The beverage industry, particularly the alcoholic beverages market, is maintaining steady growth, fueled by a range of factors influencing consumer preferences and emerging trends. In this context, I am pleased to examine why the beverage industry continues to thrive, taking into consideration some of the trends shaping the sector. The market for alcoholic beverages is astonishing in its magnitude. According to Statista data, revenues in the alcoholic beverages market reached an impressive figure of $1,609.00 billion in 2023, and it is projected to experience annual growth of 5.42% until 2027. An interesting highlight from the report is that the largest market segment is that of beer, representing a market volume of $610.00 billion in 2023. Consumer preferences play a pivotal role in this growth. According to data presented in the report, the demand for unique and premium alcoholic beverages is consistently rising globally, with consumers willing to invest more in high-quality products that offer distinctive flavors and experiences. This has led to an increase in the demand for craft beers and artisanal spirits, as well as limited-production wines, demonstrating that consumer palates' sophistication has also boosted the popularity of premium alcoholic beverages. According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, in

Tourism is one of the world's largest industries, and its growth has been steady in recent years. According to data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in 2019, an estimated 1.465 billion international trips were made, marking a milestone in the industry's history. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 represented an unprecedented setback for the sector. With grounded airplanes, closed hotels, and travel restrictions worldwide, the number of trips plummeted dramatically to 406.98 million. Despite the challenges faced by the industry, UNWTO reported that by 2022, approximately 962.80 million trips were recorded worldwide, demonstrating astonishing growth of 136.95% compared to 2020. These figures underscore the sector's resilience and adaptability, prompting questions about how we can maintain a balance between this rapid growth and sustainability. One of the most pressing challenges of mass tourism is its impact on the environment and local communities. The overexploitation of tourist destinations can deplete natural resources and disrupt the daily lives of host populations. In response, UNWTO has acknowledged these issues and promotes sustainable tourism as a solution. This involves adopting environmentally friendly practices and fostering healthy cultural interaction. In this context, the concept of "sub-tourism" emerges as an alternative. It involves seeking more authentic and less crowded