Amazing that this issue marks the 20th anniversary of Global Traveler and our 300th issue. This marks the 20th GT Tested Reader Survey awards, which took place at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena on Dec. 13 — look for a recap of this event in the March 2024 issue. Thanks to all the subscribers and Globility Board members (GT subscriber board) who joined top industry professionals to celebrate.

Creating Global Traveler and the family of associated brands has been a dream come true. Of course, it has required a great deal of work, but being part of travel — and at such a fine level — brings its own rewards. The team here at FXExpress Publications, Inc. makes the clock tick with precision, and I owe our success to all of them, our devoted past and present employees. Each and every one of them has put their heart and soul into GT through many ups and downs.

We often forget events of the last 20 years that rattled the travel world, including the 2008 financial crisis and, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic. Regrettably, the business experienced some casualties during both crises, but GT remained strong by ever adapting and learning.

We are knee-deep in planning our events for 2024 and can confirm we will hold the 21st GT Tested Reader Survey awards at L’Ermitage Beverly Hills on Dec. 11. Looking forward to seeing you all there.

Photo credit: BYC Photography

We anticipate 2024 will be an exciting year to travel. I see Asia will be firmly back, and China is doing its best to bring tourism back to life. Travel is the best form of diplomacy, and the more of us who get out there, the better.

May I suggest you add to your 2024 travel schedule the Paris Olympic Games? On Location, the official provider of the Paris and Milan games, can craft a once-in-a-lifetime trip with the sporting venues you want to see. This is the first time an Olympic Ceremony will take place not in a stadium but in Paris along the Seine — I think this will be Seine-sational!

We hope your 2024 trips will include one of our upcoming events:

• Global Traveler‘s Wines on the Wing – April
• Global Traveler‘s Leisure Lifestyle Awards – May
• Trazee Travel‘s Trazee Awards (trazeetravel.com) – August
• WhereverFamily‘s Wherever Awards (whereverfamily.com) – September
• Global Traveler‘s GT Tested Reader Survey Awards – December

See you in an aisle seat!

— Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO