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
Apr 14, 2025A New Level of Luxury Awaits Australian Rail Travel in 2026
Travel company Journey Beyond announced an evolution in Australian luxury train travel with the introduction of two new luxury suites — the Australis suite and Aurora suite, with first departures scheduled to join its iconic trains The Ghan (between Darwin and Adelaide); The Indian Pacific (between Perth, Adelaide and Sydney); and the Great Southern (between Adelaide and Brisbane) from April 2026.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach
Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.
April 2025
Apr 14, 2025Focus on Wellness and Fitness in Finland’s Capital
For the past five years, The World Happiness Report singled out Finland as the happiest country on the planet; and recently, in the prestigious NUMBEO Quality of Life European City Index, Finland’s capital city, Helsinki, received a ranking of 14th-best city out of 267 European cities chosen for their quality of life. All of Helsinki’s neighborhoods are safe and filled with lovely food and drink venues; interesting boutique shops; and lots of walking, running and biking trails to suit the Finns’ love of year-round exercise, from warm summer days to the snowy months of winter.
Daily
Apr 14, 2025Four Seasons Hotels Launch Safari, Island Journeys
Guests staying at one of Four Seasons’ luxury properties across Africa and the Indian Ocean have the unique opportunity to embark on one of its curated safaris and island journeys. The collection’s new experiences feature both land and water activities so guests can experience the destination’s wild and marine life in a new way.
Sponsored Content
Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive
Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.
Slideshow
Apr 14, 20256 Egyptian Tomb Sites to Put 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 these Egyptian tomb sites with us.
Venetian Resort Las Vegas Launches Viva Las Venice
Daily
Apr 11, 2025Daily
Apr 10, 2025Minor Hotels Opens NH Collection Ibiza This Month
Opening this month on the sun-splashed island of Ibiza is Minor Hotels NH Collection Ibiza, a 5-star property in Spain’s Balearic Islands.
Sponsored Content
A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways
This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.
Daily
Apr 10, 2025The Hoxton, Edinburgh Opens in June
On the heels of the opening of The Hoxton, Florence last month, The Hoxton, Edinburgh is slated to open June 23 within 11 stitched-together townhouses set across both sides of Edinburgh’s Grosvenor Street. With original Georgian features preserved throughout the property, The Hoxton, Edinburgh, blends history with contemporary features.
ShareThis