The unbeatable streak: Chicago crowned America’s best big city for a historic ninth year

As Condé Nast Traveler readers reaffirm Chicago’s dominance, the city’s record-breaking tourism numbers and resilient spirit tell the real story.

By Yousuf Basil and Jennifer Z. Deaton

Chicago occupies a singular place in the nation’s culture, history and politics. Headlines often skew political—and negative—but the lived experience of millions of visitors tells a different story. This month, Condé Nast Traveler readers named Chicago the Best Big City in the U.S. for the ninth consecutive year, a streak unprecedented in the awards program’s more than 30-year history.

“While critics try to paint Chicago as something to fear, the rest of the world knows the truth—this is the best big city in America,” Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said, underscoring the gap between perception and on-the-ground reality. Mayor Brandon Johnson dedicated the honor to residents: “This recognition is a testament to the people of Chicago—their welcoming spirit, creativity and grit. Chicago’s strength has always come from its residents, whose hard work and pride shine through in every neighborhood.”

A counter-narrative of success

The award arrives at a complex political moment, which may be exactly why it resonates. Condé Nast Traveler, a leading travel publication, surveyed 750,000 readers; Chicago again rose to the top—evidence that travelers keep choosing the city with their itineraries and their dollars.

The proof: a record-breaking summer

The “Best Big City” title isn’t just sentiment—it’s supported by performance. Choose Chicago reports the city’s hotels posted their strongest summer on record. In a year when many destinations faced headwinds, Chicago bucked national trends.

June–August 2025 (Choose Chicago):

More than 3.56 million hotel room nights sold (up 4.3% vs. 2024)

More than $948 million in hotel revenue, surpassing last year’s record

Travelers are voting with their wallets—and they’re choosing Chicago.

Why Chicago?

A world-class hospitality engine. From hoteliers to tour guides, the city’s hospitality workforce anchors the visitor experience. “Your creativity and dedication make every stay… an experience that makes people want to come back again and again,” said Michael Jacobson, Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association.

An unbeatable cultural and culinary scene. From the Art Institute to neighborhood jazz clubs—and a globally acclaimed restaurant community—culture and cuisine remain powerful draws. “I’m convinced that it’s our chefs, servers, restaurateurs… that make this city’s food scene so special,” said Sam Toia, Illinois Restaurant Association.

Top-tier infrastructure for business and events. With McCormick Place, Navy Pier and two major airports, Chicago remains a convention powerhouse, generating more than $3 billion in economic activity last year.

A city celebrating itself

“This award affirms what we know to be true: Chicago is a world-class city with unmatched beauty, culture and hospitality,” Kristen Reynolds, president and CEO of Choose Chicago, said. She noted the broader impact: tourism supports about $20 billion in annual economic activity and more than 130,000 local jobs.

The celebration is spilling into the public square. Choose Chicago is inviting residents and visitors to share their stories using #NeverOutdoneChi and #AllForTheLoveOfChicago—a fitting tribute to a city that isn’t done winning people over.

More Than a Trip, It's a Mosaic: Japan's Regional Diversity Earns It Top Incentive Honors

By Yousuf Basil and Jennifer Z. Deaton

(Las Vegas, USA) All the exhibitors at IMEX America 2025, held at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, came eager to showcase their businesses and make deals. Japan, though, stood out—marching into the show already a winner. Even before the opening ceremony, before the first handshake on the floor, Japan had been crowned “Best Incentives Destination (Asia)” for 2025.

The honor comes from the M&C Asia Stella Awards, which recognize outstanding performance and innovation across the MICE sector (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions). Japan earned the majority of votes in the incentives category—clear validation of its reputation for quality experiences and high visitor satisfaction.

This prestigious recognition highlights world-class infrastructure, exacting service standards, rich culture, and diverse incentive experiences that make Japan a standout destination in Asia.

On the IMEX America exhibition floor, Japan’s pavilion is buzzing—an energy you can’t miss.

Why Japan

Mr. Lewis Ream, with the Japan National Tourism Organization, told TTW that Japan’s “secret” is the seamless connectivity between its diverse cultures and destinations.

“One of Japan’s main strengths is the diversity of options for host cities for incentive trips and conferences,” he said. “Japan has so many regional cultures and traditions, giving travelers the chance to visit several cities and connect with different cultures in a single itinerary.”

In a statement, the M&C Asia Stella Awards organizing body added:

“The result reflects that Japan is highly regarded by incentive planners in the Asia region for offering high-value-added experiences, quality facilities, and excellent service in the field of incentive travel.”

If there’s one quality that sets Japan apart, Mr. Ream tells me is The Attention to Detail—a value deeply embedded in the country’s collective culture. On that point, there’s little debate.

Makeready: Crafting Belonging Through Design, Flavor, and Human Connection

By Yousuf Basil and Jennifer Z. Deaton | Travel and Tour World

(Interview conducted on the sidelines of IMEX America 2025, Las Vegas)

Travel and Tour World sat down with Eric Gavin, President of Operations at Makeready, for an insightful, forward-looking conversation about the brand’s ethos and vision: creating richly immersive stays that feel both curated and luxe. Think rooftops and speakeasies, destination spas, and forward-leaning food & beverage—each space layered with local culture and meticulous design. Gavin’s north star is simple: build quality, foster belonging, and let thoughtful details do the talking.

Immersive by Design

“We’re in the business of hospitality,” Gavin told Travel and Tour World at IMEX America, “and part of that is creating the immersive experiences people are seeking.”

Across the Makeready collection—from rooftop lounges to speakeasies and living-room-style gathering spaces—each detail is intentional, handcrafted to connect people through atmosphere, food, and belonging. The brand’s forward-leaning food-and-beverage philosophy threads through every property, turning each into a self-contained cultural hub.

Icons of Character

When asked which property makes him proudest, Gavin laughs. “As any good parent would say, you can’t have favorites.” But a few destinations clearly light him up: the Emeline in Charleston, a reimagined historic gem that merges Southern charm with modern creativity; the Noelle in Nashville, an immersive hotel and creative gathering place for adventurous people seeking a true Nashville encounter; and The Laylow, Autograph Collection, in Waikiki, which extends Makeready’s reach from urban sanctuaries to full resort destinations.

Each tells a story of transformation—of old bones reborn through fresh vision and contemporary design.

Where They’re Growing Next

Looking ahead, Makeready plans to expand its presence in social clubs—reflecting Gavin’s view that affluent travelers seek places of belonging, adjacent to hospitality—and deepen its footprint in resort destinations, bringing high-touch design to destination spas and the full suite of amenities guests love.

Crossroads, Not Silos

Makeready is doubling down on social clubs and independent restaurants as intentional places of belonging—spaces where today’s affluent traveler can plug into a like-minded community. Think curated coffee bars, freestanding restaurants, and gathering rooms that host mixology classes, book clubs, and chef-led events: communal venues designed as crossroads, not silos. The goal isn’t just to serve guests, but to blend guests with locals—so a business traveler, a college student, and an airline pilot might share the same table and feel equally at home.

Growth Rooted in People

Makeready’s expansion is thoughtful, not hurried. The company recently took over the Clayton Hotel & Social Club in Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood and will debut the Greenleigh Hotel in Houston next May—a 300-room property with 15,000 square feet of meeting space, a fifth-floor rooftop oasis, and a celebrity-led restaurant concept. Looking ahead to 2027, the Merchant in Columbus, Ohio, promises to be the city’s first ultra-luxury hotel, complete with a spa, fitness center, social club, and a celebrity chef restaurant on the ground level.

And while growth continues, Gavin remains grounded in what truly sustains hospitality: people. “Our cornerstone are our people, and that is truly hospitality. If you take care of your people, they will take care of your guests, and then you’ve created the perfect recipe.”

In the end, Makeready’s formula is straightforward: start with people, design for immersion, and build places of belonging—so unforgettable experiences follow.

London’s New Crown Jewel”: ExCeL Pairs Big Investment with Planner Priorities

After a $340M expansion—and with the Elizabeth line at its door—Excel London makes a product-first case at IMEX America 2025: sustainability, F&B by design, connectivity, and a waterfront built for activations.

By Yousuf Basil and Jennifer Z. Deaton

LAS VEGAS — “This is what we feel we are: the new jewel in London’s crown… London and Excel have created the best convention center in Europe.” — James Rees, Executive Director, Excel London

The line set the tone. Excel’s IMEX America briefing was less boast than blueprint: a $340 million expansion scaling the venue to ~1.3 million sq. ft. across two levels, plus London’s multibillion-pound Elizabeth line now at Excel’s front door. Together, those investments anchor Excel’s pitch to planners—and its belief that it stands as Europe’s benchmark convention venue, in the gateway to Europe.

Designed around what planners say matters now

Sustainability — non-negotiable.

Excel says the campus is carbon neutral, with a published 2025 Net Zero Transition Plan and a Net Zero by 2045 target. On catering, Compass Group is driving toward Net Zero by 2027, pairing sustainability with healthy, stay-sharp menus that suit long program days.

F&B as a program asset

What used to be “refuel” has become part of experience design. Clients are specifying variety, nutrition, and pacing aligned to sessions so delegates keep their edge.

Connectivity that changes the day

With an Elizabeth line station on the doorstep, Excel is ~15 minutes to the City and ~43–45 minutes direct to Heathrow (LHR), with throughput up to 36,000 delegates per hour across the network. That door-to-door speed is shaping RFP choices.

Scale, light, water

The expansion delivers six contiguous halls below (about 125,000 sq. ft. each) and ~37 flexible rooms above with movable airwalls. High ceilings, extensive daylight, and a ~200-meter waterfront balcony create options—from fresh-air breaks to intimate hosted events. The 180-acre campus layers in hotels, restaurants, and promenades so delegates stay on foot and still feel in London.

Kevin Lang, Director of Global Accounts, Opus: “Scale, daylight, and access in one place—boxes North American shows struggle to tick simultaneously.”

Who’s booking—and why

Excel reports U.S. organizers now represent ~60% of its convention and congress business by value (up from ~37% a year ago), with pipelines and programs spanning Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Salesforce, Gartner, INTA, AAIC and more—tech, enterprise, associations, science. The common thread, leadership said: a venue built around sustainability, F&B quality, and connectivity, in a city delegates already want to visit. Add abundant airlift—read: plenty of nonstop and direct flights—English as the working language, and a strong reputation for safety, and the destination case strengthens further.

Tracy Halliwell, Director of Tourism & Conventions, London: “America is our biggest inbound market. Airlift, language, sector strength—London is an easy yes, and the city’s appeal does the rest.”

Quick facts for planners

Total space: ~1.3M sq. ft. post-expansion

Halls / meeting rooms: 6 contiguous halls; ~37 flexible rooms (upper level, movable airwalls)

Daylight & outdoor: Extensive glazing; ~200 m balcony for breaks or small activations

Transit: Elizabeth line at the door; ~15 min to the City; ~43–45 min to LHR

Throughput: Up to 36,000 delegates/hour on the line

Sustainability: Carbon-neutral campus; Net Zero 2045 target; Compass Group Net Zero 2027 (F&B)

Bottom line: Excel’s case is investment plus fit—greener operations, better food by design, door-to-door speed, and a waterfront venue that gives delegates light, air, and options. For many RFPs, that combination makes the “why London” slide write itself.

Peru, In Full Color: Why Lima—and Beyond—Make a Compelling MICE Bet

From oceanfront capital to world-class cuisine and vast biodiversity, Peru’s “3 Cs” add up to serious meeting momentum—plus what Luis Chang calls its “secret sauce.”

By Yousuf Basil and Jennifer Z. Deaton

From oceanfront capital to world-class cuisine and vast biodiversity, Peru’s “3 Cs” add up to serious meeting momentum—plus what Luis Chang calls its “secret sauce.”

By Yousuf Basil and Jennifer Z. Deaton

LAS VEGAS — Among the kaleidoscope of booths at IMEX, Peru felt like the end of the rainbow—the pot of gold. Warm hosts in traditional Andean dress, jewel-tone textiles everywhere, and at 3 p.m. sharp each afternoon: exquisite small bites and pisco sours that drew lines early. Staff half-joked they had to “guard” the trays so the mini culinary masterpieces didn’t vanish before service even began. At the heart of it all stood Luis Chang, Chief Tourism & Investment Specialist at PROMPERÚ—elegant, deft, and every inch the ambassador for a country where ancient depth meets modern ease, and what he later described as Peru’s “secret sauce.”

The Framework: Chang’s “3 Cs”

Asked why Peru works for incentive and conference travel, Chang distills it to Choice, Closeness, and Comfort.

Choice. “Peru is 5,000 years old,” Chang said. It’s not only the Inca; multiple pre-Columbian civilizations and Spanish colonial heritage make culture and history tangible—from Cusco’s stonework to Lima’s museums. Nature multiplies the options: Pacific coastlines, rainbow-hued mountain vistas, high-Andean lakes (hello, Titicaca), and the Amazon. Adventure scales to any group: paraglide the Malecón, sandboard coastal dunes, kayak with wildlife, or head deep into the rainforest. And cuisine is a pillar—Peru has been named World’s Leading Culinary Destination for 12 years, with Central (World #1 in 2023) and Maido (World #1 in 2025) anchoring Lima’s dining scene.

Closeness. Lima is a true South American hub, with daily directs across the Americas—including six major U.S. gateways—and strong links to Madrid, Amsterdam, and Paris. That lift keeps long-haul fatigue down and makes multi-city itineraries workable for executives and exhibitors.

Comfort. Infrastructure meets the brief. The five-story Lima Convention Center (LCC) seats ≈ 3,500 in its largest hall and ≈ 10,000 across all rooms. On track record, Chang was explicit: “We are very proud to have hosted 3 Asia-Pacific summits… We are very good in hosting summits.” He noted the World Bank and IMF meetings that inaugurated the LCC in 2015: “We had 12,000 people coming to Lima… They enjoyed the hospitality and especially the food.” His takeaway: “We have a lot of experience in the logistics of having big events in Lima.” Hotel depth covers key districts: JW Marriott and Westin (ocean-facing, MICE-oriented), the InterContinental Lima (opened May 2025), Swissôtel San Isidro, and the Sheraton (home to Peru Travel Mart). Beyond the city, Belmond’s Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu, the Andean Explorer, and Amazon cruises add premium extensions and CSR-ready storylines.

Lima: A Capital That Programs Itself

Few capitals sit right on the Pacific. In Lima, teams can paraglide the cliffs above the Malecón, surf year-round, and wander Barranco’s bohemian galleries by sunset. The Larco Museum compresses millennia into a power hour—perfect context-setting on day one. Evenings pair tasting-menu ambitions with live culture, from national dances and Peruvian paso horses to Danza, a choreographed dinner-show by top local creatives.

Pull-quote: “The secret sauce is talking to people—and leaning into the mysteries.” — Luis Chang

The Close: Personal Highlights—and the “Secret Sauce”

On favorites, Chang smiled and called it “a difficult question.” Yes, Machu Picchu is a must—but he urges planners and travelers to live the history in Cusco: walk the streets, feel the Inca foundations layered with Spanish architecture, and learn the cosmovision of the Andean people—how they relate to Mother Earth. Taste widely (ceviche, Amazon fish, regional specialties) and toast with pisco, Peru’s spirit. But the part that stays? “Whatever you do in Peru, you’ll feel the warmth of the people… The secret sauce is talking to people—and leaning into the mysteries that leave you with questions and wonder,” from the Nazca Lines to the engineering behind ancient sites.

Those mysteries—the architecture, the Amazon, the enduring layers of civilization—give Peru its rare mix of intellect and enchantment. In Chang’s words and demeanor, the message is clear: Peru’s greatest luxury is connection—between people, culture, and place.

Planner Snapshot (Clip-Save)

Primary hub: Lima (LIM); daily directs across the Americas; Europe via MAD/AMS/CDG.

Convention core: LCC five stories; largest hall ≈ 3,500; total ≈ 10,000.

MICE hotels (sample): JW Marriott (Miraflores), Westin, InterContinental (new), Swissôtel (San Isidro), Sheraton.

Signature add-ons: Larco Museum private tours; Barranco arts walk; Hiram Bingham/Andean Explorer; Amazon cruises.

Culinary anchors: Maido (2025 #1) and Central (2023 #1) — reserve early.

Bottom Line: Peru brings the head (infrastructure), the heart (people & culture), and the wow (nature & cuisine). For programs that should feel unlike anywhere else—and run like clockwork—few destinations check as many boxes with this much pleasure between sessions.

Los Cabos: From Desert to Deep Blue—Luxury, Nature, and Safe, Seamless Meetings

By Yousuf Basil and Jennifer Z. Deaton | Travel and Tour World

(Interview conducted on the sidelines of IMEX America 2025, Las Vegas)

(Las Vegas):The Los Cabos stand paired the destination’s stunning beach-and-mountain imagery with a team whose warmth and energy came wrapped in polish and luxury. The look was confident and high-end: desert meeting deep-blue sea, presented with the kind of refinement planners expect at the top of the market.

At the center was Rodrigo Esponda, Managing Director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board, who shared with Travel and Tour World how this region pairs five-star comfort with marine biodiversity and safety.

Meetings with Meaning

“For Los Cabos, the meetings industry is very important,” Esponda explained. “Ten percent of all booked room nights each year come directly from meetings, incentives, or convention programs.”

According to destination research, 6% of the region’s GDP is directly tied to meetings.

With 95 hotels—averaging about 200 rooms each—Los Cabos is built to host medium-sized groups of 200–300 participants. Esponda said the destination prioritizes “quality over quantity,” adding that with most hotels at ~200 rooms, 200–300-person programs are especially well-suited to Los Cabos.

Connectivity helps: 32 U.S. cities offer nonstop flights to Los Cabos, along with 11 from Canada, a Frankfurt route twice weekly, and new service from Panama launching this November—linking North America, Europe, and South America.

To support planners, Los Cabos runs a certification program for 15 DMCs (Destination Management Companies)—local experts that design and execute group programs, from airport logistics and off-sites to CSR activities and cultural immersion. “It’s a reliable network of professional suppliers,” Esponda said, “combined with strong infrastructure, hospitality, and safety.”

Culture, Cuisine, and Creativity

Beyond logistics, Los Cabos brings a sense of place. “Even the name California originated here,” Esponda noted, reflecting the region’s Spanish colonial roots. Five centuries of influence inform local art, music, and design.

The table tells the story, too. “We have a unique cuisine, mostly seafood-based,” he said. “There are many endemic species you can only find in the Sea of Cortés.” Despite the arid landscape, the valleys near the Sierra de la Laguna are fertile, making Los Cabos Mexico’s leading producer of organic vegetables.

Chefs from around the world have flocked here for three decades, building a scene that rivals the nation’s best. Since the Michelin Guide arrived in Mexico, 21 Los Cabos restaurants earned ratings—only seven are inside hotels. “The best is outside,” Esponda smiled. The absence of rigid culinary “rules” invites experimentation: local seafood, organic produce, and global technique.

Nature and Regeneration

Asked for a favorite place, Esponda didn’t hesitate: Cabo Pulmo National Park.

“It’s one of the most interesting examples of conservation and regeneration in the world,” he said. “The Sea of Cortés holds about 30% of the planet’s marine life. To dive or snorkel among reefs, rays, dolphins, and sharks—it’s unforgettable.” For Esponda, Cabo Pulmo is a living example of sustainable tourism, where community, conservation, and commerce coexist.

Positioned for the Future

Under Esponda’s stewardship, the Los Cabos Tourism Board has balanced private-sector innovation with transparent public funding—elevating value per visitor, not just volume. The result: a destination that couples five-star hotels and Michelin-recognized dining with world-class biodiversity, reliable safety, and planner-friendly infrastructure.

From desert trails and mountain backdrops to the deep-blue Sea of Cortés, Los Cabos offers programs that work on paper—and resonate in memory. As Esponda emphasized, the destination brings the infrastructure, hospitality, safety, and creativity—above all, a place that moves people to come, and to return.