Thursday, January 11, 2024

American Airlines 2024 Elite Status Changes — New Rewards Options And More

American Airlines is making changes to its AAdvantage loyalty program throughout 2024. New benefits are being added for both entry-level members and those with higher-level status. Additionally, certain options that are currently available to all American Airlines flyers will be restricted exclusively to AAdvantage members.

Loyalty Point Rewards

The biggest change with Loyalty Point Rewards is the addition of a new reward choice of more Loyalty Points at certain point milestones.

When you enroll in the AAdvantage loyalty program, you earn Loyalty Points when you buy flight tickets, make purchases with an American Airlines credit card, and spend through American Airlines’ various shopping portals). As you earn more Loyalty Points, you’ll gain access to the four main tiers of elite status. You’ll also earn milestone rewards (called Loyalty Point Rewards) as you accrue more Loyalty Points. These Loyalty Point Rewards let you choose a benefit from a set list (such as priority check-in and Group 4 boarding vs. five preferred seat coupons).

Starting Mar. 1, 2024, AAdvantage members will have the option to choose bonus Loyalty Points at these Loyalty Point Rewards levels:

15,000: 1,000 Loyalty Points 175,000: 5,000 Loyalty Points 250,000: 15,000 Loyalty Points (you can choose this up to two times)

Another change is that members who reach the 175,000-Loyalty-Point level can no longer select a 15% award rebate as their reward.

Additional AAdvantage member benefits

Some new benefits are being added for AAdvantage members, regardless of your elite status level. These benefits will soon be a part of the AAdvantage program:

The ability to cancel Basic Economy tickets booked directly with American Airlines and receive a partial Trip Credit, after a $99 fee is applied (begins later in Jan. 2024) Same-day Standby on an earlier eligible American Airlines flight following the same itinerary (begins Mar. 1, 2024)

Later in 2024, these benefits will be available exclusively to AAdvantage members:

Trip Credit expiration will be extended to 12 months (6 months longer than for non-members)

Ability to purchase single-visit Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge passes

Option to put a flight on hold for up to 24 hours for free

Some of these “new additions” to the AAdvantage program are currently available to anyone traveling with American Airlines, including the options to purchase lounge passes and put a flight on hold. However, throughout 2024, these benefits will become exclusively available to AAdvantage members even if they don’t have elite status.

American Airlines has also announced tweaks to upgrades. Once these changes are implemented, you’ll earn miles and Loyalty Points when you pay cash for an upgrade and be able to redeem miles for upgrades with select partner airlines. It also plans to roll out the option to request systemwide upgrades online.

Although American Airlines is removing First Class seats for international flights, it’s adding the ability to use miles to pay for the Flagship First Dining experience at Dallas-Fort Worth and Miami airports. No date has been announced for when this feature will be available and it will only be an option for AAdvantage Platinum Pro elite members or higher.

Get benefits without status

For those who won’t earn elite status with American Airlines, you can instantly upgrade your travel experience by opening a co-branded American Airlines credit card.

The AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® grants cardholders perks such as preferred boarding (Group 5), free first checked bag (up to four people), $25 in statement credits each year for in-flight Wi-Fi purchases and 25% back on in-flight food and beverage purchases.

Similar travel perks are available with the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard®. The card member and four companions receive a free checked bag and Group 5 boarding. You’ll also get 25% back when you pay for in-flight food or beverages with the card.

Source: https://www.cnbc.com/jason-stauffer/

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

These Are The World's Most (And Least) Powerful Passports In 2024

An unprecedented six countries share the top spot with visa-free access to a record-breaking number of destinations on the 2024 Henley Passport Index, which is based on exclusive and official data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Four EU member states — France, Germany, Italy, and Spain — join Japan and Singapore in boasting the most powerful passports in the world, with their citizens able to visit an astonishing 194 destinations out of 227 around the globe visa-free. The two Asian nations have dominated 1st place on the index (which ranks all the world's passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa) for the past five years.

Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners, says although the general trend over the history of the 19-year-old ranking has been towards greater travel freedom, the global mobility gap between those at the top and bottom of the index is now wider than ever. "The average number of destinations travelers are able to access visa-free has nearly doubled from 58 in 2006 to 111 in 2024. However, as we enter the new year, the top-ranked countries are now able to travel to a staggering 166 more destinations visa-free than Afghanistan, which sits at the bottom of the ranking with access to just 28 countries without a visa."

Asian tiger South Korea joins Finland and Sweden in 2nd place with visa-free travel to 193 destinations, and another four EU nations — Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and Netherlands — share 3rd place with access to 192. The rest of the Top 10 is largely dominated by European countries, with the UK climbing up two ranks to 4th place with visa-free access to 191 destinations compared to just 188 a year ago. Australia and New Zealand passport holders both improve their ranking to sit in 6th place with 189 visa-free destinations, while the US retains its 7th place with access to 188 destinations without requiring a visa in advance. It has been a decade since the UK and the US jointly held 1st place on the index in 2014.

The UAE remains the biggest climber on the Henley Passport Index over the past decade, adding an impressive 106 destinations to its visa-free score since 2014, resulting in a massive leap of 44 places in the ranking from 55th to 11th position.

Ukraine and China are also among the Top 5 countries with the most improved rankings over the past 10 years (a net total gain of 21 places each), and both have climbed a further two ranks in the past year. Ukraine is now in 32nd place with 148 visa-free destinations and China is 62nd on the ranking with access to 85 destinations without a prior visa (compared to just 44 in 2014). While Russia has seen a net gain of 24 destinations over the past decade, its visa-free score and ranking has barely shifted since 2017, and it now sits in 51st place with access to 119 destinations.

Commenting in the Henley Global Mobility Report 2024 Q1, released today alongside the latest Henley Passport Index, award-winning journalist and author, Misha Glenny, says there's only one piece of advice needed in the new year: Brace yourself for more uncertainty. "In 2024, 40 countries making up over 50% of global GDP will undergo decisive elections, including the US and several other major powers. Political trends point to a lack of geopolitical coordination heightening the risk of prospective shocks to an already precarious economic environment. The general trend, however, remains steady. A decline in American and European influence and a jostling for power among the Asian big boys."

Besides expert commentary on key global mobility and migration trends in 2024, the report also contains exclusive new research into the relationship between economic performance and visa-free access and openness to international trade, investment, and the exchange of skills. Former Chief Economist at Lloyds Bank, Prof. Trevor Williams, says the data contains "a treasure trove of insights into the possibilities for spreading economic progress worldwide."

SOURCE Henley & Partners

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Mexico’s State Of Nayarit Is One Of The Most Preferred Destinations For 2024

Mexico’s state of Nayarit, a Virtuoso Preferred Destination, is poised for a banner year in 2024. In fact, a recent survey from Booking.com shows that Nayarit is the preferred travel destination in all of Mexico. Ninety percent of those surveyed are looking for relaxing vacations by the water in 2024, and with an enviable location on the Bahia de Banderas, Nayarit deliver. What’s more, the survey indicated that 50 percent of travelers are looking for local travel, aiming to enjoy a luxurious vacation at a reduced cost. For travelers looking to tick off their bucket list boxes in 2024, Mexico’s state of Nayarit is truly a dream destination.

Nayarit’s Attributes Lure 2024 Travelers

When it comes to 2024 travel, Nayarit is hitting all the high notes, from unique hotels and romantic escapes to culinary travel, golf, and the rising popularity of “Set-Jetting,” here’s what travelers can expect in 2024.

Unique and New Hotels

Mexico’s hotel scene is expanding at lightning speed, and Nayarit is no exception, with luxury leading the way.

The highly anticipated Rosewood Mandarina is set to open its doors in 2024 as Rosewood’s fourth hotel in Mexico. The ultra-luxe resort will be part of an already impressive compound that the One&Only Mandarina and Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club already call home. The hotel will feature 140 guest rooms, suites, and villas with panoramic views across the mountains, beach, and ocean. Guests will have the option to choose from three bars and restaurants, as well as three pools, a fitness center, and a spa with 10 treatment rooms.

Speaking of the One&Only Mandarina, the resort was ranked by The Knot as one of the best treehouse hotels in the world.

In the Punta Mita area of Nayarit, visitors can expect the debut of Montage and Pendry hotels, as well as a Belmond resort in the coming years.

Meliá Hotels International plans to open its first Zel hotel in Mexico in 2025 in Sayulita. The new Zen Sayulita will be the international debut of the Spanish hotel brand, featuring 145 rooms.

The already established Riu Palace Pacifico reopened to guests after a complete refurbishment and a conversion into an adults-only hotel. The renovation is accompanied by an expansion of new services, including more gastronomy options, improved experiences, and the Elite Club by RIU.

Set to open next month, the harmonious and bright, Agua de Luna Boutique Hotel is a hotel in San Pancho of peaceful convergence. Its contemporary architecture, inspired by the strength of geometrical shapes and the beauty of regional vegetation, results in spaces full of natural light and refreshing like the sea breeze of the Mexican Pacific.

Romance Travel

Romance travel is one trend that will never go out of style, and Nayarit knows how to set the mood. Velas Resorts is offering a new “Mojiganga Wedding Experience” for couples. Mojigangas, a deeply traditional part of Mexican heritage, are dynamic, gorgeously crafted puppets made from papier-mâché. Often seen in processions, parades, and especially at weddings, mojigangas are said to attract both good fortune and ward off evil. These towering figures stand at more than six feet and require a person inside to manage their movements.

Velas Resorts is bringing the tradition to life by creating bespoke mojigangas that represent the bride and groom, adding a personalized and festive touch to destination weddings. This package is available at its properties in Riviera Nayarit, as well as its other destinations in Mexico.

Elevated Cuisine

The coastal cuisine of Riviera Nayarit is second to none, featuring the freshest seafood, locally sourced produce, and succulent cuts of meat cooked over open flame. What’s more, Nayarit has so many gorgeous settings for those once-in-a-lifetime dining moments.

W Punta de Mita, for example, is now offering a private island dining experience at its all new culinary concept, Mesa1. This secluded venue hosts just one nightly seating on a private island on a table made from a 100-year-old Parota tree. Guests indulge in a customizable seven-course tasting menu that celebrates local flavors. Whether guests are looking for a romantic evening, or an exclusive family gathering, this private venue hits the spot.

Swinging into 2024

One of the primary draws to Riviera Nayarit is its golf offerings, and the golf scene is set to grow in the coming years. Mandarina has announced the plans for a new golf course designed by Greg Norman. As part of the Mandarina Experiences program, the golf club will feature a 10-hole short course consisting of par 3 holes, taking inspiration from holes at famous courses around the world. Think Augusta National, Pebble Beach, Pine Valley, and Royal Melbourne. The course is slated for completion in 2025.

Set-Jetting

One of the top travel trends for 2024 is set-jetting, or travel based on popular film and television locations. For travelers who have been hooked to the Bachelor in Paradise, they will recognize the setting as the world-famous Pueblo Magico, Sayulita. Since season 2, Bachelor in Paradise has been filmed at the Playa Escondida Resort.

Visitors can soak up every romantic moment with a visit to the intimate beachfront resort in 2024. The hotel offers activities like horseback riding on the beach, yoga, surfing lessons, paddle boarding, whale and dolphin watching, hiking and bike trails, and golf. For wellness aficionados, a spa provides hot stone therapy, deep tissue massages, four hand massages, and facials.

Monday, January 8, 2024

The Ocean Club, Four Seasons Residences, Bahamas, Coming Soon To Paradise Island

Leading luxury hospitality company Four Seasons, US-based real estate development firm Two Roads Development and Access Real Estate announce plans for The Ocean Club, Four Seasons Residences, Bahamas.

Anticipated to open in 2027 and set within an oceanfront enclave on Paradise Island in The Bahamas, the upcoming residential community will present a curated collection of 67 turnkey Private Residences managed by Four Seasons located in close proximity to The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas.

In celebration of the 60th anniversary of The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas, the debut of The Ocean Club, Four Seasons Residences, Bahamas will offer discerning buyers an exceptional opportunity to own part of a legendary destination, while enjoying the privacy, amenities and unparalleled service for which Four Seasons is renowned.

"We look forward to partnering with Four Seasons to celebrate this iconic destination and to set a new standard for luxury living in The Bahamas," states Reid Boren, Managing Partner, Two Roads Development. "With convenient access from major US and international gateways, The Ocean Club, Four Seasons Residences, Bahamas will allow owners and their guests to experience the very best service-rich luxury lifestyle paired with the amenities of The Bahamas' most legendary resort right next door."

"Since 2017, Four Seasons has been proud to be part of the Paradise Island community and manage such a legendary property that is beloved by many," says Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development, Portfolio Management and Residential, Four Seasons. "Our new Private Residences will be the perfect complement to The Ocean Club Resort while offering a more permanent address to those looking to make this special destination their home with the service and lifestyle excellence that only Four Seasons can offer."

"We're delighted to work with Four Seasons and Two Roads Development on the Ocean Club Private Residences. As a long-term investor on Paradise Island, we continue to stimulate economic growth. This project will bring an additional USD 400 million in economic activity to the Bahamas and is projected to create around 200 full-time jobs," says Jonah Sonnenborn, head of Access Real Estate.

Designed by SB Architects, a leader in hospitality design and with interiors by New York-based Champalimaud Design, a renowned design and planning firm specializing in bespoke, high-end hospitality and residential design, The Ocean Club, Four Seasons Residences, Bahamas will brilliantly capture the beauty of the island throughout the development.

All homes will feature oceanfront or ocean views, floor-to-ceiling windows, and expansive outdoor verandas for indoor and outdoor entertaining. In addition, each home will have an open floorplan that features premium fixtures, cabinetry, fittings and details throughout. Residences will range from 3,124-interior square-foot (290 square metre) two-bedrooms and 4,073-square-foot (378 square metre) three-bedroom homes to 5,028-square-foot (467 square metre) four-bedroom offerings.

Five-bedroom beach villas will offer 7,459 square feet (693 square metres) of interior living space with 6,604 square feet (614 square metres) of outdoor terraces, including a private pool. Penthouses will offer an average of 5,263 square feet (489 square metres) of interior living space and 3,917 square feet (364 square metres) of outdoor space, including a private pool.

On-Site Four Seasons Amenities and Resort Access

Adding to the experience of living with Four Seasons will be an array of on-site offerings for residents to explore. Amenities will include an oceanfront swimming pool with private cabanas and clubhouse, an owners' library, as well as a lounge, private cellar and rum room, co-working space, well-equipped children's playroom, multi-use media room, luxuriously-appointed indoor and outdoor spa treatment rooms and a state-of-the-art fitness centre containing dedicated outdoor space. The property will also feature a beach-front restaurant and bar offering main and private dining rooms.

Residents will also have access to the amenities at The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas, including its famed Versailles-inspired Gardens and restaurant Dune by Michelin-star Chef Jean-Georges. Residents are welcome to enjoy the Resort's three swimming pools, six Har-Tru tennis courts, eight Balinese-inspired spa villas, daily yoga and pilates and shuttle service to the 18-hole par 72 Tom Weiskopf-designed championship golf course.

Through a dedicated team led by a Director of Residences, homeowners will experience legendary Four Seasons service to effortlessly oversee all aspects of home care.

For more information, visit www.TheOceanClubResidences.com or call 242-603-8750.

Sunday, January 7, 2024

Travelore News: US Grounds Some Boeing MAX Planes For Safety Checks

U.S. regulators on Saturday temporarily grounded 171 Boeing 737 MAX 9 jetliners for safety checks following a cabin panel blowout that forced a new Alaska Airlines jet carrying passengers to make an emergency landing.

A piece of fuselage tore off the left side of the jet as it climbed following takeoff from Portland, Oregon, en route to Ontario, California, on Friday, forcing pilots to turn back and land safely with all 171 passengers and six crew on board.

Several passengers suffered injuries. The plane had been in service for just eight weeks.

Late on Saturday, both Alaska Air and United Airlines (UAL.O) said they would halt use of some MAX 9 planes they had resumed using that day after inspections they believed would answer the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)'s concerns.

Alaska said it was in talks "to determine what, if any, further work is required before these aircraft are returned to service."

The FAA decision is well short of the global grounding of Boeing (BA.N) MAX jets almost five years ago after two crashes that killed nearly 350 people.

Still, it is a blow to Boeing as it tries to recover from back-to-back crises over safety and the pandemic under heavy debt.

The FAA did not rule out further action as a probe began into the apparent structural failure, which left a rectangular hole in an area of fuselage reserved for an optional extra door but which is deactivated on Alaska's aircraft.

The Boeing 737 MAX 9s fitted with a special door replacement "plug" cannot fly until they are inspected and repaired if necessary, the FAA said.

"The FAA is requiring immediate inspections of certain Boeing 737 MAX 9 planes before they can return to flight," FAA chief Mike Whitaker said.

Social media posts of the Alaska Airlines jet showed oxygen masks deployed and a portion of the aircraft's side wall missing.

A section of the fuselage reserved for the optional door had vanished, leaving a neat door-shaped gap. The seat next to the panel, which contained an ordinary window, had been unoccupied.

Emma Vu, a passenger on the Alaska flight, told CNN she awoke to the plane “just falling, and I knew it was not just normal turbulence because the masks came down and that’s when the panic definitely started to set in.”

The extra door is typically installed by low-cost airlines using extra seats that require more paths for evacuation. However, those doors are permanently "plugged," or deactivated, on jets with fewer seats, including those of Alaska Airlines.

The fuselage for Boeing 737s is made by Kansas-based Spirit AeroSystems (SPR.N), which separated from Boeing in 2005. Spirit manufactured and installed the particular plug door that suffered the blowout, a source told Reuters on Saturday. The company did not respond to a request for comment.

The FAA did not say what the precise inspection requirements are or detail inspection intervals.

The MAX 9 represents about 220 of the 1,400 MAX jets delivered so far and most of them have the deactivated door, meaning they are potentially covered by the order.

Boeing said it supported the FAA decision.

Some foreign regulators including China sought details on the incident, a person familiar with the matter said. Bloomberg reported earlier that China, the first country to ground MAX flights in 2019, was considering whether to take action.

MAX planes were grounded worldwide for 20 months following the crashes in Ethiopia and Indonesia linked to poorly designed cockpit software.

ALASKA, UNITED AFFECTED

Alaska Airlines (ALK.N) and United Airlines (UAL.O) are the only U.S. carriers using the MAX 9, according to aviation data provider Cirium. Alaska canceled 160 flights on Saturday, or 20% of scheduled trips, while United canceled 115 flights or 4% of departures.

Alaska said the travel disruptions from the grounding is expected to last through at least mid-week.

Alaska said earlier it had voluntarily grounded its fleet of 65 Boeing MAX 9 jets for checks. United said earlier suspended service on about 45 MAX 9s for inspections but had resumed flights with 33 airplanes.

The airline said late on Saturday it had halted those flights and was working with the FAA "to clarify the inspection process and the requirements for returning all MAX 9 aircraft to service."

A person briefed on the matter said Boeing had to propose inspection requirements and the FAA must approve them before the planes could resume flights.

Boeing has suffered numerous production issues on the MAX planes in the years since the crashes. Last week, Boeing said it was urging airlines to inspect all 737 MAX airplanes for a possible loose bolt in the rudder control system.

Flight 1282 had reached just over 16,000 feet when the blowout happened, according to FlightRadar24. "We'd like to get down," the pilot told air traffic control, according to a recording posted on liveatc.net.

"We are declaring an emergency. We do need to come down to 10,000," the pilot added, referring to the initial staging altitude for such emergencies, below which breathing is considered possible for healthy people without extra oxygen.

"I can't imagine what these passengers experienced," said Anthony Brickhouse, an air safety expert at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. "The wind would be rushing through that cabin. It was a probably pretty violent situation, and definitely a scary situation."

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency adopted the FAA MAX 9 directive but noted no EU member state airlines "currently operate an aircraft in the affected configuration." A British air safety regulator said it would require any 737 MAX 9 operator to comply with the FAA directive to enter its airspace.

Panamanian carrier Copa Airlines said it had temporarily grounded 21 737 MAX 9 aircraft and said it "expects to return these aircraft safely and reliably to the flight schedule within the next 24 hours," and said some delays and cancellations are expected.

By David Shepardson, Valerie Insinna and Tim Hepher Boeing is awaiting certification of its smaller MAX 7 and larger MAX 10 which are needed to compete with the Airbus A321neo model.

Saturday, January 6, 2024

Travelore News: Britain Hit By Flooding After Heavy Rain Swells Major Rivers

Major rivers across Britain were flooded on Friday after heavy rain, with the government issuing more than 300 flood warnings, travel operators announcing serious disruption and around 1,000 homes suffering damage so far.

A succession of storms in recent weeks meant prolonged rainfall that started on Thursday fell on saturated ground and quickly caused already-swollen rivers and waterways to burst their banks across England and Wales.

The River Trent in central England flooded, prompting the local authority to declare a major incident. London's fire service said it had to escort around 50 people to safety late on Thursday after a canal in the east of the capital overflowed.

"We have woken up to, as many people will see, to a very wet situation across the country," Caroline Douglass, the director in charge of flood management at the Environment Agency, told the BBC.

Douglass said around 1,000 homes had so far been flooded. Great Western Railways said its lines in three parts of the south of the country were closed. Roads in the worst affected areas were also closed.

More rain was forecast for Friday, albeit not at the same intensity as seen overnight, with drier weather expected to follow.

Reporting by William James and Farouq Suleiman; Editing by Nick Macfie, Reuters.

Friday, January 5, 2024

Guadalajara, Mexico Expands Flight Routes From Canada, U.S. And Welcomes 7.2 Million Passengers In 2023

Guadalajara, the birthplace of iconic Mexican heritage including mariachi and tequila, has become an undeniable magnet for global travelers, welcoming over 7.2 million passengers through October 2023. The city's unique mix of cultural richness, culinary delights, and world-class entertainment creates a fusion of modern vibrancy and timeless charm, solidifying its status as the ultimate vacation destination. Beyond the city limits, adventurers can explore nearby Magical Towns, or Pueblos Mágicos, like Tequila, adding an extra layer of allure to Guadalajara's already irresistible appeal.

A key driver behind this surge is the city's ease of connectivity. As of 2023, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL) has direct route connections with 26 international destinations and 31 domestic destinations, making it stand out as one of the best-connected international airports in inland Mexico. The addition of new flight routes is making it even easier for travelers to explore the City of Roses in 2024.

Flair Introduces Direct Service Between Vancouver, Canada Starting May 31

Beginning May 31, 2024, Canadian low-cost carrier Flair is set to revive a route that hasn't been operational since 2004, providing direct service between Vancouver (YVR) and GDL. This marks a significant milestone as the first non-stop passenger connection from Guadalajara to Canada. The service is scheduled to operate twice a week, with competitive fares starting at USD$129/CAD$$173.

Aeromexico Expands Service with Atlanta, Detroit Routes

Aeromexico, in collaboration with Delta Air Lines, is extending its codeshare partnership to introduce 17 additional flights between the U.S. and Mexico in the coming year. This significant expansion includes the launch of two new routes connecting Guadalajara with Delta's major hubs in Atlanta (ATL) on January 8, 2024 and Detroit (DTW), slated to launch later in 2024. Travelers can now take advantage of reciprocal frequent flyer status and benefits across both airlines, along with the convenience of a combined reservation allowing their baggage to be checked through to the destination, for a seamless and enhanced travel experience.

"Guadalajara's recent achievements, including a robust 55% hotel occupancy rate, is a testament to the city's enduring appeal," said Gustavo Staufert, CEO for Oficina de Visitantes y Convenciones de Guadalajara (OFVC). "We take pride in attracting major international events, like this year's globally-attended Gay Games XI, the first time the Games have been held in Latin America. With our clear focus on expanding air connectivity, Guadalajara is unmistakably positioned as a world-class tourist destination, offering travelers unparalleled experiences and further establishing our reputation on the global stage."

Consistently capturing the hearts of travelers, Guadalajara has solidified its status as a beloved destination. The city's acclaim on TIME's 2023 World's Greatest Places list and Travel + Leisure's prestigious "World's Best" list attests to its allure, earning the titles of one of the "25 Favorite Cities in the World of 2023" (No. 23) and "5 Favorite Cities in Mexico of 2023" (No. 5). Notably LGBTQ+-friendly, Guadalajara also garnered recognition in Travel + Leisure's Global Vision Awards for pioneering initiatives that position the state as one of the most progressive in Latin America.

For more information on Guadalajara, visit www.visitguadalajara.com.