MORAL COMPASS: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

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Active Travel, Skiing and Riding, Uncategorized

Ikon Pass for 25/26 Ski Season On Sale March 13 with New Benefits, Discounts, Expanded Access at 60+ Global Destinations

March 7, 2025 MoralCompass

*Palisades Tahoe, in California’s Sierra Nevadas, is one of more than 60 iconic mountain destinations that skiers and riders can access on the Ikon Pass © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

DENVER, CO –Ikon Pass goes on sale for the 25/26 winter season on Thursday, March 13, 2025, providing access to more than 60 mountain destinations across the Americas, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan

“Buy your 25/26 Ikon Pass this spring at its lowest prices of the year, with the most discounts and offers, and unlock more joy for an entire winter. This season, the better the pass, the better the perks, with access to over 60 of the world’s most iconic mountain destinations,” said Erik Forsell, Chief Marketing Officer, Alterra Mountain Company.

WHAT’S NEW FOR 25/26

A Cross-Border Snow Paradise in Austria

Ischgl has been added to Ikon Pass for the 25/26 season, the seventh Ikon Pass destination in Europe. Ski or ride 1,273 acres across Austria and Switzerland and experience joie de vivre in this Tyrolean alpine town.

Ischgl is one of Europe’s most dynamic ski destinations, where Austria meets Switzerland for a seamless cross-border experience. For deep powder and big mountain lines, head to Val Gronda where a giant cable car brings guests into an untouched backcountry zone, where skiers and riders can drop in on open bowls and long descents. Known for its long season with snow from November to May, a modern lift system, and legendary après-ski, Ischgl delivers the ideal mix of sport, lifestyle, and entertainment, capped off by its Top of the Mountain concerts, featuring global music icons.

Expanded Access at Arapahoe Basin

For the 25/26 season, Arapahoe Basin in Colorado will now have unlimited access with no blackouts on Ikon Pass. Ikon Base Pass will remain at 5-day access, also with no blackouts.

Another change is that Windham Mountain Club in New York is no longer available on any Ikon Pass product for the 25/26 season.

PASS HOLDER DISCOUNTS & BENEFITS

Peak Perks – The Better the Pass, the Better the Perks

Plus up the power of the pass with Peak Perks, a tailored collection of benefits tiered for each pass, including mountain discounts, access to additional mountains, experiences and savings on the brands skiers and riders love. Please visit here for complete details, terms & conditions apply.

More Buy Now Ride Now – 2025 Spring Access for New Pass Holders
Buy now and get unlimited spring skiing at up to 17 mountains, with immediate access at select destinations. New for 25/26 – upgrade from an Ikon Base Pass and get an extra week of spring skiing at select destinations.

New Ikon Pass Holders

Starting March 13 – Get immediate unlimited spring skiing access at Big Bear Mountain Resort, Snow Valley, Solitude, Snowshoe, Stratton, Sugarbush, Schweitzer, Crystal Mountain, and Blue Mountain, Canada
- Starting March 31 – one week earlier than spring 2024 – Get access to Arapahoe Basin, Winter Park, Steamboat, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain, Palisades Tahoe, Tremblant, and Deer Valley (no reservations required)

New Ikon Base Pass Holders

Starting March 13 – Get immediate unlimited spring skiing access at Big Bear Mountain Resort, Snow Valley, Solitude, Snowshoe, Stratton, Sugarbush, and Blue Mountain, Canada
- Starting April 7 – Get access to Winter Park, Steamboat, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain, Palisades Tahoe, and Tremblant

2025 spring access is not available on any 25/26 Ikon Session Pass

More Heli Discounts
Get up to $2,000 CAD to be used toward a CMH Heli-Skiing and Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing adventure during select dates throughout the 25/26 winter season. (Terms & conditions apply.)

More Free Summer Bike Park Days

This summer, Ikon Pass will now come with two free bike park lift tickets to use at their choice of select destinations: Mammoth Mountain, Big Bear Mountain Resort, Snow Valley, Steamboat, Aspen Snowmass, Taos Ski Valley, Sun Valley, Schweitzer, Snowshoe, Panorama, RED Mountain, Sun Peaks, Revelstoke, Snowbasin, Solitude, Brighton, Stratton, Killington, Loon Mountain, Sugarloaf, The Highlands, Blue Mountain, PA, and Grandvalira Resorts Andorra. (Ikon Base Pass will continue to receive one free bike park lift ticket; benefit is not valid on Ikon Session Pass. Terms & conditions apply.)

Additional new benefits and discounts are now available only on Ikon Pass. Offers not valid on Ikon Base Pass or Ikon Session Pass. (Terms and conditions apply.)

NEW: Gravity Haus
Elevate your mountain lifestyle with 20% off a Gravity Haus membership. With locations in Steamboat, Winter Park, Aspen, Jackson Hole, and soon Big Sky, Ikon Pass holders can enjoy perks, lodging discounts, fitness, recovery, co-working and gear, while connecting with fellow adventurers that fuel a passion for exploration.

NEW: WHITESPACEPrimed for performance. Crafted for control. Discover why Shaun White’s WHITESPACE is the exclusive snowboard partner of Ikon Pass with special 20% savings on boards crafted for riders, by riders.

NEW: 4FRNT Skis & Gear4FRNT is hooking Ikon Pass holders up with 20% off a one-time purchase of award-winning 4FRNT branded gear.

NEW: SIXT Car Rental
Save up to 20% off car rentals with SIXT, the preferred rental car company of Ikon Pass. Pass holders can save on ski trips and anywhere else their travels may take them.

NEW: Bonus Mountain Access
Ikon Pass holders now get two free days at bonus mountains across North America including Wild Mountain and Buck Hill Ski & Snowboard Area in Minnesota, Cranmore Mountain Resort in New Hampshire, and Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in Massachusetts.

The North Face
Elevate your adventures with 20% off gear at thenorthface.com.

Blenders
Save up to 40% on Blenders’ cleanest and coldest sunglasses, snow goggles, and helmets at blenderseyewear.com.

Under Canvas

As an Ikon Pass holder, seize an exclusive discount on any immersive experience from Under Canvas, the leader in upscale, outdoor hospitality. Choose from 14 extraordinary destinations with safari-inspired accommodations, including Moab, Zion, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and more.

US Ski & Snowboard Team
Get 30% off the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team’s Insider Fan Program. Help support the athletes and get exclusive access at domestic World Cup events, athlete meet-and-greets, partner discounts, custom swag, and more.

IKON PASS COMMUNITY MEMBER BENEFITS

Renewal Discount

For a limited time, renewal discounts are offered to 24/25 Ikon Pass and Ikon Base Pass holders for the 25/26 season, with savings of up to $100 ($130 CAD).

Ikon Pass Travel
For a limited time, save up to $200 on every winter 25/26 vacation booked before May 2, 2025 with Ikon Pass Travel, an exclusive trip planning site for pass holders.

Ikon Pass Travel is an online travel planning service exclusively for members of the Ikon Pass community that offers the ability to seamlessly explore and book all aspects of adventure across Ikon Pass destinations. Browse and compare airfare, hotels, and activities across Ikon Pass destinations to create a vacation package or be matched with an Ikon Pass Travel specialist. (Terms and conditions apply.)

Ikon Pass First Tracks
Ikon Pass and Ikon Base Pass holders can access untouched powder and corduroy before the lifts open one designated morning per month in January, February, and March 2026 at participating destinations during the 25/26 winter season. (Ikon Pass First Tracks is not available on the 25/26 Ikon Session Pass.)

Payment Plan with Affirm

For a limited time, lock in an Ikon Pass with Affirm for as low as $0 down and 0% APR, and split the payments over 3, 6, or 12 months. (Terms apply.)

Child Pass Promotion

For a limited time, save up to $200 ($280 CAD) on Child passes with the purchase of any Adult pass. To provide additional value for families looking to ski and ride together, Ikon Pass holders can purchase up to two discounted Child Ikon Passes or Child Ikon Base Passes for children ages 5-12 with the purchase of an Adult Ikon Pass or Adult Ikon Base Pass.

Confidence to Buy

No Hassle Deferral: If a 25/26 Ikon Pass holder decides not to use their pass after purchase, for any reason, by December 11, 2025, they can elect to defer their pass to receive a full credit for the purchase price of their unused 25/26 Ikon Pass to be used toward the purchase of a 26/27 Ikon Pass. Additional coverage options can be purchased through Spot Insurance. (Terms and conditions apply.)

25/26 IKON PASS PRICING

Ikon Pass starting at $1,329 ($1,789 CAD)

Ikon Base Pass starting at $909 ($1,229 CAD)

Ikon Session Pass starting at $259 ($349 CAD)

For all Ikon Pass products and pricing, visit https://www.ikonpass.com/en/shop-passes.

IKON PASS BY THE NUMBERS*
Destinations: 61
Continents: 5
Countries: 11
States: 16
Canadian Provinces: 4
European Countries: 5
Total Acres: 268,957
Trails: 7,486
Lifts: 1,689

Ikon Pass goes on sale for winter 25/26 on March 13, 2025. For more information visit www.ikonpass.com.

Operated by Alterra Mountain Company, the Ikon Pass unlocks adventure at iconic and unique destinations including Aspen Snowmass, Steamboat, Winter Park, Copper Mountain Resort, Arapahoe Basin, and Eldora Mountain Resort in Colorado; Palisades Tahoe, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain, Big Bear Mountain Resort and Snow Valley in California; Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming; Big Sky Resort in Montana; Alyeska Resort in Alaska; Stratton, Sugarbush Resort, and Killington in Vermont; Snowshoe in West Virginia; The Highlands and Boyne Mountain in Michigan; Crystal Mountain and The Summit at Snoqualmie in Washington; Mt. Bachelor in Oregon; Sun Valley and Schweitzer in Idaho; Tremblant in Quebec and Blue Mountain in Ontario, Canada; SkiBig3 in Alberta, Canada; Revelstoke Mountain Resort, RED Mountain, Cypress Mountain, Panorama Mountain Resort and Sun Peaks Resort in British Columbia, Canada; Sunday River and Sugarloaf in Maine; Loon Mountain in New Hampshire; Camelback Resort and Blue Mountain Resort in Pennsylvania; Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico; Deer Valley Resort, Solitude Mountain Resort, Brighton Resort, Alta Ski Area, Snowbird and Snowbasin in Utah; Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley in France; Dolomiti Superski in Italy; Grandvalira Resorts Andorra in Andorra; Kitzbühel and Ischgl in Austria; Zermatt and St. Moritz in Switzerland; Thredbo and Mt Buller in Australia; Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Mt Hutt in New Zealand; Niseko United and Arai Snow Resort in Japan; and Valle Nevado in Chile. Special offers are available at CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures and Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing, the world’s leading heli-skiing and heli-accessed hiking operations. For more information, please visit www.ikonpass.com.

Alterra Mountain Company is a family of iconic year-round mountain destinations, the world’s leading heli-skiing operations, and Ikon Pass – the premier ski and snowboard season pass offering access to more than 60 iconic mountain destinations around the world. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado and born out of a shared love of the mountains and adventure, the company has brought together some of the world’s most aspirational brands, including: Steamboat, Winter Park and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado; Palisades Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain, Big Bear Mountain Resort and Snow Valley in California; Stratton Mountain and Sugarbush Resort in Vermont; Snowshoe Mountain in West Virginia; Tremblant in Quebec and Blue Mountain in Ontario, Canada; Crystal Mountain in Washington; Schweitzer in Idaho; Deer Valley Resort and Solitude Mountain Resort in Utah; and CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures and Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing in British Columbia. Also included in the portfolio are Alpine Aerotech, a worldwide helicopter support and maintenance service center in British Columbia, Canada, Aspenware, the ski industry leader in technology services and e-commerce, and Ski Butlers, the global leader in ski and snowboard rental delivery. For more information, please visit www.alterramtn.co.

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Active Travel, bike trips, cycling trips, European travel, Uncategorized

VBT Bicycling Vacations, Country Walkers Introduce New Itineraries for 2025

March 7, 2025 MoralCompass

The Douro Valley, Portugal. On VBT’s newest guided bike and boat tour through the Douro Valley River, guests unpack once and disembark to cycle the back roads and scenic countryside of Portugal and Spain © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Williston, VT – VBT Bicycling Vacations and Country Walkers, leaders in active vacations for more than 50 years, unveiled six new European Itineraries to England, Scotland, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland for 2025.

From cycling through the British Isles and exploring medieval Portuguese villages to hiking the Swiss Alps and soaking up the rich history and cultures of northern Spain, each itinerary offers the perfect blend of active adventures that go deep into a specific region, allowing travelers to explore under their own power so they can truly experience the local culture. An added bonus: VBT guarantees access to e-bikes on 99% of itineraries, so guests can get the extra help they need to take in more of the great outdoors.

“Similar to 2024, all signs indicate Europe will be highly sought after in 2025, which is why we are excited to introduce new itineraries across the continent to capitalize on this demand,” said Timo Shaw, President of Country Walkers and VBT Bicycling Vacations. “We know our guests enjoy learning about a destination through its people, history, culture and cuisine, and we’ve designed all of our itineraries to include hyperlocal, authentic, and meaningful experiences that truly connect them to the people and places they encounter along the way.”

VBT Bicycling Vacations and Country Walkers offer five active travel styles: Guided Walking and Self-Guided Walking (Country Walkers) and Guided Biking, Self-Guided Biking and Guided Bike & Boat (VBT Bicycling Vacations). All itineraries include multilingual trip leaders, local restaurants, and small, family-owned accommodations that exude the local culture in the most authentic ways.

The new tours complement a robust offering of over 101 itineraries to more than 29 countries in 2025 and include:

VBT Bicycling Vacations

England & Scotland: Lake District to Edinburgh (guided biking).With VBT’s insider access to remote corners of the British Isles, you’ll be led over hill and dale through some of the most coveted regions of England and Scotland, including the rugged, scenic Lake District, the remote and pristine expanse of Kielder Forest, and the sweeping vistas of the Honister Pass. Highlights include riding to the ancient Neolithic monument at Castlerigg Stone Circle, strolling atop Hadrian’s Wall to see the excavations at Vindolanda Roman Fort & Museum, and savoring Scotland’s national dish, haggis, accompanied by Scottish whiskey. Starting at $5,595 for 7 days, per person, double occupancy (May – October). Positive Impact: VBT makes a donation on behalf of every tour participant to a local chapter of the Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association, ensuring walkers in the fells are able to receive help from mountain rescue teams if necessary.

Italy: Sardinia, Carloforte, Sulcis & Chia (self-guided biking). While other travel companies focus on Sardinia’s heavily trafficked northeast seaboard, VBT offers an off-the-beaten-path itinerary with flexibility and support, focusing on the island’s unsullied west coast instead of the usual tourist traps. VBT’s local experts have plotted out an itinerary of unhurried coastal byways with little car traffic, with all the flexibility in the world to pedal at your own pace. Highlights include a ferry ride to San Pietro Island for a two-night stay in charming Caloforte, exploring Sant’Antioco Island’s ancient archeological site at Sulci, and a stay in the seaside town of Torre dei Corsari near the beach with the tallest sand dunes in Europe. Starting at $2,695 for 6 days, per person, double occupancy. Positive Impact: VBT makes a donation on behalf of each guest to Wine to Water, an international organization providing access to clean drinking water and emergency supplies in water-challenged regions.

Italy: Umbria, Spello, Montefalco & Assisi (guided biking). VBT’s deep Italian roots mean guests will enjoy the best biking experience along Umbria’s most scenic, low-traffic cycling routes. Highlights include an epic spin through the “green heart” of Italy including the stunning hilltop city of Assisi and many hidden gems with authentic local flavor, the charming medieval village of Scheggino for black truffles and local olive oil tastings, exploring medieval Montefalco and Bevagna, tasting traditional dish torta al testo during a home-hosted lunch at a cozy agriturismo, savoring a delicious dinner with perfectly paired wines at a famous enoteca, and stays in gothic Spello and an authentic Italian castle near Perugia. Starting at $4,995 for 7 days, per person, double occupancy. Positive Impact: VBT makes a donation on behalf of each guest to Wine to Water.

Portugal & Spain Bike & River Cruise: Douro (guided bike & boat). On VBT’s newest guided bike and boat tour through the Douro Valley River, guests unpack once and disembark to cycle the back roads and scenic countryside of Portugal and Spain. Enjoy invigorating rides through historic fincas and small medieval villages, past lush vineyards and rural landscapes, including Marialva and its splendid 12th-century hilltop castle. Other highlights include tastings at an exclusive wine cellar in Pinhão, exploring the “Golden City” of Salamanca with its stunning cathedrals and ancient bridges, savoring fresh seafood and farm-to-table produce and cured meats, and luxuriating in the amenities of the intimate river cruise ship the MS Emerald Radiance. Starting at $7,095 for 8 days, per person, double occupancy. Positive impact: VBT makes a donation on behalf of each guest to Wine to Water.

Country Walkers

Spain: Landscapes from the Camino de Santiago (guided walking). Soak up the rich history and cultures of northern Spain while exploring scenic local paths and highlights from the Camino de Santiago. Country Walker’s team has selected from over 50,000 miles of trails lacing the Iberian Peninsula to curate the very best of this trail network. Starting in the heart of Basque Country, a walk along the Camino’s Northen Way brings guests to the spectacular coastal scenery of Cantabria. Walk the most idyllic segments of the Camino’s French Way, visiting the charming, thatched huts of O Cebreiro, tasting traditional Galician orujo, and exploring a local vineyard perched above the Ribeira Sacra Canyon. Enjoy a scenic slice of the Camino’s Finisterre Way while walking among fragrant pines and eucalyptus into Santiago de Compostela, followed by an opulent evening at the incomparable Hostal dos Reis Católicos located on the Plaza del Obradoiro next to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Starting at $4,695 for 8 days, per person, double occupancy. Positive impact: Country Walkers makes a donation on behalf of each guest to Wine to Water.

Switzerland: Zurich, Lucerne & the Alps (guided walking). Country Walkers’ newest walking tour of Switzerland includes Zürich, Lake Lucerne, and the best of the Swiss Alps to immerse guests in the alpine spirit. Highlights include an enchanting boat ride on Lake Lucerne; traveling by train, gondola, and cog rail past the famous peaks of Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger; hiking along rugged mountain ridges, stopping to appreciate sparkling waterfalls and fields of edelweiss and gentian; discovering the tradition of Swiss alpine cheese-making while hiking the famous “Cheese Trail” and stopping for a tasting at a local farm; and enjoying warm Swiss hospitality in traditional settings, where mouth-watering farm-to-table fare, luxurious spas and saunas, and the cheerful chorus of alphorns form the capstone of this epic walking adventure. Starting at $5,995 for 6 days, per person, double occupancy. Positive impact: Country Walkers makes a donation on behalf of each guest to Wine to Water.

For additional details and travel inspiration, visit www.vbt.com (or call 1-855-202-1008) or www.countrywalkers.com (or call 1-800-234-6900).

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Educational Travel, Uncategorized

Road Scholar Announces Top Trending Destinations for Educational Travel in 2025

March 7, 2025 MoralCompass

Road Scholar’s most popular program in Peru, A Taste of Peru: Discover Lima, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, gives travelers a perspective on the country during a nine-day journey from Lima to Cusco © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com.

Road Scholar, the not-for-profit world leader in educational travel for older adults, released the top trending destinations for educational travel in 2025, ahead of its 50th anniversary next year. Based on year-over-year program enrollment increases, Road Scholar identified the top 10 trending destinations — five domestic and five international — that are capturing the attention of lifelong learners this year. These destinations reflect the highest increase in demand from 2024 to 2025, highlighting a growing enthusiasm for experiential learning through travel as more older adults seek opportunities to expand their knowledge and explore the world.

“As we celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2025, the interest in our new and ongoing programs is a testament to Road Scholar’s exceptional experiences offered across the world and the growing demand for educational travel,” said Maeve Hartney, chief program officer at Road Scholar. “Across the U.S., Road Scholar participants are embracing the post-pandemic trend of discovering enriching, educational experiences closer to home. For international programs, we’re seeing a growing enthusiasm for deepening knowledge through once-in-a-lifetime learning adventures, exploring hidden gems off the beaten path, and immersing in the culture of more remote, lesser-traveled destinations.”

Based on the largest year-over-year increases of confirmed enrollments in Road Scholar’s programs, here’s a look at the top trending domestic and international destinations:

Top Trending Domestic Destinations
By Year-Over-Year Enrollment Increase

Lincoln, New Hampshire, 550%
San Francisco, California, 257%
Norfolk, Virginia, 207%
Santa Rosa, California, 150%
Stowe, Vermont, 140%

Top Trending International Destinations
By Year-Over-Year Enrollment Increase

Namibia, Africa, 155%
Tanzania, Africa, 153%
Peru, South America, 144%
Greenland, Europe, 133%
Mongolia, Asia, 129%

The Top 3 Trending Domestic Destinations for Educational Travel

Lincoln, N.H. – As a leader in the skip-gen travel movement, Road Scholar’s Nature of New Hampshire program provides a unique opportunity for grandparents to travel and learn alongside their grandkids in Lincoln. On this six-day, sea-to-sky adventure, participants ride along the Cog and Lake Winnipesaukee Railroads, sail on Squam Lake and Lake Winnipesaukee, discover regional wildlife, taste maple syrup delicacies and more.
San Francisco, Calif. – To experience the best of the “City of the Bay,” Road Scholar’s six-day Signature City San Francisco program invites travelers to immerse themselves in the captivating story of San Francisco with the guidance of experts. Participants explore Alcatraz Island, learn about the fire of 1906, wander the markets of Chinatown and see iconic landmarks.
Norfolk, Va. – Perfect for music enthusiasts, Road Scholar’s five-day The Best of Norfolk & the Virginia International Tattoo program takes travelers back to the 17th century to discover the city’s military and art culture. Participants experience the nation’s largest military musical celebration at the Virginia International Tattoo, stroll through the Botanical Garden, attend an exclusive private musical performance and take a narrated Norfolk Naval Base cruise.

The Top 3 Trending International Destinations for Educational Travel

Namibia, Africa – Home to the world’s oldest desert and timeless cultures, Namibia offers travelers the chance to meet native communities and learn about wildlife conservation initiatives. Over a 16-day journey, Road Scholar’s Namibia’s Splendor: Desert, Culture and Magnificent Wildlife program, brings participants to the AfriCat Foundation for up-close experiences with Africa’s big cats, exciting safaris and a visit to a Himba settlement.
Tanzania, Africa – Road Scholar’s 13-day Tanzania and the Great East African Migration program invites travelers to follow the largest movement of wildlife on Earth, from the Serengeti to Maasai Mara Reserve. Participants stay in tents along the migration path, visit the Ngorongoro Crater and Olduvai Gorge and learn how the migration impacts the lives of Indigenous people.
Peru, South America – Road Scholar’s most popular program in Peru, A Taste of Peru: Discover Lima, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, gives travelers a unique perspective on the country during a nine-day journey from Lima to Cusco. In 2025, a new solo-only date will be offered. Participants explore mountain villages, experience a traditional Pachamama ceremony, visit Machu Picchu and learn about ancient weaving traditions and music.

For more information, visit RoadScholar.com. Stay up-to-date on the latest news by following Road Scholar on Instagram and Facebook.

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Cultural Travel, heritage travel, Historic Places, Museums & Exhibits, New York City travel, Uncategorized

Ground-Breaking “Anne Frank The Exhibition” in NYC is Extended After Tickets Sell-Out in One Week

February 22, 2025 MoralCompass

Standing in Anne Frank’s tiny room in The Annex where she and her family hid from the Nazis for two years, personalizes the Holocaust. This immersion into a full-scale re-creation of the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam is part of a landmark “Anne Frank The Exhibition,” now on view at the Center for Jewish History in New York City © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com.

(New York and Amsterdam)—No surprise that in response to overwhelming demand, the Anne Frank House is extending its world premiere presentation of Anne Frank The Exhibition at the Center for Jewish History in New York City through October 31, 2025. Originally scheduled for just three months, tickets sold out within one week of opening on January 27, 2025, demonstrating the demand for this extraordinary experience.

“We are deeply moved by the overwhelming interest in this exhibition,” Ronald Leopold, Executive Director of the Anne Frank House, said. “As we carry forward Anne’s legacy, we are profoundly grateful for the opportunity to extend this new presentation in New York. The initial response affirms our belief that we must meet the present moment with education. History is our greatest teacher, and Anne’s words continue to resonate across generations. In bringing this exhibition to New York and extending its stay, the Anne Frank House, with the support of the Center for Jewish History, is making it possible for more people to reflect on the life and loss of Anne, and the 1.5 million Jewish children lost in the Holocaust. Together, we remain committed to stand against antisemitism and group hatred and we thank New York for joining us in this important effort.”

Dr. Gavriel Rosenfeld, President of the Center for Jewish History, said: “It has been our honor to partner with the Anne Frank House as host to this landmark exhibition, and we are excited to continue welcoming audiences from around the world for its extended run.”

As a nonprofit organization helping to shape global understanding of the Holocaust and its contemporary relevance, including lessons on modern-day antisemitism, racism, and discrimination, the Anne Frank House is entrusted with the preservation of the Annex where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II. This new exhibition is presented in New York City in partnership with the Center for Jewish History in Manhattan and is designed for audiences who may not have the opportunity to visit the Netherlands.

Step inside Anne Frank’s world—an unprecedented experience

Anne Frank The Exhibition is the first time in history that the Anne Frank House presents a pioneering experience outside of Amsterdam to immerse visitors in a full-scale recreation of the Annex rooms, fully furnished, where Anne Frank, her parents and sister, and four other Jews spent two years hiding to evade Nazi capture.

Moving through the exhibition, visitors can immerse themselves in the context that shaped Anne’s life—from her early years in Frankfurt through the rise of the Nazi regime and the family’s phased move to Amsterdam across 1933 and 1934, where Anne lived for ten years until her 1944 arrest and deportation to Westerbork, a large transit camp in the Netherlands, then to Auschwitz-Birkenau, a concentration camp and killing center in Nazi-occupied Poland, and eventually to her death at Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in Germany when she was 15 years old.

Four exhibition galleries immerse visitors in place and history through video, sound, photography, and animation; and more than 100 original collection items from the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. Anne Frank The Exhibition provides an opportunity to learn about Anne Frank not as a victim but through the multifaceted lens of her life—as a girl, a writer, and a symbol of resilience and strength. This is a story inspired by one of the most translated books in the world.

The New York City exhibition occupies over 7,500 square feet of gallery space in the heart of Union Square. This marks the first time dozens of artifacts can be seen in the United States—many have never been seen in public.

Artifacts in the exhibition include:

Anne Frank’s first photo album (1929-1942);

Anne Frank’s typed and handwritten invitation to her friend for a film screening in her home (by 1942, anti-Jewish measures prohibited Jews from attending the cinema); and

Handwritten verses by Anne Frank in her friends’ poetry albums.

Advising the Anne Frank House on the New York City exhibition is Michael S. Glickman, CEO of jMUSE. Dr. Doyle Stevick, Executive Director of The Anne Frank Center at the University of South Carolina, the Anne Frank House’s official U.S. partner, is the educational advisor.

The exhibition is made possible through the generosity of many philanthropic foundations and individuals, whose partnership has ensured the exhibition is available to students and educators throughout the United States, as well as throughout the local New York City metro region.

With this new exhibition, the Anne Frank House seeks to expand its reach and educational impact at a time of rising antisemitism in the United States. It is presented in New York City, where Jews continue to be the most targeted group and where hate crimes against others are on the rise.

In supporting students through field trips, the exhibition serves as a primary source for students and educators and, since its opening was first announced, has been booking hundreds of visits for school groups from New York to California and states in between. With a goal of reaching 250,000 students, philanthropic support has made it possible for the Anne Frank House to ensure tickets are free for NYC public schools and Title I public school groups throughout the United States.

To enhance resources for teachers, the exhibition includes an accompanying curriculum developed with The Anne Frank Center at the University of South Carolina. The curriculum materials place antisemitism in its historic context. Questions lead students to consider the roots and evolution of antisemitism, including how it led to the Holocaust.

“Anne Frank’s story provides a compelling window into the past, one that helps students understand the dangers of bigotry and the importance of never being a bystander,” Doyle Stevick, Executive Director of the Anne Frank Center at the University of South Carolina and educational advisor to the exhibition, said. “The curriculum developed to accompany this exhibition ensures teachers and students will have the highest-quality educational resources they need to learn about the Holocaust and its relevance today. We are thrilled to see that hundreds of school groups from around the country have already booked field trips.”

Educational visits to the exhibition, as well as Individual and Family ticket purchases, can be scheduled by visiting AnneFrankExhibit.org.

Anne Frank The Exhibition is a limited engagement, now extended through October 31, 2025.

Anne Frank House gratefully acknowledges the following benefactors who have contributed to the exhibition:

The exhibition is made possible by Leon Levy Foundation, with leadership support by David Berg Foundation, Rebecca and Jared Cohen, Stacey and Eric Mindich, UJA-Federation of New York, and corporate partner Bank of America.

Educational patrons to the exhibition include Gray Foundation and The Fuhrman Family Foundation, with additional support by The Barbra Streisand Foundation.

Major support has been provided by Debbie and Mark Attanasio, Tanya and Ryan Baker, Einstein Astrof Foundation, Elyssa and William Friedland, Jesselson Foundation, Allison and Warren Kanders, Pershing Square Philanthropies, Sara Naison-Tarajano, Katharine M. and Leo S. Ullman, Waksal Foundation, and Anonymous, with sponsorship support by GRoW @ Annenberg, Rita J. & Stanley H. Kaplan Family Foundation, Merryl and James Tisch, The Claire Friedlander Family Foundation, and Zegar Family Foundation.

Pro bono legal services provided by Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz.

General Information

Tickets available at AnneFrankExhibit.org. The exhibition is designed for children (ages 10 and older) and adults. All general admission tickets include the exhibition audio guide. Visitors should plan to spend approximately one hour at the exhibition. Last entry is one hour before closing.

Individual tickets: Timed entry tickets, Monday through Friday: $24 (17 and under, $18); Timed entry tickets, Sunday: $31 (17 and under, $24); Flex tickets, Monday through Friday: $38; Flex tickets, Sunday: $54

Family tickets (2 adults + 2 children under 17 years): Timed entry tickets, Monday through Friday: $74 (additional 17 and under ticket, $18); Timed entry tickets, Sunday: $98 (additional 17 and under ticket, $24)

Group sales (adults): $300 per group of 10, timed entry, Monday through Friday; $400 per group of 10, timed entry, Sunday

Hours: Sunday through Thursday: 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday: Closed

Center for Jewish History, 15 West 16th Street, New York, N.Y. between 5th and 6th Avenues

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benefits of travel, Benefits of Travel & Tourism, destinations, Travel Industry Philanthropy, Uncategorized

Ski for a Cause at Palisades Tahoe, California, January 18–20

January 19, 2025 MoralCompass

From January 18 to 20, 2025, skiers and snowboarders at Palisades Tahoe, California are making a difference while enjoying the slopes. During this special three-day event, $99 lift tickets will be available, with 100% of ticket sales going to support Southern California fire relief efforts in partnership with the California Fire Foundation. © Eric Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Olympic Valley, Calif.— From January 18 to 20, 2025, skiers and snowboarders at Palisades Tahoe are making a difference while enjoying the slopes. During this special three-day event, $99 lift tickets will be available, with 100% of ticket sales going to support Southern California fire relief efforts in partnership with the California Fire Foundation.

Palisades Tahoe, together with Alterra Mountain Company, is amplifying the impact by matching donations dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000 each. This means that every $99 ticket sold will triple in value, directly helping families and communities rebuild after devastating wildfires.

Ticket Options:

Ikon Base Pass & Session Pass Holders: Purchase $99 all-day lift tickets on January 18 and 19—a great way to ski during the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday blackout dates.

Afternoon Tickets: $99 tickets for all ages, valid from 1 PM to 4 PM, available January 18 through 20.

Tickets can be purchased in person at Palisades Tahoe ticket counters.

“This initiative embodies our commitment to giving back,” said Patrick Lacey, PR Manager of Palisades Tahoe. “By partnering with the California Fire Foundation and offering this opportunity to our guests, we’re proud to support relief efforts that will help rebuild lives and strengthen communities impacted by wildfires.”

The California Fire Foundation provides critical support to fire victims, firefighters, and their families. Proceeds from this fundraiser will aid in providing emergency assistance, funding community rebuilding projects, and offering long-term support to those in need.

Make Your Ski Day Count: Grab your gear, hit the slopes, and give back to those affected by wildfires in Southern California. Every turn you take on the mountain will help families and communities recover and thrive.

For more information, visit www.palisadestahoe.com/relief.

Now celebrating its 75th anniversary, marking decades of innovation, history, and legendary mountain experiences, Palisades Tahoe® has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal as the best ski resort in the United States. As Lake Tahoe’s largest premier resort destination, it spans 6,000 skiable acres across eight peaks, connected by the iconic Base to Base Gondola. Renowned for hosting the 1960 Winter Games and being home to Olympic and World Cup athletes, Palisades Tahoe averages 400 inches of annual snowfall, offering Lake Tahoe’s longest ski season. Dubbed the Spring Skiing Capital®, the resort keeps its slopes open through Memorial Day. The Village at Palisades Tahoe is a vibrant year-round hub for events, dining, and shopping. Skiers and riders can explore Palisades Tahoe and beyond with the Ikon Pass, which provides access to over 50+ top ski destinations.

Visit Palisades Tahoe’s website or call 800.403-0206.

Driveable destinations, hiking, New York State tourism, Uncategorized

New Year, No Fees: New Yorkers Invited to Start New Year with Free First Day Hikes in State Parks

December 21, 2024 MoralCompass

*Watkins Glen, one of 100 locations across New York State hosting free first day hikes © Karen Rubin/goingplcesfarandnear.com*

Celebrate the New Year at New York State parks, historic sites, natural areas, environmental education centers, canal trails, and public lands across the Empire State on January 1, 2025. The 14th annual First Day Hikes program is offering varied hike options for people at nearly 100 locations across the state. Parking fees at all State Parks are being waived to increase access to these events on New Year’s Day (admission to State Park grounds is always free).

“There’s no better way to kick off the New Year than with family and friends at a First Day Hike to experience and enjoy the winter beauty of New York’s amazing scenic landscapes,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “This year, I’m waiving parking fees at every State Park and Historic Site to encourage all New Yorkers to join in on this fantastic tradition.”

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Canal Corporation are partnering to host the many walks and hikes taking place throughout the state as part of the 14th Annual First Day Hikes program.

Most walks and hikes are family-friendly, and typically range from one to five miles depending on the location and conditions. More than 120 individual hikes are being offered at state parks, historic sites, canal trails, and DEC natural areas and environmental education centers.

Noteworthy for 2025 is a historic landscape and winter wildlife hike along Lake Champlain at Crown Point State Historic Site; a scenic hike up the Appalachian Trail at Bear Mountain State Park; a hike along the old tow paths of the Erie Canal at Schoharie Crossing; and a hike along the Lake Erie shoreline at Evangola State Park. The Catskill Mountain Club will be leading a hike up the Tremper Mountain Fire Tower qualifying for DEC’s annual Catskills Fire Tower Challenge. There will also be a hike up Mt. Van Hoevenberg from the Olympic Complex along one of the newer trails in the High Peaks region.

A list of New York State First Day Hikes, location details, format, pre-registration requirements and additional information can be found online for  Parks,  DEC, and Canals. Interested participants are encouraged to check the details of their preferred host site and register where required.

Starting in Massachusetts in 1992, First Day Hikes are now a national event taking place in all 50 states. While the following locations are offering organized activities, most of New York’s public lands are accessible on this day and throughout the winter season.

List of First Day Hikes by region:

Western New York
Allegany State Park – Red House Area, Salamanca; 716.379.6941
Brockport Welcome Center, Brockport;
Clear Lake Wildlife Management Area (DEC), North Collins; 716.379.6389
DeVeaux Woods State Park, Niagara Falls; 716.282.5154 register here
Evangola State Park, Irving; 716.282.5154 register here
Fort Niagara State Park, Youngstown; 716.282.5154 register here (2 hikes)
Genesee Valley Greenway, Avon; 585.493.3614
Genesee Valley Greenway, Cuba; 716.378.1923
Genesee Valley Greenway, Fillmore; [email protected]
Genesee Valley Greenway, Hinsdale; 585.493.3614
Genesee Valley Greenway, Mt. Morris; 585.493.3614
Genesee Valley Greenway, Nunda; 585.493.3614
Genesee Valley Greenway, Rochester; register here
Genesee Valley Greenway, Scottsville; 585.493.3614
Genesee Valley Greenway, York; 585.493.3614
Hamlin Beach State Park, Hamlin; 716.638.7179 (2 hikes)
Knox Farm State Park, East Aurora; 716.282.5154 register here
Lakeside Beach State Park, Waterport; 716.638.7179
Letchworth State Park Humphrey Nature Center, Castile; 585.493.3688 (3 hikes)
Letchworth State Park Highbanks Picnic Shelter, Mt. Morris; 585.493.3688 (2 hikes)
Macedon Canal Park, Macedon;
Niagara Falls State Park, Niagara Falls; 716.282.5154 register here (2 hikes)
Phillips Creek State Forest (DEC), West Almond; 607.382.9770 (4 hikes)
Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center (DEC), Depew; 716.683.5959
Whirlpool State Park, Niagara Falls; 716.282.5154 register here
Wilson Tuscarora State Park, Wilson; 716.282.5154 register here
Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area (DEC) – Ross Pond, Gowanda; 440.983.0023

Finger Lakes and Central New York
Bowman Lake State Park / DEC’s McDonough State Forest, Oxford; 607.334.2718
Catharine Valley Trail, Watkins Glen; 607.329.2982
Cayuga-Seneca Trail / Lock CS-4, Waterloo
Chenango Valley State Park, Chenango Forks; 607.648.5251 (2 hikes)
Clark Reservation State Park, Jamesville; 315.559.7341
Delta Lake State Park, Rome; 315.337.4670
Fort Ontario State Historic Site, Oswego; 315.832.8285
Gilbert Lake State Park, Laurens; 607.432.2114
Glimmerglass State Park, Cooperstown; 607.547.8662
Green Lakes State Park, Fayetteville; 315.637.6111
Hemlock-Canadice State Forest (DEC), Canadice; 585.374.8366 (2 hikes)
Herkimer Home State Historic Site, Herkimer; 315.823.0398
Lorenzo State Historic Site, Cazenovia; 315.655.3200
Montezuma Audubon Center, Savannah; 315.539.5089; register here
Newtown Battlefield State Park, Elmira; 607.379.7645
Rogers Environmental Education Center, DEC’s Friends Support Group, Sherburne; 607.674.4733 (3 hikes)
Selkirk Shores State Park, Pulaski; 315.298.5737
Seneca Lake State Park, Geneva; 315.789.2331
Taughannock Falls State Park, Trumansburg; 607.795.6631
Two Rivers State Park, Waverly; 607.379.7645

North Country/Adirondacks
Cat Mountain, DEC’s Lake George Wild Forest, Bolton Landing; 518.338.8173
Crown Point State Historic Site, Crown Point; 518.597.4666
Jabe Pond Trail (DEC), Hague; 518.897.1242
John Brown Farm State Historic Site, Lake Placid; 518.527.0191
Lost Pond (DEC), Ticonderoga; 518.681.2232
Mt. Van Hoevenberg via the MVHE Trail, Lake Placid; 518.897.1283
Northwest Bay Trail, DEC’s Lake George Wild Forest, Bolton Landing; [email protected]
Paul Smith’s Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC), Paul Smiths; 315.832.2695
Point Au Roche State Park, Plattsburgh; 518.563.0369
Robert G. Wehle State Park, Henderson; 315.938.5302
Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site, Sackets Harbor; 315.646.2321
Silver Lake Mountain (DEC), Black Brook; [email protected]
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry – Adirondack Interpretive Center, Goodnow Mountain, Newcomb; 518.582.2000; register here
Wellesley Island State Park/ Minna Anthony Common Nature Center, Fineview; 315.482.2479 (2 hikes)
Winona State Forest (DEC), Lorraine; 315.376.3521 (taking place on 12/31/2024)

Greater Capital District
Adirondack Ultra Cycling, 160 Broad St., Schuylerville; 518.583.3708
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center (DEC), Delmar; 518.475.0291 (3 hikes)
Grafton Lakes State Park, Grafton; 518.279.1155 (3 hikes)
Moreau Lake State Park, Gansevoort; 518.793.0511
Mine Kill State Park, North Blenheim; 518.593.4393
Peebles Island State Park, Cohoes;  register here (2 hikes)
Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs; 518.810.6906
Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site, Fort Hunter; [email protected]
Thacher State Park, Voorheesville; 518.872.0800 (4 hikes)

Hudson Valley/Catskills
Bear Mountain State Park, Bear Mountain; [email protected]
Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park, Yorktown; 914.245.4434
Huckleberry Point Trail (DEC), Elka Park; 845.688.3369
Little Stony Point/Hudson Highlands State Park, Cold Spring; 917.658.4526
Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Peter’s Kill, Kerhonkson; 845.255.0752
Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Sam’s Point, Cragsmoor; 845.647.7989

North-South Lake, DEC’s Kaaterskill Wild Forest, Haines Falls; 518.303.6050

Nyack Beach State Park, Upper Nyack; register here
Croton Gorge Park, Cortlandt; 646.303.1448; register here
Rockwood Hall, Sleepy Hollow; 914.370.9352; register here
Staatsburgh State Historic Site/Mills Norrie State Park, Staatsburg; register here
Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center, DEC’s Friends Support Group, Wappingers Falls; 845.831.3800; register here
Taconic State Park – Copake Falls, Copake Falls; 518.912.7387
Tremper Mountain Fire Tower from Willow Trailhead (DEC), Phoenicia; [email protected]
Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, Poughkeepsie; 845.392.7800

New York City and Long Island
Bethpage State Park, Farmingdale; 631.962.0217
Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, W. Babylon; 631.481.3514
Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve, Staten Island; 631.601.4127, register here
Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale; 516.563.2769, register here
Gantry Plaza State Park, Long Island City; register here
Hallock State Park Preserve, Jamesport; 631.315.5475

Heckscher State Park, North Babylon; 631.481.3513, register here
Hempstead Lake State Park, West Hempstead; 516.766.1029
Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center, Wantagh; 516.548.7809
Mt. Loretto Unique Area (DEC), Staten Island; 718.877.1513
Ridge Conservation Area (DEC), Ridge; 631.444.0350
Robert Moses State Park, Babylon; 631.481.3516, register here
Shirley Chisholm State Park, Brooklyn, register here
St. Francis Woodlands (DEC), Staten Island; [email protected]
Sunken Meadow State Park, Kings Park; 516.330.4438, register here

New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “First Day Hikes are a family-friendly tradition that offer a great way to embrace the outdoors this winter season and allow us to take a break and understand the importance of the connection nature and outdoor recreation has to our physical and mental wellness. On New Year’s Day, I encourage you to connect with your community and visit a familiar or new destination to create new memories, treat your wellness and experience our state’s natural treasures year-round.”

“First Day Hikes are a favorite New Year’s Day tradition, and we look forward to starting 2025 with an extra burst of energy as we begin the Erie Canal’s bicentennial year. I’d like to encourage you to check out our On the Canals Programming for New Year’s Day for all of the ways you can experience the beauty of our 420 plus miles of the Canalway Trail network this winter season,” New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian Stratton said.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 84 million visits in 2023. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit  parks.ny.gov, download the free  NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on  Facebook,  Instagram,  Twitter, and the  OPRHP Blog.

DEC manages more than five million acres of public lands, including three million acres in the Adirondack and Catskill forest preserves, 55 campgrounds and day-use areas, more than 5,000 miles of formal trails, and hundreds of trailheads, boat launches, and fishing piers. Many sites and trails are accessible to people with disabilities. Find recreation options by visiting Love Our NY Lands – NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation or visit DECinfo Locator – NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation. The State’s Love Our New York Lands campaign encourages visitors to be respectful of other visitors in these shared spaces. Visitors are asked to share trails, treat people with kindness, and leave things as they found for others to enjoy. Visitors are encouraged to think of themselves as responsible for helping protect these irreplaceable destinations for future generations.

DEC’s Adventure NY initiative connects more New York families and visitors to the great outdoors. Plan your next outdoor adventure and connect with DEC on Facebook, X, Flickr and Instagram.

NEW YORK’S WATKINS GLEN STATE PARK IS SPELLBINDING

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Best in Travel, Historic Hotels, Historic Places, Historic Preservation, Uncategorized

2024 Historic Hotels Worldwide® Annual Awards of Excellence Winners Announced

December 12, 2024 MoralCompass

*The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (1939) in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, was named Best Historic Hotels Worldwide Hotel in the Americas © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Historic Hotels Worldwide® announced the distinguished winners of the 2024 Historic Hotels Worldwide Annual Awards of Excellence.

Award recipients were honored on the evening of Thursday, November 21, at the 2024 Historic Hotels Annual Awards of Excellence Ceremony and Gala at The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia (United States of America), in front of an audience of more than 200 industry leaders, owners, general managers, senior management, and representatives of the world’s finest historic hotels.

During the ceremony, 11 distinct awards of the Historic Hotels Worldwide Annual Awards of Excellence were presented to hoteliers and hotels, recognizing them as the best of the best among their peers. Winners were chosen from nominations by historic hotels, preservation supporters, prior award recipients, community leaders, and leadership from Historic Hotels Worldwide. Member hotels from the program are among the finest historic hotels around the world. The Historic Hotels Annual Awards of Excellence Program recognizes the pinnacle of this distinct group.

From more than 500 nominations received, the awards committee evaluated and, after careful consideration, selected the following 2024 Historic Hotels Worldwide Awards of Excellence winners:

Historic Hotels Worldwide New Member of the Year
This award is presented to a new member hotel that best demonstrates immediate engagement, activation, and passionate support of Historic Hotels Worldwide.
Winner: Half Moon (1954) Montego Bay, Jamaica

Historic Hotels Worldwide Best Social Media of a Historic Hotel
This award is given to a hotel that actively engages consumers by sharing the best of their history through social media, including Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram with interesting historical facts and stories.
Winner: Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar (1780) Bagac, Philippines

Historic Hotels Worldwide Sustainability Champion
This award is presented to a hotel that best implements and practices innovative green initiatives and programs, demonstrating historic preservation is the ultimate green.
Winner: The K Club (1832) Straffan, County Kildare, Ireland

Historic Hotels Worldwide Legendary Family Historic Hoteliers of the Year
This award is presented to a multi-generational family ownership entity or management company which has served as an exemplary role model in the operation of the historic hotel entrusted to its stewardship, has demonstrated a long-term legacy of commitment to historic preservation, and has been an active champion of Historic Hotels Worldwide.
Winner: The Baverez Family, owners and managers of Les Hôtels Baverez since 1900

Historic Hotels Worldwide Best City Center Historic Hotel
This award is presented to a hotel located in a city center that best celebrates its history in the guest experience and provides exceptional customer hospitality and service.
Winner: Mystery Hotel Budapest (1896) Budapest, Hungary

Historic Hotels Worldwide Best Historic Resort
This award is presented to the historic resort that best celebrates its history in the guest experience and provides exceptional customer hospitality and service.
Winner: Kviknes Hotel (1752) Balestrand, Norway

Best Historic Hotels Worldwide Hotel in Europe
This award is presented to a historic hotel in Europe that best celebrates its history in the guest experience and provides exceptional customer hospitality and service.
Winner: The Grand York (1906) York, England, United Kingdom

Best Historic Hotels Worldwide Hotel in Asia/Pacific
This award is presented to a historic hotel in Asia/Pacific that best celebrates its history in the guest experience and provides exceptional customer hospitality and service.
Winner: The Fullerton Hotel Singapore (1924) Singapore

Best Historic Hotels Worldwide Hotel in the Americas
This award is presented to a historic hotel in the Americas that best celebrates its history in the guest experience and provides exceptional customer hospitality and service.
Winner: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (1939) Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Historic Hotels Worldwide Historic Hotelier of the Year
This award is presented to the recipient demonstrating the highest contribution to furthering the celebration of history at historic hotels as well as leadership and innovation.
Winner: Franck X. Arnold at The Savoy London (1889) London, England, United Kingdom

Historic Hotels Worldwide Historian of the Year
This award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the research and presentation of history, encouraging a deeper discussion and broader understanding of the world’s most iconic and legendary hotels.
Winner: Andreas and Carola Augustin, editors of FamousHotels.org, “The Library of Hospitality”

“It is an honor to congratulate all of the 2024 Historic Hotels Worldwide Annual Awards of Excellence winners,” said Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Vice President, Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. “The winners are the finest historic hotels and hoteliers from around the world. The historic hotels nominated include small historic inns, boutique hotels, lifestyle hotels, and resorts. They represent small towns to large cities to UNESCO World Heritage destinations. We applaud the dedication and passion of the thousands of individuals working at these iconic and legendary hotels that keep the stories alive from the past and make staying or celebrating special occasions at these historic hotels memorable experiences. The hotels on this list represent the very best spirit of perseverance and preservation of historic hotels. Through the many chapters these buildings have seen, it is the care of their staff, owners, and operators and the support of travelers that allow these stories to continue.”

To be nominated for the Historic Hotels Worldwide Annual Awards of Excellence, the hotel must be a member of Historic Hotels Worldwide, demonstrate how the hotel increased the recognition and celebration of the hotel’s history, heritage, historic preservation, and its membership, as well as how the hotel (through its ownership, leadership, and employees) contributes significantly as an industry leader in the designated award category.

Historic Hotels Worldwide’s sister program, Historic Hotels of America®, also announced its collection’s winners of the Historic Hotels Annual Awards of Excellence. (See: 2024 HISTORIC HOTELS OF AMERICA® ANNUAL AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE WINNERS ANNOUNCED)

Historic Hotels Worldwide® is a prestigious and distinctive hotel collection of historic treasures, including luxury historic hotels built in former castles, chateaus, palaces, academies, haciendas, villas, monasteries, and other historic lodging spanning ten centuries. Historic Hotels Worldwide represents the finest and most distinctive global collection of more than 320 historic hotels in forty-nine countries. Hotels inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide are authentic historic treasures, demonstrate historic preservation, and celebrate historic significance. Eligibility for induction into Historic Hotels Worldwide is limited to those distinctive historic hotels that adhere to the following criteria: minimum age for the building is 75 years or older; historically relevant as a significant location within a historic district, historically significant landmark, place of a historic event, former home of a famous person, or historic city center; hotel celebrates its history by showcasing memorabilia, artwork, photography, and other examples of its historic significance; recognized by national preservation or heritage buildings organization or located within UNESCO World Heritage Site; and presently used as a historic hotel.

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