Shaping Culinary Leaders: Katy Paola Rosario and Her Experience at the Basque Culinary Center
Katy Paola Rosario, a young woman brimming with passion and enthusiasm for cooking, has made her mark in the gastronomic world of San Sebastián, Spain. Her talent was recognized when she received a scholarship to the prestigious Basque Culinary Center, thanks to her extraordinary participation in the latest edition of Cocina Creativa. This project, driven in collaboration with the Instituto Nacional de Formación Técnico Profesional (INFOTEP), goes beyond traditional teaching and becomes a true catalyst of opportunities for Dominican youth. For five intense weeks, Katy dedicated herself to improve her culinary techniques, participating in a program that challenges and expands students' skill. Under the guidance of renowned chefs, Katy not only improved her skills but also acquired new techniques that prepare her to face the challenges of the competitive culinary world. Despite the program's intensity, Katy describes her experience as incredible. "I have learned that perseverance, resilience, discipline, and optimism can take us far. Thanks to the teachers who have taught me in this short time
Impact of AI on the Future of Operational Management in Business
I'm sure by now you've heard countless times about the positive impact that artificial intelligence (AI) has when implemented in businesses as a mechanism for innovation and efficiency in operational management. Today, I can tell you that this is only the beginning, so prepare yourself for the coming years when you will continue to hear about this topic and success stories of companies taking advantage of this opportunity and leveraging the advances of this technology. All signs indicate that companies will increase their investment in artificial intelligence in the coming years. A few months ago, La República shared an article on "Artificial Intelligence in Latin America," published by MIT Technology Review. Among the relevant data from the research, it was mentioned that 60% of the companies in the sample started incorporating artificial intelligence in the last three years, and 20% did so in 2023. Furthermore, 71% of the companies recognized that artificial intelligence has enormous potential for their businesses, and those with the most leadership in the field plan to allocate 15% of their technology budget to artificial intelligence in the coming years. A success case where the implementation of artificial intelligence plays a crucial role is Amazon, as reported by The
Second Semester Reflection: Emerging Trends in the Tourism Sector
As we begin the second half of the year, it is essential to stop and review on the emerging market trends. This pause will allow us to make informed decisions and, if necessary, adjust our objectives to ensure optimal results in our businesses. It is the right time to evaluate which aspects of the sector remain relevant and which require modifications to adapt to the new market realities. If, like me, you are passionate about the tourism sector, I invite you to join me in this analysis of the evolution of tourism for the remainder of the year. Unique Experiences A few weeks ago, we discussed wellness tourism and how this category has gained relevance as current travelers seek to improve their quality of life. This trend is closely linked to luxury tourism. According to Hosteltur, this type of tourism continues to resonate as travelers prioritize a lifestyle that promotes both external and internal well-being. This implies that destinations will be valued for the activities they offer, such as spiritual, gastronomic, and physical experiences. The demand for exclusive and transformative experiences continues to grow, and it is an opportunity we should not miss. Sustainable Tourism Environmental awareness is increasingly present in society, and travelers are
Michelin Restaurants You Can’t Miss
One of life's greatest pleasures is enjoying a good dish, and even more so when it's a new gastronomic experience. For any traveler, gastronomy is one of the main reasons for traveling. According to a study conducted by the digital travel agency Booking, 88% of travelers state that one of their main motivations when choosing a destination is tasting local cuisine. Therefore, I wanted to create a list to share the best cities with Michelin-starred restaurants, as this distinction guarantees an explosion of flavors and culinary authenticity. While it's true that traveling doesn't necessarily mean doing it in a group, solo trips are also ideal for spontaneous getaways, moments of reflection, or even self-discovery. If you enjoy traveling alone and have Singapore on your list of destinations, you can't miss Burnt Ends. The experience begins the moment you enter the restaurant, which boasts a vibrant and sophisticated atmosphere. With one Michelin star, Burnt Ends offers an open kitchen where you can appreciate the cooking process of the dishes, with meat being their main specialty. If you're a wine lover, they have an interesting wine list. On the other hand, if you find yourself in the city that never sleeps, New York, Le
How Wellness Tourism Contributes to Sustainability
In today's economic environment, tourism stands out for its significant contribution to the global economy. However, it is crucial to examine the different types of tourism, especially those arising from new habits and adaptations of contemporary travelers. Among these, wellness tourism and sustainability emerge as fundamental pillars, integrating into all sectors, including tourism. On this occasion, I want to highlight how wellness tourism can drive sustainability. To begin, it is essential to understand what wellness tourism entails. This type of tourism gains importance as travelers seek experiences that enhance their quality of life, whether in emotional or health terms. This sector has seen notable growth, becoming an emerging trend that has significantly influenced the post-pandemic economy. According to "The Global Wellness Economy: Country Rankings" report published in January 2024 by the Global Wellness Institute, countries showing particularly strong post-pandemic recovery include Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Croatia, Romania, and the Czech Republic, all of which have large and growing wellness tourism sectors. The report also highlights that the wellness economy is projected to grow at a solid rate of 8.6% annually over the coming years, reaching nearly $8.5 trillion by 2027. This underscores that wellness tourism is not only beneficial for travelers
Regenerative Tourism: Beyond Sustainability
In recent years, we have witnessed the rapid growth of tourism, positioning itself as one of the fastest-growing sectors, second only to technology, further boosted by the exponential advancement of artificial intelligence. As avid readers, we understand the economic impact of tourism and its crucial influence on sustainability. However, today I want to explore a type of tourism that is gaining increasing relevance: regenerative tourism. This approach goes beyond mere sustainability, aiming not only to mitigate environmental impact, but also to actively contribute to the restoration and improvement of the environment. Regenerative tourism is distinguished by activities designed not only to reduce the negative impact of conventional tourism, but also to enhance environmental resilience in the face of climate change. In response to current challenges in the tourism industry, this approach emerges as a necessary and responsible option. A prominent example of this model is The Good Concierge Project, featured on labuenahuella.org, highlighting Víctor Fernández Morales as Co-Founder and Project Director. Pula Golf Resort in Mallorca stands out as a leader in competitive regenerative hospitality. Since its establishment in 1996, the resort has been recognized for its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and environmental policies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it actively
Building a Personal Brand in the Tourism Industry: Keys to Professional Success
I want to start by highlighting that, if I had to explain in a few words what personal branding, is, I would say it is the positioning and impression we leave on people. In other words, what do people think of when they hear my name? What topics do they associate me with? What needs would they come to me for? These key questions help define your personal brand. With this clarified, I want to emphasize that nowadays, working on our personal brand, regardless of the sector you are in, is essential not only for positioning but also for marketing your skills and aptitudes, which benefits the services or products you represent, whether you are an entrepreneur or an employee. In the tourism sector, where the customer experience is paramount, a strong personal brand not only positions you as an authority in the field but also allows you to connect more meaningfully with your audience and stakeholders, generating valuable connections. Whether you are an investor, entrepreneur, or founder of a new project, having a well-defined personal brand will be useful for attracting clients and partners, thanks to the connection that this strategic group of people can provide. Working on your personal brand not only
Pop-Up Restaurants: Reinventing the Culinary Experience
In every industry, innovation is key to diversifying market offerings and competition, as well as meeting the needs, demands, and expectations of today's consumers. While it is true that the technology industry, with notable examples like Apple, Tesla, Microsoft, and Samsung, is a major player in constant innovation, the service and consumer sector also stands out. In fact, in 2023, this sector ranked fourth in innovation. Today, we explore innovative proposals in the gastronomy sector that satisfy needs beyond the palate. For some time now, proposals have emerged that aim to offer unique and unconventional experiences. This gave rise to the famous "pop-up restaurants," where people can not only enjoy a meal but also engage socially in a temporary and exclusive setting. Although not a new concept, pop-up restaurants have evolved to offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Brands are tasked with continually innovating their offerings, and renowned chefs have joined this trend, creating events that are sometimes clandestine and at other times highly exclusive. The essence of pop-up restaurants is to offer a creative and temporary culinary experience. This demand can be summarized into three irresistible pillars for the public: Innovation: The main axis of the entire experience, aiming to offer something unique and
The Fusion of Innovation and Tourism: Inspiring Success Cases
It is no secret that the main pillar for the growth of any business is innovation. In recent years, we have witnessed the rise of artificial intelligence due to its accelerated growth. Innovation and tourism go hand in hand, improving and simultaneously generating new products, services, and experiences to meet new demands. For example, customer service optimization has seen the emergence of chatbots as allies, and mobile applications now optimize time in hotels for bookings, cancellations, or modifications. In this context, I want to share the success story of Zoku, which emerges as one of the rising trends in the hotel industry due to the increase in modern nomads and remote workers seeking flexible and comfortable spaces to stay, work, and socialize. Zoku took advantage of this demand by offering a business model that caters to people who frequently travel for short and long periods and need a place that fits their lifestyle and needs, considering that conventional hotels do not always meet these requirements due to factors like cost and lack of privacy, among others. Zoku addresses this market niche with a new concept of a hotel and coworking space. Designed as lofts, their spaces are spacious and functional, easily transforming
Emerging Destinations for Adventure Tourism in 2024
Tourism is an activity with reciprocal benefits for both the visitor and the destination country. According to Statista, the tourism industry is responsible for creating over 290 million jobs, both direct and indirect. Despite being affected globally by the Covid-19 pandemic, the sector's recovery has surpassed predictions. According to the UN World Tourism Organization, considering 2023 data, international tourism is expected to reach pre-pandemic levels in 2024, attributed to market recovery. Top Destinations Among the most popular regions, Europe leads as the most visited destination, followed by the Middle East and Asia Pacific. Based on these findings, I want to share the countries emerging as adventure tourism destinations in 2024, according to the latest rankings. As mentioned earlier, Europe continues to lead as the most visited continent, with France topping the list. France receives up to 77.5 million travelers annually, according to National Geographic. Besides the famous city of love, Paris, France offers diverse attractions with its historical, artistic, and cultural heritage. Following France is Spain, which stands out for its diversity in monuments, culture, and gastronomy, along with its coasts, beaches, and fishing villages. In Latin America, Mexico is emerging as a growing destination. According to Forbes, by February 2024, international tourism in Mexico