Last week Global Traveler editor in chief Kimberly Krol and I traveled to El Paso, Texas, for the SMART Airports Convention to hear what’s next for our domestic airports. I’ve never been to this interesting city but was looking forward to not only seeing how close it actually was to the border (extremely close) but also trying some authentic Tex-Mex cuisine and margaritas. We later heard the margarita was invented in Juarez, the neighboring city in Mexico; thus, they had the best selection for all travelers.
But back to airports. We were only able to attend Day 1 of the conference but got lucky with some interesting CEO panels moderated by CNN correspondent Nick Valencia. The panel included key airport players like John Selden, general manager, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge, director of airports, chief executive officer, St Louis Lambert International Airport; Stacey Stegman, senior vice president, Denver International Airport; and Daren Griffin, director, airport operations, Portland International Airport.
Hot topics discussed on the panel ranged from economic growth and the key to bringing top headquarters to cities to attract business travelers, the role of biometrics on travel experience versus privacy concerns, and how they are trying to attract the next generation of aviation and airport operation careers. The airports present were able to convey the importance of looking ahead not just two to five years but 10–15 years, and how the role of the airport will play out in the future.
— Carly Allen, executive vice president, associate publisher
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Nov 4, 2024Have an Autumn Wine Soiree The SLO Way in San Luis Obispo
Yes, it’s harvest time — and that means great fall wine festivals, including the third annual Autumn Soirée The SLO Way Nov. 9 on California’s Central Coast. The event will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Garden Courtyard at luxury boutique Hotel San Luis Obispo, recognized as a MICHELIN Guide One Key property.
Sponsored Content
Explore Egypt on the Most Extraordinary Tour Ever
Picture this: You’re standing in front of the Great Pyramid, the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, in complete silence, with no crowds in sight. As you step inside, your guide leads you to hidden chambers inaccessible to other tourists. Here, you’re granted a rare chance to delve into the deepest mysteries of ancient Egypt.
Daily
Nov 4, 20247 Hotel Restaurants Worth the Travel
Book a reservation at one of these hotel restaurants around the country, providing excellent dining experiences you won’t soon forget.
Slideshow
Nov 4, 20247 Reasons to Put Strasbourg, France, on Your Travel List
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Strasbourg, France, with us.
Sponsored Content
Discover the Pristine Beauty of the Sporades Islands
Nestled in the northwest Aegean Sea, the Sporades Islands are a hidden gem of Greece, offering breathtaking natural beauty and unique experiences for every traveler. Comprised of four main islands — Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros — this island cluster is renowned for its lush pine forests, crystal-clear waters and idyllic beaches.
Daily
Nov 4, 20248 Must-Have (and Must-Pack) Perfumes for 2025
Still on the search for your next favorite perfume? Whether traveling, heading out to a fancy dinner or simply spending the day at home, finding the scent that works for you and lasts for hours is essential. These are our eight perfume recommendations for 2025:
Embark on Chile’s Lakes & Volcanoes Route
Daily
Nov 1, 2024Discover the Pristine Beauty of the Sporades Islands
Sponsored Content
Make The Londoner Hotel Your West End Base
Daily
Oct 31, 2024Daily
Oct 31, 2024Ananda in the Himalayas Unveils New Deluxe Suites, Renovations
The Ananda in the Himalayas, a wellness retreat, recently debuted new additions to its luxury accommodations and a series of stylish renovations to its premier suites.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Relaunches Direct Casablanca–Beijing Route, Debuts Toronto Flight
As part of its international network expansion, Royal Air Maroc will reinstate the direct Casablanca–Beijing route initially launched in January 2020 and suspended just a few weeks later due to the health crisis.
Daily
Oct 31, 2024Denver International Airport Completes Concourse Expansion
The expansion and renovation of Concourse A-East Ground Load at Denver International Airport was recently completed as the final phase of a $2.5 billion program to accommodate passenger growth as DEN is currently the third-busiest U.S. airport. The renovation was led by WSP.
ShareThis