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Associated Press
10-08-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Niki Rakowitz Collective Announces New Luxury Travel and Mentorship Programs
Niki Rakowitz Collective unveils transformative luxury travel experiences and mentorship programs designed for aspiring travel advisors, reinforcing its commitment to personalized, high-touch service and heart-centered travel planning. United States, August 10, 2025 -- Redefining Luxury Travel Through Heart and Purpose In the ever-evolving world of luxury travel, where transactions often take precedence over genuine connections, Niki Rakowitz Collective is reshaping the landscape by providing experiences that transcend the ordinary. Founded by Niki Rakowitz, an entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience in the travel industry, the company specializes in curating elevated travel experiences that resonate with clients' personal aspirations and dreams. Whether it's crafting a romantic getaway through CARE Travel, a bespoke experience with the CT Signature Collection, or mentoring the next generation of travel advisors at the CARE Experience Academy, Niki Rakowitz Collective weaves compassion, heart, and purpose into every interaction. Luxury Travel with a Soulful Touch At the core of Niki Rakowitz Collective is CARE Travel, a luxury agency dedicated to offering more than just extravagant vacations. CARE Travel designs meaningful, personalized experiences where clients' values and stories are intricately integrated into every itinerary. This personalized approach has fostered long-lasting relationships with clients, many of whom return not just for travel planning, but for transformation and connection. One of the standout offerings, the CT Signature Collection, blends Rakowitz's industry expertise with strategic partnerships with luxury brands such as Four Seasons, Belmond, and Virtuoso. These partnerships allow Rakowitz to provide unparalleled luxury, ensuring each journey is infused with personalization, warmth, and emotional resonance. Empowering Travel Advisors: The CARE Experience Academy In addition to her luxury travel services, Rakowitz has turned her attention to empowering other travel advisors through The CARE Experience Academy. This mentorship program, based on her CARE framework—Clarity, Alignment, Results, and Elevation—guides aspiring advisors in building businesses that align with their values while maintaining integrity and heart. The Academy's signature course, The Signature Journey, takes new travel advisors from passion to profit by teaching them how to create meaningful, profitable travel experiences. With Rakowitz's mentorship, advisors learn how to avoid industry pitfalls and adopt principles that have propelled her own success. A Story of Resilience and Empowerment Niki Rakowitz's story is one of resilience, growth, and perseverance. Raised by her grandparents and living with a rare bone disorder (Camurati-Engelmann disease), Rakowitz has faced significant personal and professional challenges. Her experiences in rebuilding her business, marriage, and life have shaped her approach to business, which emphasizes doing work with heart and grit. Her story of overcoming adversity has earned widespread recognition, including features in Authority Magazine and Travel Pulse. In 2023, she was named one of the '10 Self-Made Women to Watch,' further establishing her as an influential figure in the travel industry. An Inclusive Vision: The CARE Movement Niki Rakowitz's commitment to inclusivity is a core aspect of her brand. Rakowitz advocates for kindness over competition and empowers others to rise together, rather than climb over each other. This collaborative approach has led to several partnerships with top-tier travel advisors and industry leaders. In line with her vision for a kinder industry, Rakowitz founded the Kindness Chain Project, an initiative aimed at promoting empathy and ethical business practices. Her expansion of resources for travel advisors through The CARE Experience Shop further supports her mission to provide valuable tools and templates for success in a competitive industry. Best Luxury Travel Experience in the U.S. of 2025 Niki Rakowitz Collective has recently been honored with the Best Luxury Travel Experience in the U.S. of 2025 award from the Evergreen Awards, underscoring the company's unparalleled contribution to the luxury travel sector. This recognition highlights Rakowitz's visionary leadership and commitment to transforming how luxury travel is experienced, with a focus on creating not just indulgent, but truly transformational journeys. The CT Signature Collection was particularly lauded for its ability to provide bespoke, emotional, and highly personalized travel experiences. By partnering with leading luxury brands like Four Seasons and Belmond, Rakowitz has created one-of-a-kind experiences that resonate deeply with her clients. Her work in the luxury sector is a model of excellence, rooted in expertise, empathy, and an authentic connection to those she serves. About Niki Rakowitz Collective Founded by Niki Rakowitz, the Niki Rakowitz Collective combines luxury travel with meaningful mentorship. The company offers high-touch travel planning through CARE Travel, an empowerment-driven academy for aspiring travel advisors, and a community-focused mentorship model that emphasizes kindness, integrity, and emotional intelligence. Niki's personal story of resilience, coupled with her dedication to ethical leadership, informs every aspect of the collective, ensuring that each interaction reflects heart, purpose, and connection. Media Contact Niki Rakowitz Owner & Visionary, Niki Rakowitz Collective Email: [email protected] Website: Instagram (Personal): @myjourneytocare Instagram (CARE Travel): @caretravel Facebook (CARE Travel): CARE Travel Memories Pinterest (CARE Travel): CARE Travel Pinterest LinkedIn: Niki Rakowitz LinkedIn Contact Info: Name: Niki Rakowitz Email: Send Email Organization: Niki Rakowitz Collective Website: Release ID: 89166863 If you encounter any issues, discrepancies, or concerns regarding the content provided in this press release, or if there is a need for a press release takedown, we urge you to notify us without delay at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our expert team will be available to promptly respond within 8 hours – ensuring swift resolution of identified issues or offering guidance on removal procedures. Delivering accurate and reliable information is fundamental to our mission.
Associated Press
15-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Got2Go.com Revolutionizes Ticketing and Travel with Exclusive Go+ Membership
launched its Go+ Membership ($99/year), offering savings on event tickets (up to 24% off 100,000+ events) and travel. Members get up to 40% off hotels and 15% off vacation rentals from 110,000+ global accommodations. This all-in-one platform provides waived booking fees, simplifying planning. United States, July 15, 2025 -- a premier platform for tickets and travel, has announced the launch of its revamped Go+ Membership, designed to significantly enhance the way users access event tickets, accommodations, and vacation rentals. Unmatched Savings on Event Tickets At the forefront of offerings is its comprehensive ticketing platform, granting users access to over 100,000 events annually, including concerts, sports, theater performances, festivals, and more. With the Go+ Membership, ticket buyers enjoy discounts of up to 24%, providing unmatched value to event-goers and entertainment lovers. Whether fans are heading to major sporting events, popular music festivals, or sold-out theater shows, ensures they secure their tickets with substantial savings. Comprehensive Travel Solutions Beyond event tickets, offers travelers extensive choices, including more than 110,000 vacation rentals, hotels, and unique accommodations globally. Go+ members gain exclusive discounts of up to 40% off hotels and up to 15% off vacation rentals, making travel more affordable and enjoyable. A Membership Built for Convenience and Value The Go+ Membership, priced at $99 annually, allows users unlimited access to ongoing savings, waived booking fees, and exclusive instant-access promo codes. It streamlines travel and event experiences, enabling members to easily plan, book, and save throughout the year. A User-Friendly, All-In-One Platform simplifies event attendance and travel planning through its intuitive, user-friendly platform. Customers can effortlessly search, buy, and sell event tickets, book accommodations, and even host their properties to generate additional income. Every step is designed with customer ease and satisfaction in mind. Expanding Horizons continually broadens its offerings, recently integrating hotel bookings into its already extensive accommodation portfolio. Users now have even greater options for planning their perfect getaway or attending events nationwide. Committed to Excellence 'We're dedicated to transforming the ticket-buying and travel booking experience,' said founder Rosario 'Craig' Musumeci. 'Our goal is to eliminate hidden fees and provide genuine savings and seamless experiences to our customers.' With its innovative Go+ Membership and robust platform offerings, is poised to redefine the landscape for event enthusiasts and travelers alike. Join and Save Today Discover significant savings on your next event or vacation. Join Go+ Membership now at and elevate your experiences with unmatched discounts. Contact Info: Name: Srdan Kravic Email: Send Email Organization: Got2Go Website: Release ID: 89164745 Should any problems, inaccuracies, or doubts arise from the content contained within this press release, we kindly request that you inform us immediately by contacting [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our dedicated team will promptly address your concerns within 8 hours, taking necessary steps to rectify identified issues or assist with the removal process. Providing accurate and dependable information is at the core of our commitment to our readers.
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Travel + Leisure
08-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
This City Was Just Named No. 1 in the World—and It Has Cobblestone Streets, World-class Food, and a Thriving Arts Scene
The top cities in the world, according to Travel + Leisure readers, are those that truly have it all—phenomenal attractions, superlative hotels, electric dining scenes, and world-class vibes that simply don't quit. While no two of these winning cities are alike, each of them has a distinctive, one-of-a-kind essence. Voters, it seems, are most enthusiastic about those sorts of places that demand attention by virtue of their magnetism. Many of the biggest names on this list will be familiar to global travelers, but a few of this year's favorites may come as a surprise. It's proof that, when it comes to seeing the world's greatest cities, there's always more to explore. View of San Miguel de Allende's famous Cathedral. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 T+L readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.). Cities were specifically rated on the criteria below: Sights/landmarks Culture Food Friendliness Shopping Value For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses. Respondents in this year's survey were particularly enthused about Asia: of the top 10 cities on the list, seven are on that continent. Latin America also rated highly, home to not only the best city in the world but also five other laureates. Again and again, voters talked about these top-tier cities as having 'everything you want,' and being multi-faceted destinations worthy of visiting over and over. 'Value' was another keyword, with effusive praise for those places that delivered bang for a buck, wherever they happened to be around the world. Important categories such as nightlife, dining, and hotels were, of course, on the minds of voters. More surprisingly, readers also put heavy emphasis on proximity to ancient history: places such as Cuzco, Peru (No. 10); Agra, India (No. 20); and Mérida, Mexico (No. 25) made this year's list thanks in part to their reputations as the gateways to ancient marvels and archeological treasures. But one city in Mexico came out on top, for the second year in a row. There's major history, great restaurants, and you can walk everywhere—or grab a $4 taxi. — T+L Reader 1. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico Colorful buildings of San Miguel de Allende. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure This year's top city is a longtime favorite of T+L readers, who praise its distinctive cultural milieu and affordability. 'There's major history, great restaurants, and you can walk everywhere—or grab a $4 taxi,' said one reader. Respondents also praised the many attractions, including centrally located museums, botanical gardens, and shopping boutiques. Others pointed to a busy calendar of noteworthy annual events such as the San Miguel Writers' Conference & Literary Festival, and a dynamic art scene as other impressive attributes of this city in the Guanajuato state. One voter even took it to the next level by saying, 'I would love to move there.' WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 93.33 2. Chiang Mai, Thailand Visitors at a temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Sophia Kravets/Travel + Leisure The historic northern city in Thailand, T+L's destination of the year, draws millions of visitors with its unparalleled combination of cultural sites, shopping, cuisine, and access to nature. 'There's a charming 'street culture' and I loved the street food,' said one fan of the city. 'The people are super cordial,' noted another. Chiang Mai's excellent luxury hotels are another reason it continues to rate among voters. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 91.94 3. Tokyo Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo, Japan. Manorath Naphaphone/Travel + Leisure A megacity unlike any other, Tokyo charmed readers with its abundance of world-class attractions. 'It's one of the most friendly, clean, and fun cities in the world, with tons of cultural activities and great food for everyone,' said one reader. 'You get a great value for your money,' this voter added. Others raved about 'the interesting mix of old and new,' as well as the excellent shopping, specifically in the Shinjuku neighborhood. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 91.39 4. Bangkok Visitors exploring The Grand Palace of Bangkok, Thailand. Andre Malerba/Travel + Leisure The buzzy capital of Thailand is 'the most fascinating, beautiful, and exciting city,' raved one voter, summing up the sentiment that this global city packed with excellent attractions truly has it all: food, shopping, culture, history, and nightlife. 'It has everything you want—and everything you didn't know you'd want,' said another visitor. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 91.34 5. Jaipur, India A busy plaza in Jaipur, India. Maria Ligaya/Travel + Leisure A must-see destination and the capital of Rajasthan, the so-called Pink City is one of India's most enchanting, thanks to opulent hotels—including The Oberoi Rajvilas, which is on this year's list—world-class shopping, and a vibrant culture. Reader Score: 91.33 6. Hoi An, Vietnam A temple in Hoi An, Vietnam. Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure This riverside city is renowned for its network of canals and the distinctive architecture in its Ancient Town, which is marked by 'a fusion of indigenous and foreign cultures,' according to UNESCO. Wandering and photographing the picturesque streets is without a doubt one of the biggest draws, but visitors also enjoy the city's many cafés, nightlife spots, and shopping boutiques. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 91.00 7. Mexico City An outdoor market in downtown Mexico City. Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure What more can be said about Mexico's dynamic and delectable capital, home to some of the greatest restaurants in the world, incredible museums, millennia of history, fabulous hotels, and urban parks to rival any in London or Paris, New York or Sydney? Its legendary Estadio Azteca will host the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 90.86 8. Kyoto The Kamo River in Kyoto, Japan,.A more-than 1,000-year-old city, Kyoto continues to impress voters with its breathtaking beauty, ethereal food, and fabulous selection of high-end hotels. If the sakura season crowds of springtime are a concern, consider a visit in summer, when festivals of all sorts fill the ancient streets with vibrant parades and traditional ceremonies. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 90.61 9. Ubud, Bali A temple in Ubud, Bali. Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure This alluring destination in the uplands of Bali remains a favorite for its contemplative vibes, proximity to nature, and an ever-growing number of wellness-minded hotels and resorts, such as the recently opened Anantara Ubud Bali Resort, that offer peace and solitude on an island that's become synonymous with chasing the good life. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 90.48 25 Most Beautiful Cities in the World 24 Most Beautiful Places in Mexico 10. Cuzco, Peru A busy plaza in Cuzco, Peru. Maria Ligaya/Travel + Leisure Readers had their heads in the clouds for this high-altitude city that's a gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. With top-end accommodations and countless shopping and dining options, it's something of a cosmopolitan oasis in the Andes, and the jumping off point for the luxurious Belmond trains, Andean Explorer and Hiram Bingham. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 90.33 11. Florence View of Florence from it's famous Duomo. Evgeniya Vlasova/Travel + Leisure The top-rated city in Italy—and Europe— this year, this locus of the Renaissance remains a must-see thanks to its artistic treasures, including Michelangelo's David and Boticelli's Birth of Venus. Superlative shopping and a wide selection of quality hotels, including a Four Seasons and a St. Regis, help burnish Florence's reputation. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 90.08 12. Seville, Spain Seville, Spain's Plaza de Espana. Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure The capital city of perpetually sunny, endlessly fascinating Andalusia, Seville offers visitors a window on thousands of years of history. Once a Roman settlement, it was for centuries under Moorish rule, the echoes of which can be seen in some of its UNESCO-protected architectural marvels, including its cathedral and famed Alcázar Palace. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 89.49 13. Granada, Spain White buildings in Granada, Spain's cityscape. Ambika Verma/Travel + Leisure Also in southern Spain, Granada is, like Seville, a bastion of architectural and historical wonders, chief among them the Alhambra palace, one of the world's most incredible fortresses. But that's not all: the city's pleasant year-round climate and excellent restaurants and bars make it a top choice of voters in search of a sybaritic European escape. Reader Score: 89.48 14. Istanbul The exterior of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey. Violetta Smirnova/Travel + Leisure Situated at the crossroads of world history, Istanbul is one of the most fascinating cities in both Europe and Asia. It's also easier than ever to get to: Istanbul Airport has flights to more than 300 destinations and was voted the best international airport in the world by T+L readers this year. An ever-growing number of high-end hotels, including the Peninsula Istanbul, are also upping the city's appeal. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 89.47 15. Siem Reap, Cambodia Young monks explore ruins in Siem Reap. Maria Ligaya/Travel + Leisure Siem Reap has recently added a $1.1-billion international airport that has turned this city into a regional hub for anyone interested in exploring not just Cambodia but wider Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, the city's fabulous hotels, including the Park Hyatt and boutique Jaya House River Park, continue to impress. Reader Score: 89.27 16. Mumbai A street scene in Mumbai, India. Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure The second of three India entries on this list, this financial and cultural capital is among the world's most influential mega-cities, as it's often credited for many trends in fashion, design, food, and art. Readers also love its marvelous hotels, including those operated by luxury brands Oberoi and Taj, and the cosmopolitan buzz of its cafes and restaurants. Reader Score: 89.17 17. Cape Town Aerial view of Cape Town, South Africa. Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure Seaside serenity and rising cultural cache collide in this ever-evolving hub at the southern edge of Africa. At times thought of as an add-on for safari travelers, Cape Town is increasingly a must-visit in its own right, with a tremendous amount to do, including spotting penguins on Boulders Beach and the hike to the summit of Lion's Head. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 88.98 18. Rome People visiting a park in Rome, Italy. Lorrin Cousino/Travel + Leisure The self-declared capital of the world, it's unlike anywhere else thanks to a mind spinning mashup of ancient glory and contemporary cool. Of particular note in 2025 are the celebrations of Jubilee, a once-every-25-years occasion that brings together Catholics from around the world, an event taking on extra significance after the April death of Pope Francis. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 88.91 19. Santa Fe, New Mexico Downtown Santa Fe, Mexico at dusk. Voted the best city in the United States—and the only U.S. city to make the world's list this year—this state capital set high in the Sangre de Christo Mountains also ranks among the world's most enticing urban destinations. In pre-Columbian times, the area was inhabited by Pueblo peoples; today's Santa Fe was founded in the early 1600s, and its history as a Spanish Colonial outpost continues to influence the city's architecture, culture, and cuisine. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 88.80 20. Agra, India People enjoying a park in Agra, India. Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure Home to more than 1.5 million people, Agra is globally renowned for the Taj Mahal, the UNESCO-protected, jaw-droppingly beautiful Mughal mausoleum complex from the 17th century whose silhouette is instantly recognizable. The city's other attractions, including the Red Fort, are also top of mind for survey respondents. Reader Score: 88.44 21. Oaxaca A colorful street in Oaxaca, Mexico. Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure One of the most in-demand Mexican cities of the moment, Oaxaca is a dream destination for anyone enthusiastic about cuisine, as it's rightly regarded as one of the world's preeminent culinary capitals. It's also gaining renown for over-the-top Day of the Dead celebrations and other cultural festivals throughout the year that fill the city's streets with colorful performances. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 88.42 22. Mendoza, Argentina View of Mendoza, Argentina's skyline. Not on this list last year, Mendoza ascended to the best of the best on the back of its reputation as a neighbor to one of South America's top wine regions, with fabulous hotels that compliment all the malbec that's made in the hills surrounding the city. Also worth noting is Mendoza's increasing profile as an adventure tourism hub, with easy access to the Andes, excellent cycling routes, and rafting opportunities close at hand. Reader Score: 88.41 23. Siena, Italy The cityscape of Siena, Italy. Evgeniya Vlasova/Travel + Leisure Like its Tuscan neighbor of Florence, Siena is a Renaissance gem that's filled with artistic treasures. Though it did not appear on the list of best cities in 2024, this beautiful place, with its walkable core and countless bars and restaurants, is one of several to ascend this year's list thanks to its deep history—including the centuries-old Palio di Siena event. Reader Score: 88.33 24. Porto, Portugal View of buildings along the water in Porto, Portugal. Sophia Kravets/Travel + Leisure The place that gave the fortified wine its name, riverside Porto continues to impress voters with its wine-soaked culture, which is best experienced at WOW, a museum-and-dining complex that illuminates the history of viticulture in this part of Portugal. Notably, Porto also continues to outrank Lisbon, often thought of as one of Europe's prettiest cities. Reader Score: 88.24 25. Mérida, Mexico Aerial view of Merida, Mexico's cathedral. Itzel Garrido/Travel + Leisure Consistently described as one of Mexico's most 'vibey' cities, historic Mérida is a haven for artists, collectors, and other creatives who frequent the galleries, villas, and restaurants of this inland Yucatecan metropolis. Proximity to prominent Mayan archeological sites, including Chitzen Itza, a 90-minute drive away, is another point in its favor. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 88.15
Travel Weekly
08-07-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Atlas Ocean Voyages hires Kristian Anderson to lead sales
Atlas Ocean Voyages has named Kristian Anderson executive vice president of global sales. Anderson had led Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's global sales since 2021. Kristian Anderson Anderson has extensive experience in luxury cruising. He previously worked at Silversea Cruises, and his time at Ritz-Carlton was during the brand's launch. There, he was senior vice president of global sales. He has also worked in aviation and river cruising at Qatar Airways and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. Atlas CEO James Rodriguez called Anderson a "welcome addition" with a "leadership position in the trade community." Atlas debuted in 2021 and operates three expedition ships, each accommodating about 200 passengers.
Arab News
06-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Oman Air joins oneworld, unlocking slew of benefits
oneworld has welcomed Oman Air as its 15th member airline. As the flag carrier of Oman, Oman Air strengthens the alliance's presence across the Middle East and unlocks new opportunities for global travel. 'We are proud to welcome Oman Air to the oneworld family,' said Nat Pieper, CEO of oneworld. 'Oman Air brings valuable strategic reach and award-winning product and service to the alliance. This partnership opens up exciting new connections for our customers, particularly across the Gulf and South Asia, and reinforces oneworld's position as the premium alliance for international travelers.' oneworld customers can now access an extended network of destinations across Oman Air's growing global schedule — including the launch of a new non-stop Muscat-Amsterdam service. As a full oneworld member airline, Oman Air will provide oneworld Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby customers with benefits including earning and redeeming miles, earning status points, priority check-in and boarding and lounge access. Likewise, Oman Air's top-tier customers will gain access to oneworld priority benefits including a network of nearly 700 premium airport lounges globally, as well as newly opened oneworld branded lounges in Amsterdam's Schiphol and Seoul's Incheon Airports. 'Oman Air is honored to be joining the oneworld alliance, whose members and global footprint represent the best of what international travelers want to experience,' said Con Korfiatis, CEO of Oman Air. 'We are thrilled to be able to welcome oneworld customers to Oman to experience our unique culture, stunning mountain excursions, beautiful beaches, and, above all, the warm hospitality of the Omani people.' Oman Air, with its hub at Muscat International Airport, serves 42 destinations across 22 countries and territories globally, including key oneworld hubs around the world.
