138: NY PATA in the News +  Zhangjiajie  Culture and Tourism +Linden NJ Public  Schools + Tourism Leadership Summit + Wellness Trends + Lantern Festival Tangyuan; 138-20240226

Issue 138, February 26, 2024New York, NYhttps://newyorkpata.org

NY PATA Newsletter in PATA.org

NY PATA is grateful for the opportunity to showcase our passion for travel and adventure to such a diverse audience at the Travel and Adventure Show in Javits Center, January 27-28, 2024. We had a successful weekend.Newsletter link: https://conta.cc/49FiIEp We are excited and honored to inform you that PATA HQ published the NY PATA newsletter in PATA.org. The Announcement can be read here. Listed under the PATA Member and Chapter News, the Announcement was included in “the latest news from PATA and our diverse dedicated members.” Think Asia Pacific Travel, think PATA. View this email in your browserNY PATA PATA also published the NY PATA news release on PATA’s X account @PATA_HQ here We continue to share our love for travel with you all.

Zhangjiajie Culture and Tourism

The Zhangjiajie delegation visiting New York to promote the vibrant culture and tourism of Zhangjiajie were warmly greeted at the Marriott Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. The February 24th event, hosted by the esteemed Mayor of Zhangjiajie, Mr. Wang Hongbin, was a true celebration of cultural exchange.

Ambassador Huang Ping’s captivating speech highlighted the unique experiences awaiting visitors in this enchanting destination, such as: Bailong Elevator, the highest, fastest, fully exposed outdoor double-decker sightseeing elevator with the largest capacity, in the world. Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge is the world’s longest (1,410 feet) and highest glass-bottomed pedestrian bridge (980 feet) Tienmen Mountain Glass Skywalk located 4,700 feet above sea level on the side of Tianmen Mountain, the 2.5-inch crystal-clear glass pathway is an excellent attraction for brave tourists to enjoy breathtaking views of the unique and colorful, natural landscape of Tianmen Mountain Park and Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Cableway is an incredible 24,458 feet long cableway that climbs to an elevation of 4,982 feet from the base in Zhangjiajie city. The ride on the cable car takes about 35 minutes to reach the top of Tianmen Mountain.

We were honored to hear guest speaker, Mayor Derek Armstead of Linden City in New Jersey, share valuable insights on the significance of Chinese language and culture in today’s global landscape. As one of the fastest growing nations, China’s influence is undeniable, leading to the flourishing of programs worldwide dedicated to teaching its language and culture. Linden, NJ public schools take pride in offering one of the most sought-after languages in modern society, Chinese. The public schools in the city of Linden promote culture and the Chinese language. Beginning in elementary schools (School #1, School #6, and School #10), Linden’s youngest students are offered the basics of the Chinese language. Linden public schools provides a wide variety of Chinese courses designed to promote fluency in both spoken and written Mandarin Chinese. In addition to language, students are exposed to culture representative of all nations where Chinese is a national language.

China-US Tourism Leadership Summit

The recent meeting between U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Chinese Minister of Culture and Tourism Hu Heping has resulted in an agreement to strengthen the cultural ties and increase mutual visits between the two nations. As a part of this initiative, the 14th China-U.S. Tourism Leadership Summit will be held in May 2024 in the city of Xian, Shaanxi province, after a gap of five years. This summit will further revive and develop tourism cooperation between the two countries.The Shaanxi delegation from Xian will be hosting the culture and tourism event in New York, at the Westin Hotel Times Square on February 27th, as a precursor to the Tourism Leadership Summit.

Hospitality and Wellness Trends

In the realm of travel, wellness tourism has taken the spotlight, drawing in a wave of enthusiasts seeking to rejuvenate their mind and body. According to the American Express 2023 Global Travel Trends Report, a growing number of travelers are prioritizing trips that cater to their physical and emotional well-being. The trend extends to choosing serene natural locations for mental rejuvenation and accommodations equipped with top-notch spa and wellness amenities. This shift not only signifies a change in travel preferences but also presents a lucrative opportunity for the hospitality industry. Wellness tourists, as revealed by the Global Wellness Institute, are willing to invest significantly more in their travel experiences, both locally and abroad. Embrace the trend and elevate your offerings to cater to this flourishing market segment!

THE MIND-BALANCE & SELF LOVE RETREATMind Balance & Self-Love is a restorative wellness retreat that fosters self-understanding and self-love through mindfulness, meditation, relaxation, and somatic movement. The program encourages self-acceptance, compassion, and personal growth, promoting deep rejuvenation and renewal. Guests are guided to a state of inner calm and clarity, leaving with a renewed sense of inner peace.  THE NATURE’S CLEANSE RETREATNature’s Cleanse is a transformative Wellness Retreat, offering respite from modern life’s demands. Discover profound realignment with your authentic self in beautiful minimalist surroundings. Nature’s embrace acts as an extraordinary balm, alleviating stress, tension, and negativity. Nourish your inner and physical well-being with healthful cuisine, revitalising elixirs, and soothing treatments.

Lantern Festival Tangyuan

Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebration. Locally, celebrations run into the month of March. NY PATA Lunar New Year banquet is on March11th from 5 pm to 8:30 pm at House of Joy. Reservation is required.Keep the festivities going by treating yourself and your loved ones to the delectable and symbolic Tangyuan or Yuanxiao.These sweet glutinous rice balls represent family unity, togetherness, and a sweet life. And what better way to enjoy them than in a warm and comforting bowl of Sweet Ginger Soup?So, gather around with your family and friends, release those lanterns in the sky, and indulge in the sweetness of Tangyuan and Sweet Ginger Soup. Let’s express our love, regards, and best wishes for our families and friends in the most delicious way possible!

Elizabeth Chin | Executive Director | PATA New York | elizabethnypata@gmail.com