea! Tours travel to unspoiled islands off the coast, where you can explore tropical fish and coral reefs on the eastern coast.Luquillo Beach – Visit la Capital del Sol or “The Sun’s Capital” to experience some of the Island’s best beaches as well as their famous Los Kioskos de Luquillo to enjoy a beachside strip of restaurants, bars and gift shops.Playa Isla Verde – The long golden sand beach of Playa Isla Verde offers the opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty of sunrises in Puerto Rico.

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Results of a recent survey of operators of the largest natural tourism attractions in the world, show caves, indicates that recovery from the pandemic remains challenging. In 2021 there were 120.8 million visitors to show caves, an overall 16% decline from a pre-pandemic high in 2019 of 144 millionHowever, show caves in the United States (U.S.) were up 27%, from 13.8 million in 2019 to 17.5 million in 2021. The assumption is the accelerated opening of tourism in the U.S. along with pent up demand and an emphasis on outdoor recreation may have been the reason for the difference.Worldwide staffing remains a challenge for show cave operators who rely on tour guides and hospitality professionals. Worldwide employment at show caves is down by 17% from 2019 levels, tracking with hiring challenges that continue to be endemic within the tourism industry as a whole. However, another surprising finding was that direct spending at show caves was up 7% globally (corrected for inflation), indicating the visitors who did come were willing to spend more on the experience overall.
Yet, according to Dr. Jim Petrick, Professor at Texas A&M, “Direct spending at a local attraction is just one aspect of the impact caves have on local economies.  Typically, spending doesn’t stop at the attraction as visitors often stop at other businesses in the area including restaurants, hotels, shops, and more.  Since tourism spending is also new money to a community, it also has multiplier effects (beyond direct spending) as dollars spent at a cave can often trickle down to the rest of a community.  Thus, the economic impact of the cave industry is likely considerably higher than just direct spending.”
The International Show Caves Association (ISCA) and the National Caves Association (NCA) in the U.S. joined together to survey more than 1500 show caves around the world. Respondents represented 10% of the world’s and one third of the U.S. show caves, minus Southwest Asia caves. Operators in Southwest Asia have not responded to surveys, although efforts continue to keep lines of communication open. This year’s survey follows a 2020 effort to establish a baseline of the industry and its impact, and to show the impact of the global pandemic on these hubs for tourism. The 2022 survey follows up on the industry, tracking recovery, growth, and, unfortunately, closures around the world of these unique natural wonders.
“Ongoing capacity restrictions were causing real challenges for show caves around the world,” said Friedrich Oedl, president of ISCA. “Some caves are still closed; others have ongoing mandates that are keeping them from operating fully. This makes it hard for them to return to pre-pandemic levels of visitation.”
“Show caves are more than unique natural wonders,” said Joe Klimczak, president of NCA. “They have long served an important economic role as engines for local tourism as well. While it’s clear some level of recovery has begun, we still have some ways to go.”ADVERTISEMENT
The findings included:
VisitationIn 2021, 120.8 million people visited show caves worldwide, and 17.5 million in the U.S. This is down from the peak of 2019 of 144 million worldwide, but up from 2019’s numbers of 13.8 million in the U.S. The U.S.‘s 27% increase in visitors in 2021 is believed to be due to an emphasis on outdoor travel and faster rate of reopening in 2020 and 2021. Still, given that in 2020 94% of show caves worldwide closed due to COVID, the recovery so far is a hopeful indicator of continued possibilities for a full recovery.
Direct Economic ImpactShow caves generated direct visitor spending of $2.14 billion worldwide with $382.1 million in the U.S., an increase of 7% and 3% respectively when corrected for inflation. This spending reflects only revenue for the show caves, the impact in the communities surrounding these destinations is also significant. Restaurants, hotels, and many other local businesses as well as local government entities all benefit from the visitor spending in the communities around show caves. Up from 2019’s spending of $1.93 billion and $354 million in the U.S., the change is remarkable, particularly in light of the loss in the first half of 2020 closures that resulted in a loss of 61% of revenue and the drop in visitors in 2021 for caves outside the U.S. It is on track with a reported trend of visitors to attractions spending more while traveling in 2021, a trend that is helping fuel a rebound for the industry.
JobsDuring the closures in 2020, 40,000 people lost their jobs at show caves worldwide, over 3,400 in the U.S. The lower number in the U.S. was largely due to the Paycheck Protection Program established in the U.S. Worldwide show caves in 2019 employed 69,000. The good news is nearly 57,000 of those jobs have returned (including 7,600 in the U.S.), however hiring remains challenging with two-thirds of respondents indicating they have more jobs than applicants.
Survey respondents represented a sampling of show caves in 195 countries across six continents, including Europe, Asia, Oceania, North and South America, and Africa. Participants included a wide range of government owned and privately held show caves with visitation levels ranging from zero (caves which are still unable to open due to local restrictions) to over 500,000.

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Celebrity Cruises Launches the World’s First Digital Cruise Ship Experience in the metaverse More