Latest news with #Maritz
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
I'm a Travel Expert: 5 Top Travel Destinations for Millennials Worth the Money in 2025
According to Jakes Maritz, co-founder and board chair at TourAxis, millennials are completely reshaping the travel landscape. In fact, when it comes to travel, millennials are now one of the world's most influential demographics. So what is it they're looking for in a vacation? 'Millennial travelers seek out unique destinations, prioritize sustainable tourism, and crave authentic and immersive cultural experiences,' Maritz said. And, importantly, having entered the workforce during the Great Recession, many millennials want the most value for their money. Read More: Explore More: Here are five travel destinations worth the money and aligned with millennial values, according to travel experts. 'With its captivating blend of cutting-edge innovation, ancient traditions and breathtaking aesthetics, Japan is a top destination on many millennial travelers' bucket lists,' Maritz said. From cherry blossoms and sumo wrestling to authentic sushi and serene temples, the island nation of Japan submerses travelers with a unique combination of old and new. Travelers can explore neon-lit skyscrapers and shrines in well-known cities like Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima, as well as gardens and castles in hidden gems like Kanazawa and Takayama. And they shouldn't leave without a visit to a green tea farm or a ride on the legendary Shinkansen bullet train. Per Maritz, a 13-day tour (with lodging included) can begin around $2,600 per person. Check Out: 'With its unrivaled natural diversity from rolling winelands and towering mountains to sweeping coastal scenery and world-class safaris, South Africa truly offers something for everyone,' Maritz said. Tourists can check out Cape Town — the oldest and perhaps most well-known urban city in the country — or drive the Garden Route, an ocean-hugging highway stretching from Mossel Bay to the Storms River that showcases the best of South Africa's beauty and hospitality. Then, of course, there's Kruger National Park, South Africa's most famous game reserve, offering multiday, once-in-a-lifetime safaris. With its diverse ecosystems, South Africa offers opportunities to support local businesses and communities, as well as the option to unplug and digitally detox — all things some millennials crave. Per Maritz, a 14-day tour (with lodging included) can begin around $2,170 per person. 'Mexico City has transformed into a dynamic cultural hub with world-class museums, vibrant street art and one of the most exciting food scenes in the world,' said Alex Alioto, founder and head of growth and partnerships at Whimstay. A spot Condé Nast Traveler once called 'the tastiest destination in North America,' Mexico City offers everything from fine dining establishments to sizzling street tacos and churro shops with lines around the block. Tourists can visit Monumento a la Revolución (commemorating the Mexican Revolution) and Mercado Jamaica (Mexico City's principal flower market), or they can take an Uber ride outside the city to catch a Teotihuacan hot air balloon tour. In Mexico City, both ancient and modern cultures fuse to create lively and colorful experiences at affordable prices. Per Alioto, accommodations run between $70 and $150 per night for everything from hostels to boutique hotels, and daily expenses usually run between $40 and $70 per day. He estimated the average cost of a seven-day trip to be between $1,800 and $2,600 per person. 'Greece is always a good idea for millennial travelers,' Maritz said. 'A visit to the Greek capital and its most celebrated islands perfectly combines ancient culture with Instagrammable scenery and vibrant nightlife!' Not only is Athens, Greece, a budget-friendly city full of cultural and historical wonders like the Acropolis and Parthenon, there are many Greek islands to explore too, like Mykonos and Santorini. Per Maritz, a seven-day tour of Athens, Mykonos and Santorini (factoring in lodging and travel between islands) can begin around $1,975 per person. What millennial travel guide would be complete without the city of Portland, Oregon? Embracing sustainability, creative expression and endless Fred Armisen references, 'Portland offers an eco-friendly urban experience with excellent public transportation, an incredible food and craft beer scene, and proximity to stunning natural attractions,' Alioto said. The city also contains the world's largest independent bookstore and a bridge specifically reserved for bicyclists. Per Alioto, accommodations run between $120 and $180 per night and daily expenses usually run between $60 and $90 per day. He estimated the average cost of a seven-day trip to be between $1,800 and $2,600 per person. More From GOBankingRates Warren Buffett: 10 Things Poor People Waste Money On This article originally appeared on I'm a Travel Expert: 5 Top Travel Destinations for Millennials Worth the Money in 2025
IOL News
29-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Straining to support: South Africa's social grants are vital but can the state keep up?
Economic challenges and the future of social grants in South Africa Image: Tracy Adams Social relief of distress, or social grants, is a key part of South Africa's welfare system; however, recent data indicates that its role is increasingly strained, raising concerns about sustainability, economic growth, and social cohesion. According to the latest General Household Survey released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), an unprecedented 40.1% of the population - approximately 25.4 million individuals-now rely on social grants. This marks a significant increase from previous years and reflects a steady rise in dependence, particularly amid persistent unemployment and economic challenges. Risenga Maluleke, Statistician-General of South Africa, noted that the country's official unemployment rate hit 32.9% in the first quarter of 2025. Such figures highlight the stark depth of economic hardship many face, with social grants serving as a vital safety net without sufficient employment opportunities. Paul Maritz, Director at Free SA, a foundation advocating for rights, equality, and systemic reform, highlighted the gravity of this dependence. 'The growing reliance on social grants - now affecting over 25 million people — highlights deep socio-economic challenges and the urgent need for structural change,' he explained. 'Our proposed Power to the People Amendment aims to address these issues by reducing waste, devolving policing, and breaking monopolies that hinder economic opportunity.' Maritz warned that 'sustained dependence on grants without parallel investment in job creation risks entrenching a welfare economy that stifles individual potential and hampers long-term growth.' He warned that if current trends persist, South Africa's economy could face stagnation, shrinking tax bases, and rising inequality-all threatening social stability. The fiscal burden of social grants is significant. In 2011, the South African government allocated around 3.5% of GDP to social assistance, which has grown over the years. The Centre for Global Development estimated that expenditure on social grants, particularly the Child Support Grant (CSG), reached nearly ZAR31 billion (approximately US$4.2 billion) in 2010-11. Instead, they argued that they serve as a necessary-but insufficient-measure to support those unable to provide for themselves. "While grants have helped improve food security, children's well-being, and school attendance,' Maritz warned that they are not a long-term solution to poverty. 'Overdependence can distort labor markets. When social assistance becomes a substitute for employment, it can disincentivize active job-seeking and skills development. 'Countries with more developed economies often implement prerequisites or conditions tied to grants, encouraging recipients to pursue upskilling or community participation.' He added that the current approach risks creating a stagnating workforce and reducing overall productivity in South Africa, thereby hindering economic growth and perpetuating inequality. 'Ironically, the system designed to reduce inequality may inadvertently reinforce it if not paired with empowerment strategies. 'Without access to meaningful employment, quality education, and secure communities, social mobility remains elusive for many beneficiaries.' Furthermore, dependence on grants without addressing the root causes-unemployment, corruption, and inefficient public services-could erode trust in institutions. Maritz warned that 'a society where millions feel trapped and unheard is inherently unstable,' stressing the need for comprehensive reforms.
The Citizen
30-04-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Fochville residents urged to attend IDP meeting amid ongoing water crisis
Community members of the Fochville area, many of whom are currently affected by water shortages, are invited to attend the municipality's annual IDP meeting this afternoon. The Merafong City Local Municipality is required by law to hold meetings with communities to align its plans to their needs as part of the process to implement their IDP (Integrated Development Plan). This afternoon's meeting for residents of Wards 14, 21 and 24 will be held at the Fochville Civic Centre and will start at 16:00. Everyone from these areas is invited. Meanwhile the ward councillor of the area where the meeting will take place, Lindy Maritz, says that residents of this area are badly affected by the current Rand Water cuts. Maritz and the ward councillors of the areas in Carletonville that are most affected, Carlos Rebelo and Carl Steenekamp, are currently trying everything in their power to see whether they can get more help for their communities. They have even called in the help of the Deputy Minister of Finance, Ashor Surapen, to try to see whether there might not be some kind of debt relief for Merafong's historical debt to Rand Water. As far as could be determined, Rand Water's current increased water cuts have been implemented to force Merafong to pay back more of this historical debt. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘A big vision for that block.' Plan calls for revitalization of part of downtown Tacoma
A development company is seeking a $1.8 million loan from the city of Tacoma to help renovate 78 residential units and nine retail spaces in an area of downtown Tacoma, according to a funding request submitted to the city. The Rialto redevelopment project, led by Seattle-based real estate company Urban Black with partner Great Expectations LLC, would renovate and redevelop three existing buildings on St. Helens Avenue and South 9th Street under the Ceiba Redevelopment LLC entity. Apartments would target people who make 30%-50% of the area median income and include workforce housing for front-line workers, seniors, veterans and students, according to the developers' funding request. The buildings include the Rialto Apartments, The Exley and the St. Helen's Building. The loan from the city would help pay for the cost of architects and engineers, permitting, special inspections, storefront glazing, facade painting, management, insurance, renovations and fees, the request said. If the developers can secure funding from the city, the hope is the first rental units would be available by September, with final completion by October, according to the request. 'We have a big vision for that block,' said Kateesha Atterberry, founder and managing director of Urban Black. '[It will] breathe life into the area.' For years, several buildings along St. Helens Avenue have been boarded. The Candy Market convenience store at the corner of Market Street and South 9th Street closed in February after management was behind on rent and agreed to vacate, said Ben Maritz, the CEO of Great Expectations LLC. The business faced issues over the years, including in 2022 when a clerk at the store stabbed a woman experiencing homelessness to death with a sword and was later found mentally incompetent to stand trial. Design renderings included with the funding request depict newly painted buildings on St. Helen's Avenue with new restaurants and shops. Maritz told The News Tribune earlier this month that a new convenience store would open in the Candy Mart location and the Christian Science Reading Room at 756 St. Helens Ave. has renewed its lease and would remain. Plans to update the commercial spaces were 'entirely unfunded' as of Sept. 26, 2024, according to the request. Maritz said Great Expectations LLC wants to work with the Tacoma Housing Authority to bring affordable housing to the area. Although the companies are currently in the 'concept phase,' securing investment in the project would bring more traffic and investment to downtown, he said. Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards told The News Tribune Friday she saw the project as an investment in Tacoma. '[I'm] really excited that they were willing to purchase the building and keep the integrity of the space while modernizing it for those who are going to be able to use it, whether that is in the businesses or with the people who are residents of the building,' Woodards said. 'Broadway has been completely leased up. Last time I heard there are no spots open on Broadway, so revitalizing the next block up makes a lot of sense.' City spokesperson Maria Lee said the developers' plans meet the City Council's priorities for affordable housing and revitalizing the downtown core. 'Ceiba has obtained site control of the properties and Community & Economic Development Department staff is underwriting a loan proposal for $1 million from [Urban Development Action Grant] Major Capital Projects funds to complete the redevelopment of the site(s),' Lee said in an email March 5. 'We would expect Ceiba to engage with the Planning & Development Services Department for permitting once a funding agreement has been negotiated and approved by the City Council.' Lee said Thursday the funding request is currently being reviewed by Community and Economic Development staff for project feasibility. If the project is determined to be feasible, staff will present loan options to the city council to consider, likely in April, which may include UDAG funds, she said. Pierce County recently announced it would contribute $1 million to the project from money raised by the Maureen Howard Affordable Housing Tax. According to the project overview, the plan would include rehabilitating 13 vacant units and refreshing other units that become vacant in subsequent months. Underperforming tenants like 'Payee Service' and 'Candy Mart' would be removed as they 'contribute to negative street activity.' The companies would engage with potential new tenants through the Downtown Tacoma Partnership and estimated an eight-month process to secure fully tenancy, with an additional six months for build-outs, according to the project timeline submitted to the city. Full occupancy of all retail spaces is estimated to be in mid-2026. Atterberry said the company officially closed on the building acquisitions Sept. 9 and has been working closely with the mayor's office and the City Council on the project. Urban Black is a Black-owned real estate development company that has done similar mixed-use affordable housing and commercial projects in Seattle, including at Pike Place Market. Atterberry said her company takes a 'mission-based' approach to master planning, focusing on community, small local businesses and 'respecting and honoring the local culture.' The Theater District project would be Urban Black's first in Tacoma, Atterberry said. Great Expectations LLC has a number of affordable-housing development projects underway in Tacoma, including the 119-unit Cornus House project at 2502 Pacific Ave. and the 300-unit Arbutus House project at 109 S. 25th St. and 102 S. 24th St. in the Dome District, as previously reported by The News Tribune. Atterberry said they hope to attract Tacoma local businesses to the new commercial spaces and said, 'We don't do franchise businesses. You're not going to see a Starbucks there, anything like that.' The buildings Urban Black plans to renovate are currently boarded up and need a lot of capital and construction improvements, including mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades, she said. 'That takes a lot of money, and that's where that $1.8 million funding request is coming from,' Atterberry said. 'Being able to not only bring those spaces up to standard, it offsets the cost a local Tacoma business would pay to move into a space.' Atterberry said they would offer lower rent than the downtown Tacoma area market rent and 'revitalize that street.' 'Kateesha's specialty is working with small business owners who come from diverse backgrounds — people of color, immigrants and so on. So we're really hoping to just have an awesome collection of entrepreneurs in that space who are wanting to contribute to downtown revitalization,' Maritz said. More information about the project will be shared in a news release next month, Atterberry said. Any interested businesses can contact Urban Black at 206-701-1485 to tour and learn more.
