By Tennie Sumague
EBC New York Bureau
NEW YORK (Eagle News) — Attendance records were broken earlier this year at the New York Times Travel Show, the largest consumer travel show in America.
Held at the Jacob Javits Center, the annual travel show on its 15th year reached a record of 32,398 participants, the highest attendance in its history. Over 600 companies participated, representing 176 countries.
“Each year, more and more travel professional and enthusiasts attend the New York Times Travel Show and for good reason,” said Maggie Kiselick, Vice President of advertising and managing director for the New York Times magazine in a statement. “People rely on the Show to provide exceptional travel offerings and helpful information to help them plan their trips to see the world.”
The New York Times Travel Show offered plenty of recommendations for family, group, culinary, and solo travelers. Here are several destinations that offer travelers a variety of cultural and culinary experiences.
Japan
One of the most beautiful countries in the world has lots to offer the avid traveler. But it’s the food scene that everybody craves for, which makes a visit here worthwhile. From sushi to karaage; to ramen, takoyaki, and curry, there are a variety of mouth-watering foods that one must try to please the salivating palate. For chef Yohei Omato, his recommendation is the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a Japanese savory pancake.
“Okonomiyaki is like a pizza, a Japanese pancake; a very [popular and common] street food in Japan,” said Omato, who prepared the dish at the Taste of the World booth. “In every corner in Japan, like pizza in New York, [people] will see okonomiyaki.”
“[There are] two different styles, Osaka-style and Hiroshima-style, like Chicago-style and New York-style in pizza. I grew up in Hiroshima, so [their style] of okonomiyaki is layered, [which tastes] very nice.”
South Africa
Africa’s southernmost country and sponsor of the Travel Show offers all-types of exciting adventures for travelers. But is it worth the long travel?
“[For] honeymooners looking for adventure and relaxation or a family of young kids all the way to grandparents, South Africa can provide an incredible experience no matter what the age is or interests are,” said Liz Loftus, a private travel designer for Alluring Africa. “There’s animals, culture, history, beautiful vistas and views. [The country] offers pretty much everything [people] want in travel.”
Upstate New York
When we think maple syrup, we automatically think Vermont and our neighboring country up north, Canada. Just a short drive north of New York City lies Crown Maple Estate, one of the best places to taste maple syrup and a great relaxing getaway from the fast-paced city life.
“It’s a super fun place to go to spend the day,” said Shelby Adrian, who promoted New York’s number one brand of maple syrup at the Show. “In Madava Farms, there’s 800 acres of pure forestry and right smack in the middle is a beautiful, elegant sugar house where we have a cafe, retail shop and we do tours and tastings . It’s a nice nature retreat to spend a day and overlook absolutely nothing. It’s just a good, relaxing time.”
Philippines
So is it really “more fun in the Philippines?”
A country situated in the Far East of Asia, the Philippines is “undiscovered, with approximately 7,100 islands full of [beautiful] beaches, culture, and history,” said Alvin Adriano, a travel agent based in Fort Washington, Maryland. “With only one million visitors a year, it’s very authentic.”
“What’s so great about traveling to the Philippines is the authenticity [and] spirit of the people,” Adriano added. “People are religious and they’re very giving people. When [people] come there, [they will] not only learn about the destination, but the culture of the people.”
(Eagle News Service, With contributions from Joanne Blanco Soriano and Carlo Valdez)