Global tourism contributes $7.58 trillion to the global economy, according to Statista. While 2015 brought heartache to some of the world’s top destinations, like Paris, most travelers aren’t letting unfortunate events affect their 2016 travel plans. This year will one of the biggest for international private air travel. So, grab your passport, fuel up your private jet and get ready for some new adventures.
Top Private Jet Destinations to Fly to in 2016
Cuba
Photo by Didier Baertschiger
On February 16, 2016, the U.S. and Cuba signed an agreement to resume commercial air traffic to the Caribbean island for the first time in half a century. As a result, the U.S. Tour Operators Association named the country as one of the top destinations for 2016. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that the agreement will allow up 20 roundtrip commercial flights between Havana and the U.S. daily, in addition to 10 daily roundtrip flights between the U.S. and each of the country’s nine other international airports. The news is even better for those flying private, as there is no limit on air charter services.
Keep in mind that “tourism” to Cuba is still illegal because of U.S. sanctions. This means that your purposes for traveling to this beautiful island must fall under one of the 12 categories that the U.S. Department of Treasury lists, such as humanitarian projects, athletic events and professional meetings. Like vintage cars, there is no shortage of luxury hotels in Cuba. Try the all-inclusive Royalton Cayo Santa Maria Resort and Spa.
Kotor, Montenegro
Photo by Ggia in Creative Commons
Rated as one of the top places to visit in 2016 by Lonely Planet, Kotor is a coastal town that dates back to the 12th century. The Bay of Kotor, where super-yachts drop anchor in the spring and summer, is a submerged river canyon in the Adriatic Sea surrounded by Mount Lovćen’s limestone cliffs and fortifications built during the Venetian period. Stay in the Hotel Astoria, located in a gothic palace in the old-town area.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Photo by Marcos Fernandes
Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro is the 2016 summer hotspot thanks to the Olympic Games in August. This year marks golf’s first Olympic appearance since 1904. Competitors will play on a course designed by American Gil Hanse.
When you take a break from the Olympic Village, check out the newly open Museum of Tomorrow, a captivating architectural feat designed by Santiago Calatrava that seems to suspend over the water. To get away from the crowds, book a suite at the Hotel Santa Teresa in the city’s bohemian area.
Panamá
Photo by Matthew Straubmuller
Panamá is increasingly becoming a top Latin American destination. The country has no shortage of beautiful Pacific and Caribbean beaches. The country is rich with history, such as the archaeological site of Casco Viejo in Panamá Viejo (Old Panamá). Travelers also enjoy the Frank Gehry-designed Biomuseo and lush rainforests located less than an hour away from the city. Panamá is also one of the few Latin American countries to open a luxury mall, SOHO Mall Panamá, with upscale retailers like Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Prada and Chanel. In mid-2016, the Ritz-Carlton plans to join the vibrant downtown Panamá City skyline with the debut of its latest luxury accommodations and residences.