Sydney’s Top ICon - The cool breeze on your face as you ride the Manly to Circular Quay ferry. — Photo InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts on March 3 revealed the most iconic sights, sounds, tastes, smells and sensations that travellers should experience in 2020 if they want to really get to know the city they are visiting.
The first ever InterContinental ICons range, from the smell of fresh bagels at a West Village shop in New York and the unique flavours of Karak Chai in Jumeirah Beach in Dubai, to enjoying the sight of contrasting old and new architecture in London.
“We’ve spent the last few months working with leading experts and canvassing public opinion to uncover truly fascinating and meaningful details that showcase the best of global cities around the world. We are excited to reveal the first ever list of InterContinental ICons as well as curated itineraries to inspire travellers to go deeper,” said Jane Mackie, Senior Vice President, Global Marketing, IHG Luxury Portfolio.
The list of experiences was determined through an online public vote and then ranked by a panel of worldly influencers and leading travel experts as the best additions to conventional tourist destinations. The InterContinental ICons will also inspire curated experiences that can be booked at some of the leading InterContinental Hotels and Resorts across the world.
Top InterContinental ICons in each city:
Paris – Smell of oven-fresh bread from the boulangeries of Oberkampf
London – The contrast of old and new architecture on the ever-changing London skyline
New York – Fresh bagels at a West Village bagel shop
Dubai – Tasting the many unique flavours of Karak Chai along Jumeirah Beach Road
Sydney – The cool breeze on your face as you ride the Manly to Circular Quay ferry
Mexico City – The smoky flavour of tacos al pastor
Shanghai – The sound of old songs played on a vinyl record player
The campaign was developed based on insight from an independent study by the brand. The research revealed that most locals (59 per cent) feel visitors are missing out on the true spirit of a place, while 75 per cent of luxury travellers want to experience cities like a well-informed local. — VNS